Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of one of Alachua County, Florida's, true trailblazers--Alachua County, Florida, is my home county in northeast central Florida--Mr. Thomas Coward, who passed away on December 23, 2017. Mr. Coward was drafted into the Navy in 1942 and served during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he went on to pursue higher education, graduated with his bachelor of science in social studies from Lincoln University in Missouri, and followed it with a master of science from Tuskegee University in Alabama. Upon completion of his master's, he returned to his alma mater, Lincoln High School in Gainesville, to teach civics and history. His interactive style of teaching that included mock government scenarios encouraged students to get involved in government affairs. He later went on to serve as the dean of students for Lincoln High School, then transferred as the dean of students to the newly opened Buchholz High School in Gainesville, Florida, in 1971. He ended his career in the school system in the county administrator's office, having served in the Alachua County school system for over 31 years. While his students remember him for his dedication to shaping young minds, Mr. Coward is known in the community at large for being the first African American elected to serve on the Alachua County Commission in 1974. It is a seat he held for over 18 years.…”