City in Focus: Rosewood, FloridaCity in Focus: Rosewood, Florida Rosewood, a small town in Levy County, Florida, holds a haunting history that has forever shaped its present. Once a thriving African American community, Rosewood was the site of a tragic massacre in 1923 that shattered its existence. A Thriving Community In the early 20th century, Rosewood was a prosperous community of over 100 African American families. Its residents owned businesses, farms, and churches, creating a sense of economic stability and self-reliance. However, this prosperity was met with growing resentment from white landowners and residents in surrounding areas. The Massacre On January 1, 1923, a white woman in nearby Sumner, Florida, accused a black man of assaulting her. Rumors spread quickly, and a mob of armed white men formed with the intention of lynching the accused. However, the mob mistakenly targeted the black community of Rosewood. Over the next three days, the mob burned down every home, store, and church in Rosewood. Eight African American men and one white mob member were killed. The survivors were forced to flee into the surrounding woods, fearing for their lives. Aftermath and Legacy The Rosewood massacre was a brutal act of racial violence that destroyed an entire community. For decades, the incident was largely covered up and forgotten. It was not until the 1990s that the truth began to emerge through the efforts of historians and survivors. In 1994, the Florida Legislature passed a resolution acknowledging the massacre and expressing remorse for the state’s role in the tragedy. The Rosewood Cultural Heritage Center was established to commemorate the victims and educate the public about the event. Today’s Rosewood Today, Rosewood is a small, predominantly white community. The scars of the past remain visible in the overgrown foundations and abandoned homes that dot the landscape. However, a new generation is striving to reclaim and honor the history of Rosewood. Descendants of the original African American families have returned to the area and are working to revitalize the community. The Rosewood Cultural Heritage Center continues to host events and programs that promote awareness and understanding of the massacre. Lessons from Rosewood The tragedy of Rosewood serves as a stark reminder of the horrors that can be inflicted upon marginalized communities. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of those who survived and a call to action to combat racial injustice and violence. By preserving the memory of Rosewood, we can ensure that such atrocities never happen again and create a more just and equitable society for all.