This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the Ocoee Massacre of 1920

Monday marked the 100-year anniversary of the bloodiest election day in United States history.

What happened during the Ocoee Massacre

In response to an attempt to exercise their legal and democratic right to vote, an unknown number of African Americans were murdered in a brutal massacre in Ocoee, Florida on Nov. 2, 1920 in what is now called the Ocoee Massacre.

Voter registration campaigns

In 1920, a number of Black organizations across Florida began conducting voter registration campaigns.

Mose Norman

Partly due to their efforts, a prosperous Black farmer, Mose Norman, who had been part of the voter registration drive in Orange County, decided to vote in the national election on November 2. When he attempted to do so, twice, he was turned away from the polls.

Julius July Perry

That evening, a mob of armed white men came to the home of his friend, Julius July Perry, in an attempt to locate Norman. Shooting ensued. Perry was captured and eventually lynched. An unknown number of African American citizens were murdered, and their homes and community were burned to the ground. Most of the Black population of Ocoee fled, never to return.

Ocoee Massacre Julius July Perry

NAACP’s involvement in the Ocoee Massacre

The NAACP investigated the massacre, sending Walter White, the organization’s executive director. White, who passed as a Caucasian during his visit, reported that some local whites were “still giddy with victory” when he arrived.

According to White, locals said 56 Blacks killed but he claimed 30 deaths in his official report.

In 1921, the NAACP and other civil rights organizations called on the House Election Committee of the U.S. Congress to investigate the massacre and Black voter suppression in Florida, but it failed to act.

The Ocoee Massacre exhibit

In November 2020, an exhibit called “Yesterday, This Was Home: The Ocoee Massacre of 1920,” was erected at the Orange County Regional History Center. The exhibition is dedicated to honoring July Perry and others killed while helping people understand a tragedy that has been intentionally hidden.

Descendants of the victims were also presented a proclamation by Mayor Jerry Demings making November 2nd, 2020 the “Descendants of the Ocoee Massacre Honoring their Ancestors Day.”

“I can only imagine how they would feel today knowing that everything they endured is now being brought to light and to know that their truth is being told and acknowledged,” descendant of Ocoee Massacre victims Narisse Spicer said.

“To the descendants here today, I hope you can take solace in knowing that our community is honoring your ancestors by using this moment to recommit to the work to ensure that all residents are treated equally, are equally protected and have equitable opportunities,” said Mayor
Jerry Demings.

The exhibition is on display until February 14th, 2021.