By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
On Thursday June 22, 2023, at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in support of the 20 city “Stay Woke “ tour across several major cities in Florida, including the Gold Coast communities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Broward residents from all walks of life gathered in unity to decry the relentless assault on the history and experiences of Black Americans in Florida by our delusional, racist demagogue of a governor and unlawful (the state lawmakers changed law permitting him to run while still serving as governor) despicable republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis.
Despite the overt, onerous tactics, the clarion call to action has been answered. I just want to applaud and commend several, not based on what I heard but what I personally observed and experienced.
I was assigned by one of the coordinators, Bobby Henry, with the task of parade marshal, which simply meant assisting cars with sign placement on vehicles and vehicle lineup. One of two buses carrying organizers and students was to report to Old Dillard around 1:30 pm. Several almost beat me to rendezvous point: Gina Hankerson, entrepreneur; Phi Beta Sigma Brother Mark Johnson, Sheila Pettis and Miriam Oliphant, who arrived in tandem, and Pamela Earle-Smith, Old Dillard Museum board member. Their zeal, persistence, dedication and commitment to the cause was exemplary and heartfelt, revealing an acute awareness of the importance of voting and getting that message out to the community. In anticipation of bus’ arrival, Museum Director Rod Parker provided lineup directions for ingress and egress. In addition 3 police escorts were prepared to get us safely and expeditiously to the library where rally activities were taking place.. And though the Heat and humidity proved daunting, the Fabulous Five persevered. After waiting nearly 3 hours for the bus, a call to Mr. Henry, who was serving as rally MC, it was determined that we should proceed to AARLCC. You see, no other volunteers to drive in parade nor bus came as planned. Undeterred and full of enthusiasm, the engaging and professional officers led the small but committed entourage down 9th Avenue to Sistrunk Blvd where an effusive crowd enthusiastically greeted us.
We are in a cultural war for our very existence, and it’s going to take the kind of courage and commitment of those whom I’ve dubbed “ The Fabulous Five” to defeat the demons that want to take us back to Jim Crow and slavery.
Let’s get busy Broward County!
