Joe Lang Kershaw facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe Lang Kershaw
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| Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 105th district |
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| In office 1968–1982 |
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| Preceded by | Sherman S. Winn |
| Succeeded by | Harold W. Spaet |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 27, 1911 Live Oak, Florida |
| Died | November 7, 1999 (aged 88) Miami, Florida |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Mamie Newton |
| Children | Joseph Lang Kershaw, Jr. |
| Education | Florida A&M University (BA) Florida A&M University (MA) |
| Nickname | Cane Pole |
Joe Lang Kershaw (born June 27, 1911, died November 7, 1999) was an important American politician and teacher. He made history as the first African-American lawmaker in Florida after the Reconstruction era. He was also a proud graduate of Florida A&M University.
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Joe Kershaw's Early Life and Education
Joe Kershaw went to Florida A&M University in the early 1930s. To help pay for school, he worked part-time as a janitor. His job was at the Florida Capitol complex. Sometimes, after everyone left, he would stand on the Speaker's podium. He would pretend to give speeches to the Florida House of Representatives.
Kershaw became a lifelong member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity while at college. He earned his degree in History in 1935.
Joe Kershaw's Career and Public Service
After graduating, Kershaw became a civics teacher. He taught at a junior high school in Coral Gables. This area is in Dade County, which is now called Miami-Dade County. In 1955, he earned his Master of Education degree from Florida A&M University.
While living in Miami, he helped his community in many ways. He served on the Miami Economic Advisory Board. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society.
Becoming a Florida Lawmaker
In November 1968, Kershaw was elected to the Florida House of Representatives. He represented Florida's 99th district, which covered most of Dade County. When he was elected, he became the first African-American legislator in Florida since the Reconstruction era. This was a very important moment in Florida's history.
Key Achievements in the Legislature
Kershaw served as the chairman of the Elections Committee. He also helped create laws that led to the Florida Human Rights Commission. This group works to protect people's rights. In 1971, Kershaw helped pass a law that created the Black Archives at Florida A&M University. This archive helps preserve African-American history.
He was known as "Cane Pole" in the Florida House of Representatives. This was because he fought hard to remove the license requirement for cane pole fishing. This type of fishing was common among poor African-American people in Florida. The requirement was finally removed in 1976. This allowed people to fish in their home county with a cane pole without needing a license. He served in the Florida House of Representatives for 14 years, until 1982.
Joe Kershaw's Passing
Joe Lang Kershaw passed away in 1999. He died of heart failure at a hospital.
Joe Kershaw's Lasting Legacy
Joe Kershaw left a lasting impact on Florida. One of his legal assistants, Arthenia Joyner, later became a legislator herself. She also graduated from Florida A&M University, following in his footsteps.
