Untold Stories of the Florida Civil Rights Movement with Dr. J. Michael Butler

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, in partnership with the Gifford Historical Museum & Cultural Center, presents Civil Rights Movement of Florida, a thought-provoking lecture by Dr. J. Michael Butler as part of the Revealing History Lecture Series. This event will take place on Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, located at 1590 27th Ave, Vero Beach, FL.

Dr. Butler, Kenan Distinguished Professor of History at Flagler College, is a renowned historian specializing in Southern cultural history and the Black freedom struggle. His book, Beyond Integration: The Black Freedom Struggle in Escambia County, Florida, 1960–1980, won the 2017 Florida Book Award in Nonfiction. His research has been featured by PBS, NPR, C-SPAN, NBC News, Salon.com, Vanity Fair, and the Emmy-winning documentary First Coast News. In 2024, he was named a Distinguished Lecturer by the Organization of American Historians.

Dr. Butler’s presentation will explore the complex history of civil rights in Florida, highlighting key moments, challenges, and the lasting impact of the movement. His expertise and engaging storytelling provide a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of this crucial era in American history.

Admission is free; donations are welcomed. For more information, please contact (772) 778-5880.