Jesse J. McCrary Jr.

Jesse J. McCrary Jr. was born in the small town of Blitchton, Florida, in 1937, but his
vision for justice stretched far beyond the boundaries of his hometown. From an early
age, McCrary understood that the world wasn’t always fair, but he also knew that he had
the power to change that. He rose from humble beginnings to become one of Florida’s
most influential civil rights attorneys, serving as the state’s first African American
Secretary of State since Reconstruction.

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McCrary’s legal career was built on a foundation of resilience, faith, and the unshakable
belief that Black people deserved better. His activism wasn’t confined to the
courtroom—he was deeply rooted in the streets, advocating for the disenfranchised in
Miami, Tallahassee, and beyond. As a lawyer, he fought tirelessly against voter
suppression, challenging laws and practices that kept Black Floridians from exercising
their right to vote. He saw the power in the ballot and knew that political representation
was key to true freedom.

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In 1967, McCrary became the first African American to argue a case before the Florida
Supreme Court, a monumental achievement that broke barriers for Black attorneys
across the state. His appointment as Secretary of State in 1978 was not just a personal
victory but a victory for every Black Floridian who had ever been told they didn’t belong
in the halls of power.

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Miami, in particular, bears the mark of McCrary’s legacy. His leadership helped fuel the
civil rights movement there, pushing for better representation, fair housing, and
educational opportunities for Black residents. He left an indelible imprint on the political
landscape of Florida, reminding us all that the fight for civil rights doesn’t end—it
evolves. Jesse J. McCrary Jr. was a trailblazer, and his life’s work continues to inspire
those who follow in his footsteps.