As national debates over race, education and identity grow, Florida A&M University’s Meek-Eaton Black Archives remains a vital institution for preserving African American heritage and culture.
Located inside the historic Carnegie Library on FAMU’s campus, the Black Archives houses thousands of photographs, documents and artifacts that detail the Black experience in Florida and beyond. Students say its presence is more important now than ever.
“Having the Black Archives on campus is very important for students today and students to come because it keeps our history alive,” said Victoria Edwards, a fourth-year FAMU student. “If we don’t, then who will?”
A 2024 report by PEN America found more than 40 states have introduced or passed legislation since 2021, limiting how educators can teach about race, gender and systemic inequality. Florida has been a leading state in this trend, with policies that critics say downplay or erase key parts of Black history. The report also notes that many educators and institutions have avoided certain subjects altogether out of fear of violating vague or politically charged restrictions…