Sallye Brooks Mathis

Sallye Brooks Mathis was born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1912, and would grow up to
become one of the most impactful civil rights activists and political leaders in the state.
Her heart, full of compassion and her spirit, unbreakable, carried the weight of her
people’s struggles and hopes. Sallye’s work was rooted in service, and she gave
everything to the community that shaped her—Jacksonville. A fierce advocate for
education, civil rights, and women's rights, Mathis left a legacy that transformed not only
the lives of those in her city but across Florida.

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Sallye Mathis’s activism was deeply connected to the people of Jacksonville. As a
teacher, she saw firsthand the disparities in education, and she made it her mission to
fight for better resources and opportunities for Black students. Her leadership as a
member of the Jacksonville City Council was groundbreaking. Elected in 1967, Mathis
was one of the first African American women to serve on the council, and she used her
position to advocate for desegregation, affordable housing, and economic equality.

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Mathis fought tirelessly for civil rights legislation that benefited not just the Black
community but also women, workers, and the poor. Under her watch, Jacksonville
became a hub for change—her influence helped shape the city’s progress and fostered
a culture of activism that continues to this day. Sallye Brooks Mathis’s legacy is a
blueprint for how one person can use their voice to uplift a community, standing tall in
the face of systemic racism and inequality.