In 1965, the United States was in a state of flux as the Civil Rights movement was in the middle of making giant strides throughout each of the 50 states. After the march in Selma, Alabama, groups of African Americans demonstrated other acts of peaceful protest throughout the nation. Through these demonstrations, the African-American community was able to reach different generations of the white majority. In a sign of solidarity, members of the white community joined in the peaceful protests for the equal rights of their American brothers and sisters. Here in the state of Florida, peaceful demonstrations took place in cities throughout the state from Tallahassee to Miami. Unfortunately, some rallies spurred members and sympathizers of the Ku Klux Klan into action. However, there was light. A singular light always seems stronger when encompassed by the dark, for without one the other cannot exist.

  Men and women of both races stood together in the streets of Tampa, Tallahassee, Miami, St. Augustine and Jacksonville. Groups stood together, never faltering to mirror the example of peace that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had set himself. Black and white priests stood together, giving sermons of peace to crowds that were blending not only in color, but in respect for one another.

  These are the examples of hope that the leaders of the Civil Rights movement had strived to instill in the hearts and minds of every American, so that everyone of every race and creed may be considered equal. One of our own Tampa native politicians stood against those that apposed Civil Rights in the South and spoke up for the equal rights of African Americans.

  Sam Gibbons was the spearhead in the South for the Equal Rights Act in 1964, and worked with both President Kennedy and President Johnson to help influence other southern law makers to pass the Equal Rights Act. Gibbons later went on to help establish the very first Head Start program, which began in Tampa. The Head Start program has helped children of all races and backgrounds have a place to have a safe, learning environment, before and after class. While this was an Act to help the poverty struck youth and their families, Head Start had also ushered in a new generation of children, of different races and nations, that grew up and developed with each other, helping provide the present day acceptance and respect that our nation experiences.