Paul A. Diggs (1890–1963) was a prominent civic leader, pharmacist, and advocate who played a foundational role in Lakeland’s Black community during the mid-20th century. His legacy is so significant that in 1993, residents successfully petitioned to rename a large historic neighborhood in northwest Lakeland in his honor.
Key Roles and Contributions
Diggs was often described as a “Renaissance man” due to the breadth of his involvement in the city:
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- Civic Leadership: He served as one of the area’s first Black social workers and managed the Homes at Lake Ridge public housing complex. He was known for holding the community to high standards, even creating awards for the best-groomed yards.
- Public Safety: In 1943, he organized and served as…