2025 Black History Icons

Mickel Antonio Brown, Sr. 
Sunrise - Nov. 17, 1961 
Sunset - Oct. 9, 2014 

Mickel was a valuable leader with deep roots in the community. It was nothing for his painting and pressure washing business to paint homes and churches in the community. He often threw in something extra for customers. He left his sons a legacy of business sense to pass on to their children and their children’s children. He often could be seen talking under a tree, giving guidance to workers and residents alike. 

The City of Daytona recognized him by naming a building in his honor, the Dickerson Activity Building. He also spent time out of Daytona Beach, assisting seniors and homeowners to get their homes painted and pressure-washed by providing a safe and secure environment so the seniors could feel safe. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats knew him as “the Father of Tailgating,” as he was the first person to have an RV at Municipal Stadium (in Daytona Beach) with all the fanfare, food, drinks, music and candy apples. 

Being a graduate of Mary’s University was a dream come true for him, and on every occasion possible, he proudly wore the colors. He was the loudest and most dedicated cheerleader for his sister, Erica Dunlap. In 2004, she was crowned Miss America, becoming the seventh African American woman to hold the title. He supported her while doing all his other duties.

Harry Burney, III 
Sunrise - Sept. 29, 1944
Sunset - April 18, 2020

Harry Burney, III was born on September 29, 1944, to the late Iona Mack Burney, retired librarian at then Bethune-Cookman College, and the late Harry L. Burney, Jr., a former vice president of development at B-CC and organizer of the United Negro College Fund in Florida.

Multi-talented performer Harry Burney, a singer, actor, and director, had a phenomenal bass voice and physical statue akin to the legendary Paul Robeson. 

Burney’s musical talent was developed in the Bethune- Cookman Concert Chorale. Upon graduation from BCC with a biology degree in 1965 Burney further studied at American University before entering the US Army as a Captain in the Medical Corps during the Viet Nam War from 1965 to 1971. During that time, he married Sandra A. Broadnax of Philadelphia, Penn. To this union, their only child, Harry “Chip” Lawrence Burney, IV was born.

After the war Burney returned to central Florida where his performing arts career began to blossom as a gifted bass-baritone singer. He was the artist-in-residence at The Museum of Arts and Sciences, sang the Start-Spangled Banner at the Daytona 500 and collaborated with his longtime close friend and creative colleague Lynn Thompson to co-create, direct, and produce So You Wanna Be a Star, a program for students with special talents and special needs in Volusia County.

His talents reached well beyond the city of Daytona Beach. He appeared both in theater and on television. His credits include the role of “Crown” in Porgy and Bess, “Balthazar” in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Ain’t Misbehaving, Showboat, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Devil and Daniel Webster. He played “Jim” in Big River on Broadway, “Troy” in August Wilson’s Fences, and “Hoke” in Driving Miss Daisy. He appeared on Nickelodeon daily in the mid-'90s, My Brother and Me and Kenan & Kel. As a singer he also toured with Harry Belafonte, Patti LaBelle, and Geoffrey Holder. He was also a creative consultant in the development of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

 He kept his home in Daytona Beach for over forty years and maintained a solid connection to his alma mater and its’ community by utilizing his artistic talents to assist in fundraising. Burney also consulted in the development of the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center and served a stint as director of the facility during its’ formative years. For decades, he was a staunch advocate for the arts in Daytona Beach and the Halifax area.

 In 2016, in what he termed as one of his most beloved roles Burney starred in Mary’s Gift, a short film written by Lynn Thompson and produced by Bethune-Cookman University’s Cateye Network. Burney was “Mr. Brown,” the fictional attorney of the estate of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, who interpreted her “Last Will and Testament.”

Dr. Samuel Butts, Sr.
Sunrise - April 10, 1944
Sunset - April 4, 2021

Dr. Butts was a man of many talents, and he shared those talents to the benefit of the community through a wide array of disciplines-education, archeology, community development, computer technology and music. Dr. Butts made this community Daytona Beach, Florida, a better, and better educated place. 

Dr. Butts contributed to Daytona Beach in several areas; he was a true polymath. He may be notable for his work as a self-taught archeologist who discovered and documented the fossil history of Daytona Beach and more recent history of the Timucuan Indians. He was also an active community developer, an educator who taught electronic and computer technology at Bethune College, a locally known jazz musician and a mathematician.

As an archaeologist, Dr. Butts unearthed more than 7,000 artifacts documenting the past of Daytona Beach, from skeletons of a mastodon and a saber-toothed tiger to native Timucuan spear points, bone tools and pottery. As a carpenter, masonry, and painter, he fixed up dilapidated and vacant homes to improve the community.

 As a mathematician, he devised formulas that were used by academics and as an educator, he was an early teacher of the growing field of computer science. As a musician, he played bass guitar and brought the pleasure of gospel, blues, and jazz to the area audience. Dr. Butts pushed for the creation of the Archeological Park, which bears his name today, and obtained registration for the site with the Florida Division of Human Resources. As an educator, he pressed for the park's development to motivate young people to learn about the area's environment and prehistory, nature history and cultural history.

Dr. Butts brought his talent and enthusiasm to areas that continue to benefit Daytona Beach. In 2004, he was honored by the City of Daytona Beach, which renamed the Archeological Park that he explored and made up accessible to the entire community the Dr. Samuel Butts Youth Archaeological Park.

Althea Beatrice Cato Lucas 
Sunrise - Jan. 21, 1913
Sunset - July 27, 1942

Althea Beatrice Cato Lucas was one of three children born to Minor & Bessie Cato in White Springs, Florida. Her family moved to Daytona Beach when she was a small child. She attended the local public schools and one of her academic honors included being named Salutatorian of her high school class. She was affectionately known by her family and friends as “Bea.” 

Mrs. Lucas attended Bethune-Cookman College, where she received the honor of being the first Miss Bethune-Cookman. After graduating from Bethune-Cookman, Mrs. Lucas married Harold V. Lucas, Sr. and later on gave birth to their only child, Harold V. Lucas, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Lucas provided a home filled with a love for people and learning, as both of them were educators. Mrs. Lucas furthered her education at Seneca Junior College in Sumter, South Carolina where she obtained her teaching training certificate.

Mrs. Lucas returned to Daytona Beach and was a fourth grade teacher at Cypress Street Elementary School (later known as Bonner Elementary School), where Mrs. Evelyn M. Bonner was the principal. Mrs. Lucas was loved by her students. In addition to being educators, Mr. & Mrs. Lucas owned and operated the first black printing company in the area providing printing services to area churches, businesses, and other organizations. Mr. & Mrs. Lucas were also members of New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

While Mrs. Lucas passed away at an early age, as an educator and business owner, she was indeed a Daytona Beach Community Icon. 

Ollye Eichelberger Collins 
Sunrise - Jan. 1, 1923
Sunset - April 11, 2022

Ollye Eichelberger Collins was deeply rooted in Daytona Beach, Florida. She was educated in the public school system of Volusia County and was a graduate of Bethune Cookman College (now Bethune Cookman University). She was an educator and advocate for American teachers and children. She educated, fed, and clothed students in Daytona Beach. She did it without fanfare. Her dedication came from the heart. Her former students remained in contact with her throughout her life, sharing with her the impact she had on their development. Her profound impact on students was a ripple effect because many of them are leaders and productive citizens in the city and state. Ollye Collins was a very innovated and resolute educator. She was selected as the first African American county level Variable Instructional Service Teacher for Volusia County. In this role she focused on supporting and enhancing the professional performance of classroom teachers in language Arts. As a devoted educator Mrs. Collins not only worked with adults but was very instrumental in educating students to acquire reading skills and develop a love for reading. She encouraged them to strive for academic excellence and to believe in themselves.

Mrs. Collins spent years nurturing students in Daytona Beach community. Hours were spent providing everyday living skills and the necessities needed beyond the four walls of the classroom while showing love, compassion, guidance and respect for themselves and others.

Ollye influenced countless students in the community by being a role model and an advocate for them even when they became adults. She had the ability to stay connected to her students throughout their lives. These students excelled by becoming productive citizens at various levels of society. Ollye was a true product of the Daytona Beach community. She attended Bonner Elementary School, Campbell High School, Bethune Cookman College as a two-year college (a little-known fact) and a four-year institution.

Mrs. Collins exemplifies the motto of Bethune Cookman, “Enter to Learn Depart to Serve.”

Patricia Hamilton Heard 
Sunrise - Dec. 11, 1942
Sunset - April 25, 2023

Hamilton Heard passed away on Tuesday, April 25, at age 80. Mrs. Heard was a retired educator, businessperson, community advocate and community leader. 

She owned the Second Avenue Plaza, at 560 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., in Daytona Beach. The site also hosts biker activities during Bike Week and Biketoberfest.

Patricia Heard was born on Dec. 11, 1942, in Lawtey, Florida. She graduated from Volusia County Senior High School. She also graduated from Bethune-Cookman College (now University) in 1964 when she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration.  In addition, she earned a master’s degree from Florida A&M University in 1974.

Mrs. Heard spent 44 years as an educator. She taught in the Volusia County School system and at various locations in Florida and Georgia.

She was a member of the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune National Alumni Association and was a historian for the chapter in Volusia County.

Patricia was a life member of the Daytona Beach/Volusia County NAACP and served as the branch secretary during Charles W. Cherry, Sr.'s presidency.

“Mrs. Heard was outspoken and unapologetic. Pat was very enthusiastic when it came to her community. A fierce advocate for the rights of those who could not speak for themselves. She always on the front lines in the community, challenged the status quo and insisted on her voice being heard,” commented Cynthia Slater, local NAACP president.

Slater added, “Whenever there was something happening in the community that she didn’t like, Pat would always call me. And when I didn’t immediately answer her, she would call me until I did. She even showed up at my house and blew her car horn until I acknowledged her. We didn’t always agree, but I can honestly say that Patricia Hamilton Heard was a true warrior in this community. Her voice will forever be heard. RIP my sister!”

 ‘A surrogate mother’ to sheriff

Others went to Facebook to reflect on her life and the time they spent with her. “She was a community activist who served on so many advisory boards in Daytona Beach. She was a businessperson who worked tirelessly with law enforcement and city officials to make the city better and safer and better place to live,” posted Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood

 “What I will miss most about Pat is she served as a surrogate mother to me from the moment I landed in Daytona and became its police chief. She always wanted to make sure that I was well-fed, and I knew I was loved. I don’t know if she had any connection to Italy, but I could tell you she made one of the best spaghetti dishes.”

Sarah Mother Hunt 
Sunrise - Unknown
Sunset - Dec. 17, 1936

Before integration and the days of licensed foster homes, Sarah Hunt was known to have carried a market basket around town to raise money to operate the first black orphanage in Florida on what is now George Engram Boulevard in Daytona Beach, according to officials at the Florida United Methodist Children's Home. Sarah Hunt opened her heart to orphaned Black children, who were left on her doorstep. When elderly Black adults could no longer care for themselves, she stepped forward to care for them.

When she was concerned about children at the home walking in the rain on muddy dirt roads to worship, she was there again to build Mount Mission Missionary Baptist Church in 1924 across from the home.

After her death in 1936, the home continued and later became the Sarah Hunt Methodist Children's Home, then it merged in 1971 with the Florida United Methodist Children's Home. One of the cottages for abused and neglected children in need is named the Sarah Hunt Home.

Larry Ruth James Hyde
Sunrise - July 16, 1921
Sunset - March 28, 2016

Larry Ruth James Hyde was born in Camden, South Carolina on June 16, 1921, and died March 28, 2016. Her parents were the late Samuel Walker and Ruth Johnson James. She was the oldest of five children. She was 94 years old. Mrs. Hyde had been a resident of Daytona Beach for over 50 years. After graduating from Mather Academy, she matriculated at North Carolina College for Negroes (now North Carolina Central) in Durham, North Carolina, from which she graduated in 1942. She began her career as a Social Studies teacher at Booker T. Washington High School in Columbia, South Carolina. After a couple of years of teaching she attended Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University) to work on her master’s degree. It was there that she met Paul L. Hyde, a fellow graduate student, and they were married in 1948. Following their marriage, the young couple went to A&M College, Alcorn, Mississippi. After about a year, Mr. Hyde accepted the position of Business Manager at Bethune Cookman College (now Bethune Cookman University) in Daytona Beach, Florida. Although they moved from Daytona Beach to work at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, they returned to Daytona Beach where they had established a home. They were blessed with a daughter, Susan Patricia. Her employment in Daytona Beach was as a secretary at Bethune Cookman university. After a brief employment at Bethune Cookman, she joined the Volusia County School system, initially working at Turie T. Small Elementary school in the library. At this point, her interest in social studies waned and she began studying library science then school media at Syracuse University, Syracuse New York. After completing her certification, she was appointed as librarian at Turie T. Small Elementary.

During the period of integration, Mrs. Hyde was transferred to South Daytona Elementary as Librarian. After a year she transferred to Campbell Junior High School (presently known as Campbell Middle School) where she served as media specialist for 24 years, retiring in 1993. In 1982 she was chosen by staff as the “Teacher of the Year” and in 1985 she received the prestigious Volusia Educators Human Relations Award. As a professional Educator and Media Specialist, Mrs. Hyde membership in professional organizations included the National Education Association, Florida Education Association, Volusia Educators Association and the Volusia Association for Media in Education. She was organizer of the first library Association in Volusia County and a past president. Mrs. Hyde was an avid community worker. She was a member of the National Council of Negro Women, NAACP, volunteered with the Girl Scouts Troop #333, Voter Registration and Census Education. A longtime member of St Timothy Episcopal Church, she held several offices in the church and for thirty years chaired the church annual Unity Day program. Her interest and involvement in the children of the church precipitated her being named the Board of the Learning Center and the Children’s playground was named The Larry R. Hyde playground in her honor. She was an active member of the Episcopal Church women where she served as secretary. Mrs. Hyde was an active member of the Daytona Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She held the office as President and other offices in that Chapter. She also served on the Teen Lift, Jabberwock, Reading for America and the Hats-Off Luncheon committees. Recently, Mrs. Hyde was recognized by the National Grand Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, for 75 years of continuous service in the Sorority. Mrs. Hyde was a charter member of the Daytona Beach (FL) Chapter of the Links Incorporated. She chaired the Links “Rising Stars” during her time.

Charles Wesley Moore
Sunrise - July 22, 1940
Sunset - Sep. 12, 2024

Former Bethune-Cookman University head football coach Charles Wesley Moore Known as “Wesley,’’  was one of the most successful head football coaches in Bethune-Cookman University’s history.

Moore also was the son of Dr. Richard V. Moore, Bethune-Cookman’s third president. 

His brother, Attorney Reginald V. Moore stated, “My brother was a true believer in helping others and shaping young men. Coaching was another avenue for him to do that."

• Inducted into B-CU’s Athletics Hall of Fame
• Charles “Wesley” Moore was born on July 22, 1940, in Panama City, Florida.   
• His family moved to Daytona Beach in 1947 when Dr. Richard V. Moore became the third president of then-Bethune-Cookman College. 
• Moore graduated from Campbell Street Senior High School in 1958. He accepted a football scholarship to Tennessee State University where he was a standout on the team (1958-1961).
• After college, Moore took a job with the water department in Los Angeles. 
• He returned to Daytona Beach in 1966 to join Jack “Cy’’ McClairens’ staff on the Bethune-Cookman football team as an assistant coach. 
• At the time, McClairen was also the head men’s basketball coach, head football coach and athletic director. He decided to focus on being the basketball coach and gave the football coach job to Moore and the athletic director job to Lloyd “Tank” Johnson.  
• After Bethune-Cookman, Moore was head football coach and athletic director at Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma (1977-78) and head football coach at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C. (1983).
• His career coaching record was 30-23-1. In 2012, he was inducted into the Bethune-Cookman University Athletics Hall of Fame.
• He later became a church administrator.

Lynn Thompson is a former Athletics Director of Bethune-Cookman and a former player of Moore’s. Thompson reflected, “As a high school senior with several football offers in 1976, Coach Wesley Moore came into my home and promised me in front of my parents that he was offering me a life-changing experience to attend Bethune-Cookman on a football scholarship. That promise sealed the deal for me.”

He added, “Sixteen years later, I was honored to become leader of the program that he loved so much and led for 30 years. His impact on my life and so many others will never end. I am blessed to have shared these words with him two weeks ago when we spoke on the phone.” 

Reverend George Wesley Raney, III 
Sunrise - April 25, 1945
Sunset - April 5, 2005

Reverend George Wesley Raney, III was born on April 25, 1945, in Newport News, Virginia. He was called to serve at the First Congregational Church in February 1985. His mission was to increase membership, enhance visibility, and improve the church’s perception among the Black citizens in the surrounding community. He identified an issue with the church’s name, First Congregational. Its denominational affiliation, and predominantly white congregation contributed to a disconnect and identity problem with the Black community. He realized that he needed to address the church’s steady decline in membership and give value to a congregation searching for its own identity in the community. By doing so, he was able to grow the church from 20 members to over 250 in less than three years.

In June 1985, the members under his leadership voted to change their church name to Tubman-King Community Church, in honor of two prominent figures in African American history who exhibited excellent leadership and courage during times of extreme duress – Harriett Tubman and Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.” It gradually became an African American church as the racial composition of the neighborhood surrounding the church changed.

Eldredge Van Geter
Sunrise - June 29, 1937
Sunset - June 1, 2024

As a facilities supervisor of the City of Daytona Beach Cypress Recreation Center Eldredge Van Geter exuded sober leadership, a steady and professional demeanor, tremendous organizational skills with a creative can-do attitude that fostered infectious activism and an amazing sense of the basic needs of the Black westside Community in Daytona Beach. He encouraged and facilitated a much depressed and deprived Black community the opportunity and the programming to hone social, cultural, academic, and athletic skills that improved their lives and brightened their futures!

Eldredge Van Geter was an expert recruiter of adult male and female coaches, volunteers, and mentors to oversee and provide guidance to successfully run the plethora of meaningful community activities and programs. Mr. Geter provided leadership in creating and facilitating Economic, Social, Cultural and Academic and Athletic programing for the underserved Daytona Beach African American Community.

Geter’s leadership, resourcefulness, focus, and creative guidance provided the Black families of the Daytona Beach community with the tools for self-help one another and work collectively to improve and round out all aspects of the community.

Mr. Geter’s dedication far exceeded the parameters of his job description. The programs created and facilitated by Mr. Geter helped to partner families with mentors, teachers, coaches, and social organizations to form caring and competent units with a capable sense of village, cohesion, and community.

Eldredge was viewed as a readily available and competent and trusted visionary that seamlessly brought diverse members of the community together, his concepts are still alive and well today, years after he left this area to pursue other challenges in the City of Atlanta! 

Dr. Rebecca Walker Steele
Sunrise - Oct. 18, 1925
Sunset - Jan. 12, 2019

Dr. Rebecca Walker Steele was born in Lakeland, Florida, on October 18, 1925. She began performing at 4 years old, first as a musician in her grandfather's church and later, in secret practice sessions in a high school near the family home. She graduated from Rochelle High School in Lakeland, Florida and went on to receive an Associate of Arts degree in Voice, Piano and Music Education from Florida Memorial College, the Bachelor of Science degree in Voice, Piano & Music Education from Alabama State University, and the Master of Arts degree in Voice, Piano and Choral Conducting from Columbia University. In 1973, she earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Humanities and Music, with a special emphasis in multicultural music and education, from Florida State University. Dr. Steele enjoyed a highly successful career as a choral music director, voice instructor, music educator, vocal performer and cultural arts administrator. She served Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) from 1947-1976 as a Voice Instructor and Director of the FAMU Concert Choir. 

Dr. Steele arrived on the campus of Bethune-Cookman College, now University, in 1976. She served with distinction in various capacities including Professor of Music, Humanities Division Chairman, Director of Cultural Affairs and Director/ Conductor of the world-acclaimed Bethune-Cookman Concert Chorale. An acclaimed academician, choral conductor, concert singer, dancer and piano accompanist, Dr. Rebecca Walker Steele had a distinctive artistic style that continues to be retold by family members, peers, mentors, and countless numbers of students who experienced the genius that exuded from the gentle movement of her hands and the life lessons she packaged in her daily anecdotes.

Dr. Steele and the concert chorale has performed for former United States’ Presidents, various colleges and universities, and scores of churches and organizations throughout the country and overseas. Her fundraising efforts helped to secure scholarship dollars to assist students with tuition and other related college expenses.

Dr. Steele was a member of Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church (Daytona Beach, Florida), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and The Links, Incorporated.