"What makes this case significant both from Florida history and the national perspective is that Florida became the first state to engage in massive resistance against federal orders and federal mandates and it became part of a pattern across the South that really did not see its end until George Wallace was removed from the steps of the University of Alabama. But Florida started it first in what essentially became a Fort Sumter of a second Civil War in this country and it was part of a coordinated effort which is important to understand when we look at this Court and what had happened during that history.", excerpt from Harley Herman's May 25, 1999 presentation at the Florida Supreme Court's ceremonial session honoring the fiftieth anniversary of the lawsuit brought by Virgil Hawkins. This Florida Supreme Court ceremonial session is most likely the "1999 formal apology" that FSU President John Thrasher and his advisory panel are referring to in their decision to rename B.K. Roberts Hall.

"But in addition to those that I did mention, there are two that I must highlight. We must never forget Virgil Hawkins . (Applause.) He simply desired to fulfill a dream of attending the University of Florida School of Law only to be denied by a statewide system of bigotry time and time again simply and solely because of his race. But despite the blatant bigotry his spirit and his resolve held firm and is part of the foundation upon which we all stand on this day.", excerpt from Eugene Pettis' speech delivered at his 2013 swearing-in ceremony as the first African-American president of the Florida Bar.

(February 2016 emails - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Kelly (February 2, 2016 at 09:49 pm): I would like to get a copy of your PBS movie on Virgil D. Hawkins, "A Lawyer Made In Heaven". I've looked on the Internet to buy one and all I see is that it is at various libraries. Do you still have some left over somewhere which you could sell to me?

Dubin (February 3, 2016 at 09:47:15 -0500): Thanks for your e-mail.  The video isn't on sale, but let me know your interest in the video.

Kelly (February 3, 2016 at 03:10 pm): I have seen video excerpts and printed quotes from this video which I believe can be quite easily disproven so I would like a permanent copy for myself. Did you yourself do the fact checking for this video before you released it to all the law schools in the country?

Dubin (February 3, 2016 at 16:00:53 -0500, the last email I received from Dubin.): Tell me what you consider to be inaccurate  I would really appreciate getting that information.

Kelly (February 4, 2016 at 12:42 am): (A long list of cited errors in the PBS video about Virgil D. Hawkins which Dubin did not reply to thus ending our email exchange. Click below on "More info" to view the cited errors.) 

Kelly (February 15, 2016 at 11:22 pm): Have you begun researching the errors that I have cited regarding the PBS video? Have you made any determination on the errors that I have cited regarding the PBS video? The U.S. Supreme Court reports clearly refute the claim that the U.S. Supreme Court had ordered Hawkins' prompt admission? Do you at least agree on that one?

"Please join us for the unveiling of The Legacy of Virgil D. Hawkins , an innovative new multi-media exhibit about the struggle for equality at the University of Florida. This casual reception during UF's Black Alumni weekend will include light refreshments and a brief program, and will be held 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, on the ground floor of the Lawton Chiles Legal Information Center (library) at the University of Florida Levin College of Law."