The Continuing Erasure Of Black History In Florida

County officials lock community board members out and cancel race-related discussions.

Photo by Carol Spivey

I suspect less than half of Black Americans have ever heard of Harold and Harriette Moore, and it’s likely only a minuscule percentage of White Americans have. Brevard County in Florida is taking a cue from Governor Ron DeSantis in trying to control what is taught and discussed at a site commemorating two civil rights martyrs. Before describing the actions of Brevard County officials, let me tell you who Harry T and Harriette V Moore were.

Christmas had special meaning to Harriette V. and Harry T. Moore. After all, it was on Christmas Day, 1926, when they married. For twenty-four years, they peacefully celebrated the Christmas holiday and their anniversary on the same day. In 1951, on their twenty-fifth anniversary, the Moores settled in for the night in their home. Their daughter Rosalee (Annie Roselea) was in her bedroom, and Harriette’s mother was in another. Their other daughter Evangeline was going to Moore’s home in Mims, Florida but had not yet arrived. Someone planted a bomb directly underneath Harry and Harriette’s bed. Rosalee was unharmed in her room and rushed to find her parents alive but badly injured. Harriette’s brother, who lived 800 yards away, rushed over to give aid and…