The Green Bench – A Story That Must Be Told

For decades, St. Petersburg’s green benches were marketed as symbols of hospitality—featured on postcards, lining the streets, and welcoming visitors. But for Black residents, these benches told a much darker story. They weren’t symbols of community but of exclusion. Black citizens were forbidden from sitting on them, a painful reminder that they were not welcome in their own city.

I had the privilege of sitting down with St. Pete native Ms. Gwen Reese, who shared a heartbreaking memory. As a young girl, after leaving McCrory’s Store, her feet ached with exhaustion. She turned to her mother and asked, "Mommy, my feet hurt—why can’t we sit on this bench and rest?" Her mother’s painful response: "Because we are not white, and we are forbidden."

This isn’t just history—it’s a reality that shaped generations. Yet, so many today remain unaware of this injustice.

This design was created to shine a light on this painful truth, to spark conversations, and to ensure we never forget the past. St. Pete has come a long way, but real progress means acknowledging the whole story—not just the parts that are easy to remember.

A portion of proceeds will be donated to the African American Heritage Trail, preserving the history of the Black community that helped build this city, despite facing relentless discrimination.

Wear the truth. Honor the past. Keep the conversation going.

To learn more about the African American Heritage trail please visit their website: https://www.afamheritagestpete.com/heritage-trail