Florida State University’s Civil Rights Institute participated in the City of Tallahassee’s Bicentennial Festival Weekend Spectacular on Saturday, November 9.

The Bicentennial Festival commemorates Tallahassee’s 200-year anniversary (1824-2024) and was one of the many events celebrating the anniversary this year. The festival was an opportunity to learn about the important contributions that shaped our shared history, and it had presentations from multiple pillars of the Tallahassee community for the public to enjoy.
FSU’s Civil Rights Institute led a presentation of an exhibit reflecting on the struggles, triumphs, and progress made during the last two centuries. The exhibit recognized 40 individuals of different backgrounds who have made significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in Tallahassee-Leon County and across the state. Painted by Ted Ellis, the director of the Civil Rights Institute, the exhibit consisted of 40 20×16 black-and-white portraits of individuals who have made significant contributions to civil rights across the state of Florida.
“The FSU Civil Rights Institute played a pivotal role in honoring the legacy of Florida Civil Rights Champions by organizing a powerful exhibition for the Tallahassee Leon County Bicentennial,” said Ted Ellis, director of the Civil Rights Institute. “This showcase not only highlighted the achievements of those who fought for justice but also educated the community on the profound impact these individuals had on civil rights history in Florida.”

The Civil Rights Institute at Florida State University commemorates, celebrates, and studies the U.S. Civil Rights Movement to promote justice and equality for all through programming and outreach both on and off campus.
If you’d like to read more about the City of Tallahassee’s Bicentennial Festival, click here for their full story. To learn more about the Civil Rights Institute, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/cri.