Research

Hidden beneath Tampa’s streets and buildings lie the erased histories of Black cemeteries—until journalist Paul Guzzo exposed the truth. His groundbreaking investigations led to a new law protecting these sacred sites, ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

Unearthing the Forgotten: The Law That Revived Florida’s Lost Cemeteries"

CS/CS/CS/HB 49 establishes the Historic Cemeteries Program within Florida's Division of Historical Resources, providing grants and resources to research, restore, and preserve abandoned African-American cemeteries. The bill was put into effect largely due to the investigative work of journalist Paul Guzzo, who exposed forgotten Black cemeteries in Tampa, such as Zion Cemetery, leading to public outcry and legislative action to protect these burial sites and honor their historical significance.

Mentions of Paul’s research in the bill:

  1. "Paul Guzzo, A community, not Just Zion Cemetery, Disappeared to Build Homes for Whites, Tampa Bay Times, Nov. 4, 2019 (updated Jan. 8, 2020), available at Tampa Bay Times (last visited Feb. 13, 2023)."

  2. "See Paul Guzzo, Key Dates in the History of Tampa’s Forgotten Zion Cemetery, Tampa Bay Times, Jun. 19, 2019 (updated Jan. 13, 2020), available at Tampa Bay Times (last visited Feb. 14, 2023)."

  3. "Paul Guzzo, Richard Gonzmart Believes no Coffins will be Found on his Zion Cemetery Land, Tampa Bay Times, Sep. 24, 2019, available at Tampa Bay Times (last visited Feb. 14, 2023)."

  4. "Paul Guzzo, Records Show King High Gym may have been Built atop Paupers Cemetery, Tampa Bay Times, Oct. 22, 2019 (updated Oct. 23, 2019), available at Tampa Bay Times (last visited Feb. 14, 2023)."

  5. "Paul Guzzo, Tampa loses control of historic Black cemetery. A property flipper now owns it., Tampa Bay Times, Jan. 30, 2023 (updated Jan. 31, 2023), available at Tampa Bay Times (last visited Feb. 14, 2023)."

These references highlight Guzzo’s investigative journalism uncovering the lost and abandoned African-American cemeteries, which played a significant role in influencing this legislation

In this highly anticipated docu-series, we leverage our extensive network and deep-rooted relationships to present a narrative rich with historical and cultural significance. Our team will engage with a carefully curated selection of knowledgeable individuals who possess invaluable insights into the Tampa Bay area, drawing from both previous research and fresh conversations with new contributors eager to share their stories.

This body of work represents our unique intellectual property, reflecting the strength of our collaborations with historians, archaeologists, community leaders, and descendants. These partnerships not only enhance our exploration of Tampa Bay's complex history but also extend our reach into neighboring Florida counties and cities across the United States.

Our relationships within this national network position us to uncover essential perspectives on systemic erasure, racial cover-ups, and the impacts of community disruption. By weaving together local narratives with a broader national context, we aim to create a compelling tapestry that highlights the interconnectedness of these stories. Our commitment to showcasing these rich narratives underscores the significance of the relationships we’ve built, revealing the enduring legacies that have shaped and continue to influence our communities. Join us as we delve into a journey of discovery that is both profound and essential, firmly placing our work as a pivotal resource in understanding these critical issues.