Today we’d like to introduce you to Josette Green
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Many years ago I was a white person who didn’t realize that people of color did not have my same life experience. As this new awareness began unfolding, I had a deep desire to understand, What was the experience of those that didn’t look like me that live in my city?
Also happening in my life was that our growing extended family had more and more family members of color. This sent me on a passionate journey of research, study, observation and conversation to learn a different culture. A significant event in 2016 helped me to realize that racial equity was a very deep personal value. All human beings deserve respect and dignity.
To understand life experience, one needs to learn the history and know why in St. Petersburg Black employees make 73% of white employees. Why is the average life span in Black communities around my neighborhood of Campbell Park 66.5 years compared to 82 years in white communities that are only 1.5 miles away? Why is St. Petersburg one of the most segregated large cities in the US today? With my growing knowledge of local Black history (now almost 20. years of study), the opportunity presented itself to be a docent at a civil rights exhibit at a local museum. It was then that I saw the impact of learning this knowledge on local people and visitors, Black and white people alike. I also realized how much historic knowledge I possessed. The exhibit closed in March 2020 because of COVID but I was on fire teaching this history and I knew I could not stop.
Teaching local Black history was something I had to do. Of course the museum had no idea what would happen with the exhibit so there was no place for me there. People felt safe outdoors and my current research was focused on exactly where Black residents were allowed to live in our city. The light bulb went on!! The first Black neighborhoods were bikable but not walkable, people were jumping on bikes in COVID and the Black History Bike Tour was conceptually born in Spring 2021. As I created the tour structure in the summer, I knew people needed to hear from someone with lived experience and not just the history from this white woman. I reached out to community leader, Mr. Elihu Brayboy, and asked if he would talk to the group once the biking portion concluded. He readily agreed because he later admitted he wanted to know what this white woman was saying. In September the tours began. It’s a three hour bike tour with an hour of a talk by Mr. Brayboy.
I thought the bike tour would attract those in my historically Black neighborhood and a few others but I was overwhelmed by the amount of media attention. I heard from TV stations, newspapers and local organizations. The few tours I had planned for fall filled in a week so I added more and those filled and I added more. The reaction to learning this history by those on the tours told me that I have to keep going. They were stunned and overwhelmed by history they did not know. In addition I realized that these participants wanted to do something to make a difference in racial equity so I added action items. Everyone leaves knowing what they can do next to increase racial equity for St. Pete.
I had also started researching a park in my historically Black neighborhood, Campbell Park. It’s the first “Negro park'” in St. Petersburg. The history is fascinating and mostly unknown. I had heard from many that they are interested in our local Black history but biking doesn’t work for them. Earlier this year the Hidden, Historic Campbell Park, a walking tour, was launched.
Today I conduct biking and walking tours as a volunteer for public and private groups, organizations and companies. On the side I give talks to high schools, civic organizations, etc. I’ve also begun to write and capture the history. It is my goal to get this history to everyone and advance racial equity for St. Petersburg. I am driven by the participants reactions but also because I want a better world for my brown and Black loved ones. None of my family live in St. Pete but if I can make a difference in this little corner of the country perhaps it will positively impact their lives in some way.
St. Petersburg Black History Tours is not a company or non profit but just an organization. I do this work as a volunteer. There are several dedicated volunteers that join me and believe strongly in this mission. Thank you Anthoni, Susan, Jasmin, Pat, Albert, Kevin and David. I couldn’t do it without you. The tours and talks give my life new meaning and I’ll keep going as long as there are people that don’t know this important history and want to learn.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I started some in our Black community were questioning “What is this white woman doing with our history?” At the time there was no one teaching local Black history. As people have gotten to know me and my depth of knowledge, they realize where my heart is. Many life long residents say they have learned from me. Of course I can never know the lived experience and I leave that totally to the Black community such as Mr. Brayboy. I’ve received many awards for volunteering my time on behalf of racial equity for these tours. The one I am most proud of is the one given to me by a Black led organization, RaceWithoutIsm.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Along with my tours which were born out of a need and passion, this same passion is demonstrated in my community activism. When I see a deficiency or need, I take action. I realized that probate was holding many of my neighbors back from maintaining their home or getting homestead exemption. I went to the city with a plan for probate relief and the city now has a program and my neighbors are finally getting the deed to the home. I noticed my low income neighborhood lacked certain resources so I advocated and these resources are here today. A historic baseball field is missing a sign displaying the important man it is named after. A sign is now going to be installed in a month. Neighbors complained about trash in our neighborhood. I started a monthly trash pick up 3 1/2 years ago and the trash is much improved and the program ongoing. Our trash program is now the model for the city and it has received city, county and a state award. In 2022. I received the “Neighbor with Heart” award from the city’s mayor in 2022 and the “Community Activism” award from Leadership St. Pete in 2023.
What I am most proud of is that the activism and advocacy benefits the lives of others. People have more opportunity and are lifted up because of this work.
What sets me apart is that when I see a deficiency or opportunity, I do something about it. I have the connections and knowledge to take action. My reputation is solid and I’ve become known for my good work which opens even more doors. I get things done.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Our local online publications (Tampa Bay Times, the. Catalyst, organization’s enewsletters) are the most important so I can keep up with the community I love.
Pricing:
- Hidden, Historic Campbell Park, a walking tour, is $15 if one can afford to pay. Free otherwise..
- Black History Bike Tour – if one is able, the suggested donation is $25-40 per person.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BlackHistoryBikeTour.com
- Instagram: blackhistorybiketour
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spbhb
- Twitter: none
- Youtube: none
- Yelp: none
- Soundcloud: none
- Other: none
