Civil Rights Hall of Fame bill clears legislature

State Rep. Alan Williams’ House Bill 523, which would establish a Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame, has passed the Florida Legislature. The bill will require the Florida Commission on Human Relations to make recommendations to the governor for members to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“I am proud to be among the freshman members to pass legislation and to have received bipartisan support from colleagues of both parties on this bill,” Williams said. “I am thankful that my colleagues in the Legislature joined me in passing this important legislation to ensure that the hard work of these visionaries is given the recognition that it deserves. Our state will benefit tremendously as we remember those who led the way for us to be where we are today.”

In recent years, America has lost towering Civil Rights Movement heroes and heroines such as Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, Benjamin L. Hooks, and Dorothy Height. The Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame, which would be located inside the capitol building, would preserve the memory of courageous citizens who fought and bled for social justice.

The bill now heads to Gov. Charlie Crist for his signature.