Florida
Honoring the Legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson: A Champion of Voting Rights, Education, and African American History
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – On Thursday, February 13, 2025, Florida lost one of its most formidable political figures, State Senator Geraldine Thompson, who passed away at the age of 76 following complications from knee replacement surgery. A trailblazer and fierce advocate for African American history and civil rights, Senator Thompson’s impact stretched far beyond the legislative halls and her work as an educator. She dedicated her life to uplifting marginalized communities, preserving African American culture, and educating Floridians through her tireless advocacy, legislative work, and creative projects.
Her passing marks the end of an era for Orlando-area politics, but her legacy continues to inspire and guide future generations of leaders and activists. As U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Orlando) said in a statement, “Senator Geraldine Thompson was a force—a trailblazer, a historian, a fierce advocate, and a devoted mother and grandmother who worked every day to uplift all Floridians, ensuring that no one was left behind.”
Preserving African American History: The Wells’ Built Museum
Beyond her political career, Senator Thompson was deeply committed to preserving the history and legacy of African Americans in Central Florida. She founded the Wells’ Built Museum of African American History and Culture in Parramore, a vital institution that houses stories, artifacts, and memorabilia from the Civil Rights movement, as well as a rich collection of African art. Through this museum, Thompson ensured that the voices of local African Americans who fought for civil rights in the region would never be forgotten.
The Wells’ Built Museum is more than just a space to store historical items; it serves as a living testament to the resilience and courage of those who stood for justice, equality, and the right to vote. Senator Thompson’s work in preserving African American history was deeply intertwined with her advocacy for voting rights, as she understood the critical role that informed, engaged citizens play in shaping society. Her efforts to educate the public about the sacrifices made for voting equality helped to inspire action and create a more informed electorate.
A Vote: A Voice – Educating Through Performance
One of the most significant aspects of Senator Thompson’s legacy was her ability to use the arts to educate and inspire. In 2015, she wrote and performed in A Vote: A Voice, a powerful play that brought the voices of local African Americans who fought for civil rights in Central Florida to life. The play was performed at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, where it captivated audiences and sparked important conversations about the history of voting rights and the ongoing fight for equality.
A Vote: A Voice was not just a play; it was a vital tool for education, designed to inform the public about the struggles faced by African Americans in Florida and the broader American South. Through the performance, Senator Thompson used the stage to highlight the pivotal moments of resistance and activism that shaped Florida’s history. The play allowed audiences to step into the past and witness firsthand the challenges faced by those who fought for the right to vote, while also underscoring the continued need for vigilance in protecting those rights today.
The play was a testament to Senator Thompson’s belief in the power of storytelling and the arts as vehicles for social change. By combining history with performance, she ensured that the voices of the Civil Rights movement were not lost to time, but instead lived on to inspire new generations to engage in the democratic process and fight for justice.
A Champion for Voting Rights and Equality
Throughout her political career, Senator Thompson was a steadfast advocate for voting rights, particularly for marginalized communities. She fought tirelessly to protect and expand access to the ballot for all Floridians, especially those who had historically been disenfranchised. Her work focused on ensuring that everyone, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, had the opportunity to participate fully in the democratic process.
Her advocacy for voting rights took on even greater significance in the wake of the 2000 Florida recount and the subsequent struggles for electoral justice. Senator Thompson was a key figure in legislative efforts to ensure that voter suppression tactics were combated and that every vote counted. She understood that voting was not just a right, but a vital tool for achieving equality and justice. Her political work, however, was not confined to legislation alone. Through her art, her writing, and her public speaking, she was able to reach and educate communities on the importance of protecting their right to vote.
A Lasting Legacy
Senator Thompson’s legacy will continue to shape Florida’s political, cultural, and educational landscapes for years to come. Her contributions to preserving African American history, advocating for voting rights, and using the arts to educate the public are only part of her remarkable legacy. Her work as a legislator, a historian, and an artist serves as a model for future generations of leaders who believe in the power of civic engagement and the transformative potential of storytelling.
Her work, particularly in creating A Vote: A Voice, serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the history of those who fought for civil rights, and the need to continue that fight today. The themes explored in her play are as relevant now as they were when she first wrote them, reminding us that the struggle for equality and justice is ongoing.
While Senator Geraldine Thompson is no longer with us, her influence will continue to resonate through the institutions she built, the stories she preserved, and the education she provided. Her work has left an indelible mark on the history of Florida, and her example will continue to inspire future leaders, activists, and educators to stand up for justice, protect voting rights, and honor the contributions of African Americans to the state and the nation.
Photo by Florida National News / Harry Cartiblanco
Remembering a Trailblazer
As we reflect on the life and work of Senator Geraldine Thompson, we celebrate a woman who not only made history, but who also ensured that future generations would have the knowledge and tools to build a better, more inclusive future. Her legacy is one of service, advocacy, and an unwavering belief in the power of education, both on stage and in the political arena.
Her life reminds us that every vote matters, every voice counts, and every individual can make a difference. Rest in peace, Senator Geraldine Thompson. Your contributions to Florida, the fight for voting rights, and the education of future generations will never be forgotten.
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (FNN) — President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a midterm rally in Fort Myers on Friday, Oct. 23, bringing his campaign efforts to the congressional district represented by his endorsed candidate for Florida governor, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds.
Donalds, the Republican nominee, faces Democrat David Jolly in the Nov. 3 election. If elected, Donalds would become Florida’s first Black governor, succeeding term-limited Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds speaks at a Turning Point Action event in Florida. Photo by Roman Garay / Florida National News.
Rally Set for Oct. 23
Trump’s remarks are scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., with doors opening at 10:30 a.m., according to the Republican Party’s event registration page. All times are Eastern.
Gulf Coast News reports that the rally will take place at Alico Arena at Florida Gulf Coast University. However, the official GOP registration page still lists the venue as “To Be Announced.” Attendees should check that page for confirmation and updates.
Prominent conservative figures, including Tucker Carlson, then-former President Donald Trump, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds and Megyn Kelly, rallied Republican voters during the Turning Point Action Conference at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, July 15-16, 2023.
Photo by Roman D. Garay / Florida National News.
Trump’s Endorsement Connects President to Historic Bid
Trump has endorsed Donalds, whose campaign lists the president among its prominent Republican supporters. The Fort Myers visit places Trump in Donalds’ Southwest Florida political base during the closing weeks of the election.
Following his primary victory, Donalds acknowledged Trump’s influence among Republican voters.
“Obviously, he has the strongest following of anybody in our party,” Donalds said, according to Associated Press reporting.
A Donalds victory would give Florida its first Black governor and extend Republican leadership in the governor’s office. Trump’s endorsement connects the president to that potentially historic outcome, although the rally announcement does not identify the event as exclusively supporting Donalds.
Republican Unity and Voter Turnout
Donalds called for Republicans to unite after the primary, telling supporters, “Tonight we are one united Republican Party,” according to the AP.
The Fort Myers rally will provide Trump another platform to address supporters ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. The published event announcement confirms his appearance but does not list additional speakers.
Florida
Civil Rights Group Honors Nobel Peace Prize Winner Navi Pillay, Highlights Florida’s Trayvon Martin Connection
The Orlando-based civil rights association recalls supporting the former U.N. human rights chief’s 2012 call for an investigation into the teenager’s killing in Sanford.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Florida Civil Rights Association is congratulating 2026 Nobel Peace Prize winner Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, recalling her call for an investigation into Trayvon Martin’s killing and the international attention it brought to questions of racial equality and justice in Florida.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced Pillay’s selection Oct. 9 for her efforts to promote peace and international law. The South African jurist served as United Nations high commissioner for human rights from 2008 to 2014 and helped shape landmark international court decisions.
In a press release, FCRA President J. Willie David III said Pillay’s intervention connected a Florida family’s demand for answers to a broader concern for human rights.
“Pillay’s call for an investigation reinforced that a family’s demand for justice in Sanford mattered beyond Florida and the United States,” David said.
“We welcomed her intervention in 2012 because families deserve answers and the law must protect everyone equally.”
UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay (Photo credit: UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferre)
FCRA recalls its response in 2012
Martin, an unarmed Black 17-year-old, was fatally shot by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman on Feb. 26, 2012, in Sanford, northeast of Orlando.
In April 2012, Pillay called for an immediate investigation into the killing as the case drew international attention and scrutiny of Florida’s Stand Your Ground law.
FCRA welcomed that call. The association’s current release cites an April 7, 2012, West Orlando News report that quoted David discussing the case’s global impact.
“The shooting death of Trayvon Martin and Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law have created a worldwide movement that calls into question how justice is delivered to victims of color,” David said at the time, according to the release.
FCRA describes the activism surrounding Martin’s death as a defining moment that galvanized a new generation of civil rights advocates.
Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder and acquitted in July 2013. In February 2015, the U.S. Justice Department closed its separate investigation, finding insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights charges.
The Florida Civil Rights Association (FCRA) held a press conference outside the State of Florida’s regional offices in Orlando in 2012, calling on then-Gov. Rick Scott to take action following Trayvon Martin’s killing. Photo by FCRA.
Why Florida’s case drew global scrutiny
The Florida connection shows how the handling of a local killing can draw international scrutiny over racial discrimination, access to justice and the protection of human rights.
Pillay’s intervention brought those concerns into the international discussion surrounding Martin’s death. In September 2013, U.N. human rights experts also urged the United States to complete its civil rights investigation and examine concerns about racial profiling.
The significance lies in human rights oversight: how public institutions investigate deaths and provide equal treatment can attract attention beyond national borders. Pillay’s call was an appeal for investigation, rather than an international court judgment about Zimmerman’s guilt or Florida’s compliance with international law.
For FCRA, that connection remains relevant to how Florida leaders evaluate laws and practices affecting the communities they serve.
Pillay’s record in international justice
Pillay challenged discrimination under apartheid before serving on South Africa’s High Court, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court.
At the Rwanda tribunal, she was part of the judicial panel that established that rape and sexual violence can constitute acts of genocide, a landmark development in international criminal law.
David said honoring that career should also encourage accountability at home.
“Her Nobel Peace Prize recognizes a career built on confronting injustice through the rule of law,” he said. “Honoring that work means demanding transparent investigations and equal protection here at home. Rights belong to everyone.”
A renewed call for fairness in Florida
FCRA urged Florida leaders to safeguard impartial investigations, examine whether Stand Your Ground and other laws are applied fairly, and address policies or practices that produce discriminatory outcomes.
Founded in 2005, the association advocates for civil rights, human rights and civil liberties through education, advocacy and accountability. Its statement links Pillay’s international recognition to a continuing demand for fairness and human dignity in Florida.
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