Florida’s civil rights movement, while often overshadowed by events in other Southern states, played a crucial role in shaping the national struggle for equality and justice. From desegregation efforts to voter registration campaigns and the fight against Jim Crow laws, Floridians were actively engaged in the battle for civil rights.

Key moments in Florida’s history include the Tallahassee Bus Boycott (1956), led by activists like Reverend C.K. Steele, which mirrored the efforts in Montgomery, Alabama, and the Groveland Four case (1949), which highlighted systemic racial injustices. Florida's universities, churches, and communities became centers of activism as civil rights leaders and local citizens organized marches, sit-ins, and protests to challenge segregation and discrimination.

The Florida Civil Rights Champions Project honors these pivotal moments and the brave individuals who risked their lives, their careers, and their freedom in the pursuit of racial equality and social justice. Their work has left an indelible mark on the state, influencing the civil rights landscape nationwide.