Hillsborough Commissioners Clash Over African American History Center

UPDATE: Tensions escalated during a Hillsborough County Commission meeting on October 25, 2023, as officials debated the future of the much-anticipated African American History and Cultural Center. Advocates argue the facility is essential, but dissenting voices raise concerns over funding and management.

At the heart of the discussion, Dr. Brett Snowden, pastor of the Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, emphasized the center’s importance, stating, “This is envisioned as a vibrant, multipurpose space, dedicated to celebrating stories, achievements, and culture of the African American community.” Advocates like Commissioner Gwen Myers echoed these sentiments, lamenting the lack of dedicated spaces for the African American community, saying, “We don’t have a place that we can tell our story.”

However, not all commissioners are on board. Commissioner Joshua Wostal voiced strong opposition, citing pressing infrastructure needs in Hillsborough County. He stated, “We have over a decade of backlogs of critical infrastructure, basic sidewalk maintenance, road maintenance, and repaving requirements.” Wostal further questioned the management of the center, claiming that many advocates are financially supported by taxpayers and doubted their ability to raise private funds.

Wostal expressed his belief that the center would only add to the tax burden for residents, warning, “This is going to create an unexpected impact on the bottom line of our property taxes annually.”

On the other side, Commissioner Harry Cohen defended the project, asserting that while infrastructure is vital, it does not negate the need for cultural investment. “Just because we have all of these responsibilities doesn’t absolve us of the responsibility to build the fabric and the heart of the community,” Cohen argued. He remains optimistic about the center’s long-term impact, stating, “We are going to look back on this and be proud that we had the foresight to build something that will become a very important anchor in this community.”

Despite the heated discussions, commissioners did not vote on the center’s future during this meeting. They only received an update on its progress. The debate continues, reflecting broader questions about community priorities and resource allocation.

As discussions around the African American History and Cultural Center unfold, residents are left wondering what the future holds for this pivotal initiative. The next steps will be crucial in determining whether the center becomes a reality or remains a contentious topic in Hillsborough County. Stay tuned for further developments.