BLACK HISTORY TODAY.

Port St. Lucie in sunny Florida is known for its cheery motto, “the city for all ages,” and is a popular tourist destination. Though predominately white, the city has a surging Black community with some deep historical roots.
Just 20 miles north in the city of Fort Pierce in St. Lucie County, author Zora Neale Hurston made her home there in the twilight of her career. The Their Eyes Were Watching God author worked several jobs while in the region, including teaching at a local school and continuing to work as a writer. Her home, the Zora Neale Hurston House, was named a U.S. National Historical Landmark.
Golfing is one of Port St. Lucie’s top attractions, and the city’s PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance. In 2009, the PGA awarded three Black golfing pioneers – Te Rhodes, John Shippen, and Bill Spiller – with posthumous membership to the one-time whites-only golfing association.
In 2010, Port St. Lucie’s PGA Center held an exhibit and Black History Month event honoring the trio which unveiled, for the first time to many, their contributions to the sport. Famed boxer Joe Louis was also honored and was taught the game by Rhodes.