LeRoy Collins

LeRoy Collins was the 33rd Governor of Florida, serving from 1955 to 1961, and a prominent voice for moderation during the Civil rights movement. A member of the Democratic Party, he is widely remembered for his progressive leadership on racial issues, steering Florida away from the massive resistance seen in other Southern states. His later career included significant national appointments, such as director of the Community Relations Service and president of the National Association of Broadcasters.

Early life and education

Born in Tallahassee, Florida, he was the son of a successful dairy farmer and merchant. He attended local schools before enrolling at the Cumberland School of Law in Tennessee, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws degree. After being admitted to the Florida Bar, he began practicing law in his hometown. His early career was interrupted by service in the United States Navy during World War II, where he achieved the rank of lieutenant commander.

Political career

His political career began with election to the Florida House of Representatives in 1934, where he served three terms. Following his military service, he returned to public life, winning a seat in the Florida Senate in 1946. He quickly rose to prominence, becoming president of the senate in 1953. In 1954, following the death of Governor Dan McCarty, he was elected to complete the term, defeating acting Governor Charley E. Johns. He was re-elected in 1956, becoming the first Governor of Florida to serve two consecutive four-year terms.

Governorship of Florida

His administration was marked by significant economic development and a measured approach to desegregation. He oversaw the creation of the Florida Council of 100 and the Florida Development Commission to attract industry. During the Tallahassee bus boycott, he refused to shut down the bus system and called for compliance with the Brown v. Board of Education decision, famously stating that violence was not "the Florida way." He appointed a bi-racial commission and worked to peacefully implement the integration of University of Florida graduate schools. His leadership was recognized nationally, leading to his selection as permanent chairman of the 1960 Democratic National Convention.

Later public service and legacy

After leaving the Florida Governor's Mansion, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him as the first director of the Community Relations Service, a federal mediation agency created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He later served as Under Secretary of Commerce and as president of the National Association of Broadcasters. In Florida, his legacy is honored by the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library, the LeRoy Collins Main Street Program, and the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center. His papers are housed at the State Library and Archives of Florida.

Personal life

In 1932, he married Mary Call Darby Collins, who served as First Lady of Florida and was a noted advocate for historic preservation and the arts. The couple had four children. He remained active in Tallahassee civic and business affairs after his public service, including serving on the board of Florida State University. He died in Tallahassee and is interred at the Roselawn Cemetery there. Category:1909 births Category:1991 deaths Category:Governors of Florida Category:Florida Democrats Category:People from Tallahassee, Florida