House Passes Davis Bill Honoring Morris W. Milton

Bill would name St. Pete post office after local civil rights leader

 

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5104, Congressman Jim Davis’ bill to name the U.S. Post Office on 16^th Street South in Midtown, St. Petersburg, after local civil rights leader Morris W. Milton.

 

“Morris Milton dedicated his life to breaking down racial barriers, standing up for the disenfranchised and lending a helping hand to the disadvantaged,” said Congressman Davis.  “It is my privilege to help our community honor Morris Milton for his service, leadership and humanity.”

 

Mr. Milton was best known for his tireless efforts to convince the Florida Legislature to adopt a plan for single member legislative districts, a change which dramatically increased minority representation in Florida’s government. 

 

As an attorney, Mr. Milton fought for the hiring of more minority teachers and the promotion of more African Americans to prominent administrative jobs at the Pinellas County School Board. He was a counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in a court battle against voter registration practices in Pinellas County and spoke out against police brutality. Mr. Milton also served on the Sixth Circuit Judicial Nominating Committee for judges.

 

Along with his impressive legal career, Mr. Milton established the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida and served as president of the St. Petersburg branch of the NAACP for a decade.  He volunteered on the board of directors of the Pinellas United Way, Pinellas Opportunity Council, the Pinellas County Urban League, and the Bethune-Cookman Alumni Association.

 

Rep. Davis will be working to secure Senate approval for H.R. 5104.