Secretary of State Cord Byrd today announced the release of a public survey to gather input for the legislatively created Florida Museum of Black History Task Force. The Department of State is distributing the survey on behalf of the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force, which was created by legislation signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 11, 2023.
“Public input is needed in developing recommendations for a future Florida Museum of Black History,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “I encourage Floridians to take the time to complete and share the short survey and join in the effort to create recommendations that the Department of State will submit to the Florida Legislature.”
The public survey is available online through February 29, 2024. Responses received from the public will be included in the Task Force’s report to the Florida Legislature to be completed before July 1, 2024. The survey is a vital component of the Task Force’s report and is an opportunity for the public to participate in the process of planning for the future museum.
The Florida Museum of Black History Task Force is a nine-member body appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and the Senate President. Its purpose is to develop plans for the location, design, construction, operation, administration, and marketing of the future museum. The Task Force will also develop a transition plan for the museum to become financially self-sufficient and recommend priorities for collections acquisition, exhibits, research, and educational materials for use in Florida schools.
Florida Museum of Black History Task Force Members
Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis
- Representative Berny Jacques, Vice Chair
- Brian M. Butler
- Dr. Altony Lee
Appointed by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo
- Senator Geraldine Thompson, Chair
- Senator Bobby Powell
- Terri Lipsey Scott
Appointed by Speaker of the House Paul Renner
- Representative Kiyan Michael
- Howard M. Holley, Sr.
- Gayle Phillips
For more information about the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force, including member bios and links to recordings of past meetings, visit FLHeritage.com/BlackHistoryMuseum. The next meeting of the Task Force will be held via webinar on December 15, 2023, starting at 9:00 a.m. EST.
