For years, the story of Tallahassee’s greatest Black athletes lived in quiet places, in barbershops, in fading photo albums and in the memories of men who played hard long before the city cared to write their names down. These stories were passed hand to hand, voice to voice, like something sacred. Now, a small group of men is fighting to make sure that legacy is never pushed aside again.
The Historical Black High Schools Athletes Organization is a non-profit dedicated to teaching African American culture and history through the lens of sports. By connecting youth with an organization of elders who have paved the way, the group provides essential mentorship and support to help the next generation succeed where their predecessors once led.
Its records show a longstanding commitment to the Tallahassee community, pulling off major efforts such as donating a piano to the Jake Gather Community Center in 2007; conducting an adult and youth tennis clinic in partnership with the Tallahassee City Parks Recreation Department; and sponsoring appreciation dinners honoring athletes, coaches, and educators for multiple years…