Local Legends

Mrs. Christine Morris

In 1949, Mrs. Christine Morris almost single-handedly established the first library for African Americans in segregated Clearwater in a storefront on the corner of Palmetto and Pennsylvania Streets. The library she began is now embodied in the north Greenwood branch of the Clearwater Public Library.

Joseph W. Hatchett

A native of Clearwater, in 1975 he became the first African American to be appointed to serve on the Florida Supreme Court. Later, he was appointed to serve on the Federal bench. Retired since 1999, he currently resides in Tallahassee.

Local Entreprenuers

Even in the era of segregation, African Americans managed to establish successful businesses which catered solely to African Americans.

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