Harry Moore (1951)

In 1951, NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) leader, Harry Moore (and wife Harriet), were bombed in their Mims, Florida, home on December 25. The brutal attack killed the two Black rights activists and was devastating to their followers. Harry had campaigned against police brutality and led black voting registration drives, while Harriett was a school teacher. Their sudden death instilled fear in others of their race. Since both were in authoritative positions, protests, rallies, and memorial services shook up the country. The Governor of Florida, Fuller Warren, and President Truman were bombarded with protest letters and telegrams. The case was never solved as to who had placed the bombs under the floorboards of the house, but the two deaths have remained a significant statement in the Civil Rights movement. The couple was the only to die for the cause, and Harry Moore was the first NAACP official killed in the struggle.