Celebrating Stetson Kennedy
Social justice crusader and Jacksonville native Stetson Kennedy would have celebrated his 100th birthday this month. The breadth and depth of Kennedy's work—from documenting Florida folklife with the Works Progress Administration, to infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan, and holding court with peers including Zora Neale Hurston, Jean Paul Sartre and Woody Guthrie—and the steadfastness of his principles are constant sources of inspiration for us here at Watershed. Kennedy fought tirelessly in defense of equal rights and the environment up till his death on August 27th, 2011.
Kennedy undercover with the KKK. Photo from Associated Press (1947).
In honor of Stetson Kennedy and his centennial birthday, we're proud to bring you a short audio postcard from Lake Beluthahatchee, Kennedy’s homesite and personal refuge. Thanks to Kennedy's stepdaughter Karen Roumillat for her tour.
Kennedy at his home on Lake Beluthahatchee. Photo from the Tampa Bay Times (2011).
“He always thought society should be catching up with him quicker....There’s always work to do. And he always thought that.”
We encourage you to explore Kennedy's work. Here and there are good places to start. Also be sure to check out the Stetson Kennedy Foundation and their Second Sunday at Stetson's series.
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