Racial Subordination & the Meaning of Democracy, with Dr. David Ponton

After the Civil War, Florida’s leaders enacted new schemes to prevent black families from exercising their right to vote. Through the law and acts of domestic terror, Black Floridians witnessed the undoing of the promise of emancipation. Dr. David Ponton (USF) explores what historical and contemporary exploration of racial power in Florida and beyond can teach us about the meaning of the law, the limits of democracy, and the grand significance of Black Americans’ long struggle for civil rights.
Presented alongside the Smithsonian exhibition “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America,” running March 23-May 19. Free refreshments, and chance to win two tickets to the Tampa Bay History Center, and other prizes. Free admission.