Journey to Esquire: An Oral History
Experience the power of oral history with our playlist featuring in-depth interviews with influential African-American attorneys from the civil rights era in the Tampa Bay area.

by Joseline Hardrick

Lift Ev'ry Voice
James Weldon Johnson, author of "Lift Ev'ry Voice" was a civil rights activist, writer, composer, politician, educator and lawyer, a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance​. and first president of the NAACP.
After graduating from Atlanta University, and being admitted to practice law in Florida, the first Black person after reconstruction to do so, he did not actually practice law. Instead, he worked as a principal in a grammar school.

In 1898, after a grueling two-hour exam, Johnson was given a pass and admitted to the bar. One examiner expressed his anguish by bolting from the room and stating, “Well, I can’t forget he’s a n*gger; and I’ll be damned if I’ll stay here to see him admitted.”
This project is an answer to his call to "Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us."
Influential Figures

1

Delano Stewart
First Black Lawyer at the Hillsborough County Public Defender's office, started the George Edgecomb Bar Association and Tampa Organization of Black Affairs, first integrated law office in Florida.

2

Arthenia Joyner
Former State Senator who overcame countless challenges and was the first Black woman lawyer in Hillsborough and Polk Counties and the longest practicing Black woman lawyer in Florida's history..

3

Justice Peggy Quince, Retired
First Black woman Supreme Court Justice of Florida.

4

Donald Odom
First Black attorney at the City Attorney's office in St. Petersburg .
Transporting You Back in Time
1
Listening to their Words
Experience the inspiring voices and their impactful stories.
2
Learning from Their Experiences
Gain insights from the powerful life experiences of these individuals.
3
Liberating Your Understanding
Immerse yourself in the enriching history and justice journey.
Early Childhood Experiences
Law School Experiences
Early Work Experiences
Ready to Hear More?
www.journeytoesquire.com/oralhistory