As an educator, she founded the Wellsbuild Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando. She criticized controversial laws that restrict how black history is taught in schools. The Democrats were first elected in 2006.
TALLAHASSEE – Sen. Geraldine Thompson, a longtime lawmaker and “pioneering” citizenship leader in Central Florida, has died after complications from knee surgery, her family announced Thursday.
Senate President R-Wauchula Ben Albritton has issued a statement calling Thompson’s death “a serious loss to the Senate.”
“Her careful eyes, her cheerful smile, her thoughtful, well-studied, energetic discussions will be greatly overlooked,” Alburitt said. “Senator Thompson had extensive knowledge of many subjects, but I am truly grateful for her passion for education. In addition to the incredible legacy she left behind for her family, Senator Thompson is African American The WellsBuild Museum of History and Culture is also the Passion Project, the Orlando area, our state and our country.”
Thompson, 76, a Democrat, was first elected to the Florida home in 2006 and served until 2012. He then served in the Senate from 2012 to 2016 and then returned home from 2018 to 2022. He is the county Senate District 15th District, and was re-elected last year after dodging the challenge in the bitter Democratic first round of contests by Senator Randolph Bracy.
Educator Thompson was a member of the task force who founded the Wellsbuild Museum of African American History and Culture in Orlando and worked last year to select the state’s Black History Museum site.
Thompson is “the giant here in Florida,” and “is more than a dedicated civil servant and visionary leader,” her family said in a statement.
“She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, whose love, wisdom and compassion have shaped their lives and the lives of many people across the community and the state,” the statement said. “Her tireless work in education, healthcare and civil rights, including leadership in establishing the Museum of History and Culture for African Americans, where the Well was born in Orlando, will create a better world for future generations. It reflects her unwavering commitment to doing so… The world is a better place thanks to her.”
Thompson, who appeared on Florida’s “Deep Diving with Dara Come” podcast news service last year, grew up in the segregated south — criticising the controversial laws defended by Gov. Ron DeSantis, and recounted black history. He was criticized by Gov. Ron DeSantis for limiting the way he was taught. school.
“It’s an effort to deny where we were, and there’s no way to celebrate the progress we made or where we are,” Thompson said, without acknowledging where we went. I said that. “So when you say you can’t talk about race in the classroom, it makes people feel uncomfortable. Which are they? People like me who have never seen themselves in textbooks. , wasn’t it part of the curriculum, and not a lesson plan for who? So, let’s be honest about the people you’re talking about. I don’t want to feel uncomfortable with white students.”
“It was a power — the pioneers, historians, fierce advocates, and the dedicated mother and grandmother who worked to lift up every Floridian every day, making sure no one is left behind.” Orlando Democrat Maxwell Frost said in a statement Thursday evening.
“For nearly 20 years in the Florida State Legislature, she has broken barriers and created opportunities where the black and brown community and oversights are all too overlooked.”
Frost’s office worked with Thompson on efforts to maintain the voting rights of the historic town of Eatonville and champions, according to a lawmaker’s statement.
“The influence and legacy of her service, resilience, and unwavering love on her community will be felt for generations coming. She is not only for herself, but for everyone who comes after her. We fought for a better future. We lost the giants. Our workplace is alive and we all live together,” Frost said.
In 2020, the late senator succeeded in deSantis’ appointment of Renatha Francis to the Florida Supreme Court. Thompson’s lawsuit has failed to meet the legal requirement for Francis to be a member of the Florida Barr for 10 years, and by including Francis on the list of candidates, the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nomination Committee has announced that he has “limited authorities.” “It surpassed that.”
In responsibility to DeSantis, the Supreme Court unanimously rejected Francis and ordered the governor to appoint another candidate from the list of candidates. DeSantis then chose Judge Jamie Grosshands and served justice after tapping Francis to meet the 10-year threshold in 2022.
The Florida Democrats also issued a statement grieving Thompson’s death.
“Her impact on Florida, a lifelong civil servant and civil rights fighter, has grown far beyond the average elected official,” the statement pointed to advocates for healthcare. It’s there. “We all work to meet her legacy.”
Albritton said in a statement that the Senate will hold a Thompson additional service ceremony during the upcoming legislative meeting.
“I think it’s important that we have the opportunity to celebrate her life and her service and as a Senate family, we have the opportunity to grieve this loss together,” Albritton said.
