March on Tallahassee

On March 7, 2000, 43 Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Tallahassee (UUCT) members, friends (and friends of members and friends), marched as a unified group in the March on Tallahassee to express concern regarding the One Florida gubernatorial executive order which removed Affirmative Action in significant parts of Florida State government programs. The reasons for concern varied from lack of a democratic process to firm support for Affirmative Action in the affected areas. Rev. Amy McKenzie marched in the memory of Rev. James Reeb, a Unitarian minister who was killed in the Selma, AL civil rights march on the same date in 1965. Although the reasons varied, the spirit was consistent and strong. The participants took time off of their jobs and in some cases allowed their children to miss regular school attendance to participate in what turned out to be the largest citizens demonstration to ever occur in Florida. The police department estimates of only 10,000 marchers were clearly low. At least 20,000, and quite possibly more than 50,000 were actually present.

The group marched behind the banner of the Racial and Cultural Diversity Committee, of which Bob Kenon is the chairperson. The banner was beautifully crafted by Barbara Sterling within 36 hours of her recognizing the need for a banner for the March. Members also carried individual signs proclaiming their personal opinions. The group was joined by 10-12 members of the UU church of St. Petersburg led by their minister, Rev. Dee Graham. Front yard parking near the start of the March was provided by UUCT friends, Tom and Katya Taylor. The St. Petersburg members all wore teal green tee shirts with the name of their church on the back and many Tallahassee members wore the St. Petersburg shirts as well. The Tallahassee group included Sally Bellamy who may well have been the oldest marcher and Linda Logan who “marched” in her wheelchair with a little help from her friends. Rev. Graham, holding her Unitarian sign, was captured on the newsclip run by CBS news as was Kim Ross-Frichter, Campus Ministry Coordinator at Tallahassee. Six of the Tallahassee marchers were children.

— NANCY BASS DENOMINATIONAL AFFAIRS, UUCT