Submitted by Dr. Yvette Giles Stuart
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—The Broward County Trailblazers and other esteemed community elders embarked on an enriching journey through local history on Friday, May 2nd, when they visited History Fort Lauderdale to experience its powerful new permanent exhibition, “Roots of Resilience: The History of Black Broward.”
The Trailblazer’s visit on May 2nd was especially poignant, coinciding with the 103rd birthday of Dr. Yvette Giles Stuart’s late father, Alphonso “Al” Giles, a former Trailblazer.
“Introducing this remarkable group of elders to the permanent African American exhibit at History Fort Lauderdale felt like a perfect tribute to my beloved father’s memory and legacy,” said historian and exhibit curator Dr. Yvette Giles Stuart.
As a distinguished high school chemistry and biology teacher, he had a unique bond with the group, having taught nearly half of those attending the museum tour. Dr. Giles Stuart and her husband, Ricky O. Stuart, Sr., further honored the occasion by generously sponsoring a light lunch. A cherished photograph of Dr. Giles Stuart’s parents was also on display.
During the luncheon, the Trailblazers viewed captivating video highlights from the exhibit’s grand opening on February 19th. Dr. Giles Stuart and History Fort Lauderdale’s Deputy Director, Ms. Ellery Andrews, facilitated an engaging discussion about the significance and impact of the “Roots of Resilience” exhibit.
Following lunch, the Trailblazers explored the museum’s diverse collections on the first and second floors, culminating their visit to the highly anticipated “Roots of Resilience” exhibit. They attentively viewed a compelling array of historical artifacts, descriptive narrative panels, and poignant photographs. These elements meticulously documented the rich and often untold history of Black Broward County, spanning from the 1890s to the present day.
“‘Roots of Resilience’ is a wonderful exhibit that captures the heart of the Northwest Fort Lauderdale community,” said historian and Trailblazer Derek Davis. “I was extremely impressed to revisit the wonderful times and challenging times and explore the lives, passion, and ingenuity of the people who met those challenges. I intend to return to explore the exhibit further.”
The exhibit resonated deeply with other attendees.
“Visiting the exhibit brought back some memories,” said Gerald Armbrister, Sr. “I was very excited to see my brother’s name, Nathaniel Armbrister.” The late Nathaniel Armbrister is significant in local history as the first Commander of the Robert Bethel American Legion’s Post 220, founded by African American veterans in 1947.
The visit concluded with a memorable group photograph, with each Trailblazer proudly holding a gifted copy of “The Bomb Heard Around the World: The Lives and Deaths of Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore” by author Gregory Marquette and publisher Walter T. Shaw, Topcat II Productions. This thoughtful gift was a powerful reminder of the struggles for civil rights highlighted within the “Roots of Resilience” exhibit and resonated with the museum’s dedicated space for the Moores.
History Fort Lauderdale’s bronze busts of Harry and Harriette Moore and a trifold panel recount the journey of these NAACP-active teachers. A bomb placed under their bedroom exploded on Christmas night, 1951, in Mims, Florida – their 25th wedding anniversary – making them the nation’s first civil rights martyrs.
The exhibit offered the Trailblazers and other community elders a profound connection to pivotal moments in Florida’s Black history and the ongoing pursuit of equality.
“Our experience at the ‘Roots of Resilience’ exhibit was priceless,” concluded Dr. Wilhemina King.
