TAMPA, Fla. — A Tampa millennial is digging into Tampa Bay’s Black history and sharing her research citywide.
Ashley Morrow, 34, gives Black history lessons during the public comment section of Tampa’s city council meetings.
What You Need To Know
Ashley Morrow gives Black history lessons during Tampa’s city council meetings
Morrow said she became interested in local Black history after digging into her family’s background
After the city council meetings, Morrow posts her three-minute history lessons on social media so there’s a permanent record
Morrow’s lessons can be found on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok under Black Tampa Historians
“Everytime it’s like, this is what the lesson is today,” Morrow said. “Gotta turn it on. But I’m only speaking for three minutes.”
She started the citywide teachings last summer. After seeing other people speak about whatever they wanted, Morrow decided she could do the same. And it’s been a hit.
“I try to be as accurate as possible,” Morrow said.
“I think what she’s doing is a public service,” said Tampa councilman Charlie Miranda.
Morrow said she became interested in local Black history after digging into her family’s background. In her bookbag, she has binders filled with newspaper clippings and records.
As a fifth generation Tampanian, Morrow said she’s committed to teaching people about the role African Americans have played in the Bay area. And she’s learned something too.
“It taught me that Tampa was a space for a lot of Black leadership that I did not know about,” Morrow said.
After the city council meetings, Morrow posts her three-minute history lessons on social media so there’s a permanent record. And she plans to continue sharing the stories — until all of history is told.
“Because it needs to get done,” Morrow said. “I’m in the space where somebody needs to share this information.”