From: Delaitre Hollinger <laitre1993@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2020 5:21 PM To: Edwards, Ashley <Ashley.Edwards@talgov.com> Subject: Re: Official Biography for Dr. Charles Evans,

Letter sent to commission:

The current racial climate in America has given us a prime opportunity to reexamine our past in the hopes that we can bring down symbols and systems which no longer reflect the majority of persons of goodwill in our city, state and nation.

Chapman Pond, located in the historic Myers Park neighborhood is named for an individual who espoused segregation, upheld unjust rulings as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Florida and felt it his duty to maintain the status quo against all that was fair, morally right and true.

Justice Roy Chapman authored the supreme court opinion in Shepherd v. State on May 16, 1950, which upheld the wrongful Lake County, FL convictions of the Groveland Four, a group of African-American young men who were falsely accused of raping a white woman in 1948. Famed NAACP Attorney Thurgood Marshall was able to win the men a reversal in the U.S. Supreme Court, but only for yet another unjust retrial to take place. En route to the retrial, the notorious Lake County Sheriff Willis McCall shot one of the men dead in cold blood and critically wounded the other. The remaining defendants would suffer (one had already been lynched two years earlier by a mob) and their families would suffer for years to come. As a result of public outcry, the issuance of an apology from the Florida Legislature, the passage of a resolution urging the Florida Cabinet to pardon the four men, also from the Legislature; and after a plea from U.S. Senator Marco Rubio on the floor of the United States Senate in 2018, the Groveland Four were pardoned by Governor Ron DeSantis in January 2019. The injustice of the Groveland case remains one of the most atrocious crimes ever committed against the human race and the Black community.

Also on March 24, 1950, Chapman authored a ruling upholding segregation in public facilities in Miami, effectively restricting golf course usage for blacks to Mondays. Mondays were at that time, and are s till to this day, the days when most golf clubs are closed for maintenance. He justified this by writing: “courts are powerless to eradicate social instincts or to abolish distinctions based on physical difference, and the attempt to do so only accentuates existing difficulties.” Chapman also cited precedents of legal segregation in education, parks, and liquor.

The pond was named for Chapman, a former resident of Myers Park, after his death from a heart attack in 1952, by the Tallahassee City Commission. This was before Brown v. Board, before the Tallahassee Bus Boycott, before the student sit-ins of the 1960s, and nearly 20 years before the election of James Ford to the Tallahassee City Commission. This was a different time in Tallahassee; a time that has long since passed.

I would also point out that Representative Loranne Ausley and Florida State University President John Thrasher are working assiduously to remove former Florida Supreme Court Justice B.K. Roberts’s name from the FSU College of Law. This due to the fact that he authored the supreme court opinion which effectively barred Virgil Hawkins from entering the University of Florida School of Law because he was Black.

Tremendous and significant support exists in our community for the removal of the name of Justice Roy Chapman from this city-owned park, which is maintained with taxpayer dollars . This is because the name is offensive to many in the African-American community and we feel that allowing its continued presence as citizens constitutes an intolerable burden. Those who have asked to have his name removed from this parcel, in writing (see attached letters), include:

1. Dr. Larry Robinson, President of Florida A&M University

2. Gwen Marshall, Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

3. Walt McNeil, Sheriff of Leon County

4. Rep. Ramon Alexander, State Representative, District 8

5. John R. Marks, III, Former Mayor of Tallahassee

6. Rev. Dr. Julius H. McAllister, Jr., 35th Senior Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church

7. Curtis Taylor, President, Tallahassee Urban League

8. Adner Marcelin, President, Tallahassee Branch NAACP

9. Rep. Geraldine Thompson, State Representative, District 44 (Instrumental in Groveland Four Pardon)

10. Sen. Randolph Bracy, State Senator, District 11 (Covering Groveland, FL)

11. Attorney Gwendolyn Spencer

12. Alexis Roberts McMillan, Owner, Economy Drug Store (Established 1950)

13. Attorney Ben Crump

14. Attorney Daryl Parks

Again, significant support for this exists in the African-American community and Tallahassee community at-large. We have reached out to the Presidents of both the Woodland Drives Neighborhood Association, as well as the Myers Park Neighborhood Association. A response was received from the Woodland board of directors in October, which stated in essence that it was determined that the renaming of parks is “uncommon and unlikely to occur.” The board also offered that even though Chapman wrote the opinion, the opinion was endorsed by the entire court, that the views of Justice Chapman were akin to that time period, that the Groveland tragedy was not of Chapman’s making though his name was attached to it; and recommended naming an alternative site, such as the old Easter Seals site overlooking Cascades Park. We do not concur with this opinion or option and disagree that the renaming of parks in our city is uncommon and unlikely to occur. A simple vote of the city commission to rename Chapman Pond would resolve this issue.

We would like the pond renamed for another former Myers Park resident, who in fact lived directly across the street from the pond like Justice Chapman, who however was antithetical of the views and ideals of Justice Chapman; and someone who spent their life working for unity, inclusion and equality on behalf of our community. That person is the late Dr. Charles Evans, President Emeritus of the Tallahassee Branch of the NAACP, who served in that role for 14 years. We would like to see the pond renamed to the Dr. Charles Evans Pond. Dr. Evans' biography is attached for your review.

We thank you for your service, hard work and for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Delaitre Hollinger

Immediate Past President

Tallahassee Branch NAACP

Executive Director/CEO

The National Association for the Preservation of African-American History & Culture, Inc.

Florida House of Representatives Representative Geraldine F. Thompson

District 44 Main District Office: 511 West South Street Orlando, FL 32805 (407) 245-0288 (407) 245-0287 (fax)

Tallahassee Office:

1102 The Capitol 402 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399 (850) 717-5044

Email: Geraldine.Thompson@myfloridahouse.gov

Committees: Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, Ranking Member

Civil Justice Subcommittee PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee

Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight

July 18, 2019

City of Tallahassee

300 So. Adams Street

Tallahassee, FL 32301

To whom it may concern:

In today’s social climate, it is important that we communicate our dedication to fairness and justice. In that

spirit, I write to support efforts of members in the Tallahassee community to rename Chapman Pond to

Chapman-Evans Pond. This initiative is timely and would communicate that Florida and Tallahassee embrace

all people. Dr. Charles Evans, one of the first African Americans to settle in the Myers Park neighborhood, is

worthy of being recognized in his community. The renaming of Chapman Pond to Chapman-Evans Pond

would be fitting given the contributions that Dr. Evans made to his community.

Our evolution as Americans and Floridians is an ongoing process. The renaming of Chapman Pond will enable

reconciliation among diverse communities. Thank you for your consideration of this communication and

please let me know if I can provide further information.

Sincerely,

___________________________________

Geraldine F. Thompson, Representative

Florida House of Representatives, District 44

SENATOR RANDOLPH BRACY 11th District

THE FLORIDA SENATE

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1100

COMMITTEES: Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice, Vice Chair Criminal Justice Finance and Tax Innovation, Industry, and Technology

REPLY TO: 6965 Piazza Grande Avenue, Suite 211, Orlando, Florida 32835 (407) 297-2045 FAX: (888) 263-3814 213 Senate Building, 404 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1100 (850) 487-5011

Senate’s Website: www.flsenate.gov

BILL GALVANO DAVID SIMMONS President of the Senate President Pro Tempore

July 19, 2019

The Honorable John Dailey and City Commission

Tallahassee City Hall

300 S Adams St

Tallahassee, FL 32301

Dear Mayor Dailey & City Commission:

As a Florida State Senator, I strongly support the proposal to rename “Chapman Pond” in the Myers Park

Neighborhood of our State’s Capital City, to “Chapman-Evans Pond” or “Dr. Charles Evans Pond.” This

renaming would serve as a symbolic redress that acknowledges the brutal history of our state’s race

relations. At present, “Chapman Pond” is named for Florida Supreme Court Justice Roy H. Chapman, a

strict segregationist and former resident of Myers Park. On May 16, 1950, Justice Chapman authored the

Florida Supreme Court opinion in “Shepherd v. State” condemning the Groveland Four and upholding

their wrongful Lake County conviction. Justice Chapman’s extensive judicial record of unrepentant

segregationist opinions and votes, including one of our nation’s most abhorrent miscarriages of justice in

the Groveland Case, strikes a tone of moral discord in the conscience of most Floridians.

During a time when many local and state governments have elected to remove the names and likeness of

such persons from publicly-owned land, and in light of the Florida Governor and Cabinet’s posthumous

pardon of the Groveland Four, the renaming of Chapman Pond would prove both timely and just. The

aforementioned proposed names would recognize the achievements of longtime civil rights leader Dr.

Charles L. Evans, who served as President of the Tallahassee NAACP, and was one of the first African-

Americans to reside in Myers Park. If the will of the community dictates that Justice Chapman’s name

continue to adorn the pond, it should at least accompany the name of an individual who upheld the tenants

of equality, justice, and humanity.

The re-designation of Chapman Pond as “Chapman-Evans Pond”, or ideally “Dr. Charles Evans Pond”,

would force us to confront the profound shortcomings of our state and nation’s past, while clearing the

path for reconciliation and healing. Your thoughtful consideration of this proposal is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Senator Randolph Bracy

District 11

July 22, 2019

City of Tallahassee

City Hall

300 South Adams Street

Tallahassee, FL 32301

Dear Commissioners:

Please accept this letter in support of the renaming of Chapman Pond to “The Chapman-Evans

Pond” in honor of the late Dr. Charles Leonard “Chuck” Evans, Sr. Dr. Evans was one the first

African Americans to settle into the Myers Park neighborhood where he lived for over thirty years.

He was a veteran civil rights leader, distinguished educator, humanitarian, philanthropist,

administrator, community activist.

While his professional vita and experiences include many salient points, Dr. Evans most significant

contributions to our community was his fourteen years of service as the President of the

Tallahassee Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Color People (NAACP).

He worked tirelessly in advocation of equality and justice for all individuals in need, especially

our youth. In 1995, his endorsement of the half-penny sales tax encouraged support from other

minorities, effectively ensuring equitability in needed changes to educational facilities in

impoverished areas of Tallahassee.

Renaming the Chapman Pond in Dr. Evans’ honor is not only appropriate, but well deserved. This

would be the best way to recognize Dr. Evans’ outstanding services to the Myers Park

neighborhood and for all he accomplished in his lifetime to make our community a better place to

live.

Thank you so much for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Gwendolyn Marshall

Clerk of the Circuit Courts and Comptroller

Leon County

June 23, 2020 City of Tallahassee 300 South Adams Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Dear Commissioners: I support the effort to rename Chapman Pond in light of the revelation that its namesake supported unjust convictions resulting in the pain and anguish of innocent African-American men and their families for nearly seven decades. Taking place nearly 70 years ago in 1950, was the unjust and horrendous case of the Groveland Four, who in an opinion authored by Justice Roy H. Chapman, had wrongful rape convictions in Lake County upheld by the Florida Supreme Court in the case “Shepherd v. State.” Having had forced confessions beaten out of them, Ernest Thomas was hunted down by a posse and murdered. Samuel Shepherd and Walter Irvin, after winning a retrial from the U.S. Supreme Court in an argument from NAACP’s Thurgood Marshall, were gunned down by Sheriff Willis V. McCall. Mr. Irvin survived and stood trial with Charles Greenlee and were again wrongfully convicted by an all-white jury in a farce of a trial and sentenced to death. They were eventually paroled. In 2017, the Florida Legislature issued an apology to the men and their families in an exoneration, requesting that they be formally pardoned by the state cabinet. On January 11, 2019, the Governor and Florida Cabinet pardoned the Groveland Four and apologized to their families. For the role that Justice Chapman had in this egregious case, as well as in many others where he unrepentantly maintained segregation and upheld wrongful convictions against innocent African-Americans, I am requesting that the name of Chapman Pond be renamed Dr. Charles Evans Pond. Dr. Evans served as President of the NAACP for 14 years, was a resident of Myers Park for over 30 years and maintained values which were in stark contrast to those of the late Justice. The pond was named for Chapman following his sudden death in 1952, and because he lived in a home overlooking the pond. We ask that you to rename this public facility in a manner that is reflective of all citizens of this community. Thank you. Sincerely, Daryl D. Parks

June 25, 2020

City of Tallahassee Office of the Mayor and City Commission 300 S. Adams St. Tallahassee, FL 32301

Dear Mayor and City Commissioners:

In light of the revelation that Chapman Pond, a public parks and recreation facility in the city of Tallahassee was named many years ago to honor Roy Chapman, a Justice of the Florida Supreme Court whose name is associated with many unjust court opinions; I respectfully request the name be changed.

In an era where numerous cities and states have opted to rename their public schools, buildings and streets in honor of those who are on the right side of history, it gives me great pleasure to suggest renaming the pond for Dr. Charles Evans, former professor of marketing and associate dean at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Dr. Evans, whose home overlooks this pond, was also president of the Tallahassee NAACP and made numerous contributions to the local community through his commitment to public service.

Thousands of residents, students who have graduated from FAMU, and many others throughout our state and nation are enriched because this great man lived. I ask that you consider renaming this park to honor his notable impact on our society.

Respectfully,

Benjamin L. Crump, Esq.

WWW.BENCRUMP.COM

Ben Crump Law, PLLC 122 S. Calhoun Street Tallahassee, FL 32301 P: (850) 224-2020

Chicago, IL| Washington, D.C.| Los Angeles, CA| Sacramento, CA| Houston, TX| Tallahassee, FL

FAMUISANEQUALOPPORTUNITY/EQUALACCESSUNIVERSITY

FAMU-HAITIRELIEFCOMMITTEE

SCHOOLOFBUSINESSANDINDUSTRY TELEPHONE:(850)599-3565

FAX:(850)599-3533

June25,2020City of Tallahassee Tallahassee, FL 32301

Reference: Chapman Pond / Groveland Case / Proposed Dr. Charles Evans Pond To Whom It May Concern, Given the recent just action of Gov. DeSantis, along with the Florida Cabinet, to pardon Ernest Thomas, Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin and Samuel Shepherd, acknowledge their innocence, and issue an apology to their families in an effort to right a wrong committed by then Florida Supreme Court Justice Roy H. Chapman, a staunch segregationist, who wrote the opinion upholding the wrongful convictions of the four by a Lake County jury, issued on May 16, 1950 in “Shepherd v. State,” it is also time to right another wrong. It is time to change the name of the Chapman Pond in Myers Park, named after Justice Chapman, a former resident of the Myers Park neighborhood for whom the City of Tallahassee’s pond is named. Justice Chapman possessed a long and disturbing judicial record of authoring unrepentant segregationist opinions and voting to maintain segregation, certainly in one of America's most notorious, abhorrent and egregious miscarriages of justice with the Groveland Case. Unlike Justice Chapman, Dr. Charles Evans spent life his entire life peacefully fighting for social justice and equality for all. Dr. Evans, a standout administrator at Florida A&M University, was the longtime President of the NAACP, a prominent community leader, and one of the first African-Americans to settle in Myers Park, where he resided for 31 years. In fact, his wife, Dr. Connie Evans is still a prominent member of the Myers Park neighborhood. Therefore, I wholeheartedly support the renaming of the Chapman Pond to the Dr. Charles Evans Pond. Respectfully,

ShawntaFriday-Stroud,Ph.D.DeanandProfessorVicePresident,UniversityAdvancementExecutiveDirector,FAMUFoundation

TALLAHASSEE BRANCH ∙ NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE P: (850) 759-0606 | P.O. BOX 5892, TALLAHASSEE, FL 32314 | 719 W. BREVARD ST., TALLAHASSEE, FL 32304

WEB ADDRESS: WWW.NAACPTALLAHASSEE.ORG I EMAIL: NAACPTALLAHASSEE@GMAIL.COM

ADNER MARCELIN, PRESIDENT

June 24, 2020 City of Tallahassee Commission 300 South Adams Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 To Whom It May Concern:

Our organization echoes the sentiments of many within the Tallahassee community who are calling for the City’s support to rename Chapman Pond. Our request comes in light of the revelation that the pond’s namesake, Justice Roy H. Chapman, participated in the unjust convictions of many African-American men, which resulted in the disproportionate and biased sentencing of African-American’s for over seven decades.

Taking place nearly 70 years ago in 1950, was the unjust and horrendous case of the Groveland Four, who in an opinion authored by Justice Roy H. Chapman, had wrongful rape convictions in Lake County upheld by the Florida Supreme Court in the case “Shepherd v. State.” Having had forced confessions beaten out of them, Ernest Thomas was hunted down by a posse and murdered. Samuel Shepherd and Walter Irvin, after winning a retrial from the U.S. Supreme Court in an argument from NAACP’s Thurgood Marshall, were gunned down by Sheriff Willis V. McCall. Mr. Irvin survived and stood trial with Charles Greenlee and were again wrongfully convicted by an all-white jury in a farce of a trial and sentenced to death. They were eventually paroled.

In 2017, the Florida Legislature issued an apology to the men and their families in an exoneration, requesting that they be formally pardoned by the state cabinet. On January 11, 2019, the Governor and Florida Cabinet pardoned the Groveland Four and apologized to their families.

For the prejudiced role that Justice Chapman played, as well as the actions he took to unrepentantly maintain segregation and uphold wrongful convictions against innocent African-Americans, I am requesting that the name of Chapman Pond be renamed Dr. Charles Evans Pond. Dr. Evans served as President of the NAACP for 14 years, was a resident of Myers Park for over 30 years and maintained values which were in stark contrast to those of the late Justice. The pond was named for Chapman following his sudden death in 1952, and because he lived in a home overlooking the pond. We ask that you to rename this public facility in a manner that is reflective of all citizens of this community. Respectfully, Adner Marcelin President

Executive Committee

Officers

President Adner Marcelin

1st Vice President

Carita Evans

2nd Vice President Larry White, Esq.

3rd Vice President

Marie Rattigan

Secretary Sedra Butler

Treasurer

William E. Brodie

Assistant Treasurer Tiffany Mount, Esq.

Executive Committee

Members

Col. Wilson Barnes (Ret.)

Barbara DeVane

William Eichhoefer

Connie Evans, Ph.D.

Anita Franklin

Alyssa Hernandez

Robert “Bob” Kenon

Judy Mandrell, Ph.D.

Audrey Smith

Burnette “Bernie” Smith

Youth & College Division

FSU NAACP President Noahh Cole

FAMU NAACP President

Devan Vilfrard

Youth Council President Asia Alexander

FSU NAACP Advisor Gail McKinney-Rogers

FAMU NAACP Advisor

Carita Evans

Youth Council Advisor Marlon Williams-Clark

June 29,2020

Mayor John E. Dailey

City Hall

301 South Adams Street

Tallahassee, FL 32301

Dear Mayor Dailey:

The Woodland Drives Neighborhood Association (WDNA) board of directors is

writing in support of renaming Chapman Pond to Evans Pond after our late

neighbor and civil rights activist Dr. Charles Evans. lt is our understanding that

Commissioner Matlow is spearheading this effort and will be requesting a full

Tallahassee City Commission vote on this matter in the near future. We recognize

the City has a formal administrative process for renaming any park. We submit

this letter as part of that process.

Our country is in the midst of significant historic change to ensure equality while

identifying and correcting social and racial injustices. Dr. Evans spent his entire

adult life fighting for those values. His legacy of battling injustice and promoting

civil rights is well documented. He and other civil rights leaders of his generation

always demonstrated the moral courage to confront those forces in our society

that sought to separate and divide us, often at great personal peril. Therefore, it

is only fitting that if Chapman Pond is to be renameld, we ask that it be done to

honor Dr. Evans' legacy. He was a prominent member of our community as well

as a beloved neighbor.

Dailey Letter

June 29,2020Page Two

Tallahassee's award winning park system is testament to our community's desire

to gather to enjoy nature's wonders. We value, nurture and cherish each one ofour parks as they are symbolic of our esteem for natural beauty, family,

community and recreation. ln many respects, they are the soul of our

community. Most importantly, our parks facilitate people coming together. As

we move forward as a society, it is both right and appropriate that we recognize

those among us who symbolize the best of our shared values. Dr. Evans' life and

legacy fit these criteria perfectly. The WDNA Board representing our residents ,

strongly supports the renaming effort.

Please let us know if you need any other information regarding this endorsement.

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Arz,6ong gt *cLoc-k Bor,Mary Frederick, President

Woodland Drives Neighborhood Association

xc: Members, Tallahassee City Commission

Ms. Ashley Edwards, Director, Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs

Members, WDNA Board of Directors

DR. HENRY LEWIS III 4134 Faulkner Lane---Tallahassee, Fl. 32311 (850) 321-6552

Email · henrylewis3@msn.com

City of Tallahassee Office of the Mayor and City Commission 300 S. Adams Street Tallahassee, FL 32301

Dear Mayor and City Commission:

It has come to my attention that the City Commission will consider the possible renaming of the Chapman Pond, a public park and recreation facility of the City of Tallahassee. As a native of Tallahassee, I am familiar with the current namesake of the Pond and his historical philosophy and judicial actions. First allow to me to applaud the Commission for its consideration of this item and comment on my recommendation relative to your potential actions.

Please know that I am in complete support of and strongly recommend the renaming of the pond in honor of Dr. Charles Evans as he was a pillar in this community. I served as his colleague at Florida A & M University (FAMU). His service on the faculty of the School of Business and Industry bought countless hundreds of CEO’s and corporate executives to Tallahassee which offered employment opportunities to hundreds of graduates of the university and help to stimulate Tallahassee’s economy. His exemplary service as President of the Tallahassee Chapter of the NAACP made numerous contributions to the local community through his commitment to public service.

Dr. Evans’ longtime home overlooks the pond and the renaming in his honor would be the perfect tribute to an outstanding citizen of Tallahassee and a staunch advocate for equal rights for all.

Sincerely;

Henry Lewis III Former Leon County Commissioner