Governor Appoints Three to Florida Museum of Black History Task Force

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of three new members to the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force on Tuesday. The task force is responsible for developing a plan for a new museum that will celebrate the history and culture of African Americans in Florida.

The new members are:

• Brian Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of JCB Construction, Inc.
• Berny Jacques, Senior Partnership Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay and Florida House Representative for District 59
• Altony Lee, EdD, Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs for the Board of Governors of the State University System

Butler is a graduate of Brown University and Duke University. He is the Chair of the University of Central Florida Foundation and was recognized as the 2022 “Most Influential Businessman” by Florida Trend magazine and the Orlando Business Journal.

Jacques is a graduate of Washington Adventist University and Stetson University. He is currently serving on the Sixth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission.

Lee is a graduate of Florida State University, Florida International University, and the University of Miami. He previously served as the Director of University Relations and Engagement and an Adjunct Professor of Communications at Florida Gulf Coast University.

“These three individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the task force,” said Governor DeSantis. “I am confident that they will help us develop a museum that will be a valuable resource for all Floridians.”

The task force is expected to submit its recommendations to the governor by December 2023.