Cora Roberson, the first woman to run for elected office in the City of Gainesville, cracked the glass ceiling that was soon shattered by women being elected to office. Mrs. Roberson was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Florida Memorial College (BA Science), Tuskegee Institute (MA Education). She taught at A. Quinn Jones, and other elementary schools in Alachua County.
Mrs. Roberson was the first woman to run for a seat on the Gainesville City Commission in 1968, the first Black woman to teach white students at Kirby Smith Elementary School, a founding member of the first Black Greek-lettered organization in Alachua County – Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. − and the first director of the Alachua County Head Start program for 34 years. She was also a founding member of the Gainesville Women for Equal Rights, which was instrumental in desegregating the Gainesville Library, Alachua General Hospital, and more.
Yvette Carter, the Government Affairs and Community Relations Director at Gainesville Regional Utilities and fellow Zeta sister of the late Cora Roberson, will share more about Mrs. Roberson’s fascinating life and long-reaching legacy. This program is hosted in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Alachua County.
In-person registration: https://mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/events/77892-cora-roberson-gainesville-s-own-hidden-figure
Zoom registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SW2yj5n2SpuSyM94RcwANQ
