Fred Flowers

Fred Flowers was the first Black athlete to play at Florida State University (FSU). After graduating from Tallahassee’s Old Lincoln High School located in Frenchtown, he chose to attend FSU on an academic scholarship. During Flowers’ time at FSU, he was one of just ten Black students on campus. He also was one of the founding members of the Chi Theta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity at FSU. This was the first African-American Greek letter organization on FSU’s campus.

Off to School

At FSU, Flowers earned a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy in 1969 and then a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning in 1973. In 1979, Flowers graduated from the Levin College of Law at The University of Florida (UF).

Following his graduation from UF, Flowers began his private practice in Tallahassee in 1981. Flowers Law LLC has handled an array of cases involving civil rights, personal injuries, wrongful deaths, wills, probate, and guardianship over the last 40
years. The firm’s mission is to make a positive impact and demonstrate respect while striving for justice for all.

Civil Rights Attourney

Fred Flowers is a trial attorney who has fought for equal rights for clients stemming from his personal experiences in the civil rights movement. His career has focused on holding the government, businesses, and people accountable for individual liberty violations. In 2004, the Integration Statue was unveiled on FSU’s Legacy Walk.

This statue features Fred Flowers, along with his sister Doby Flowers, and Maxwell Courtney. Courtney was the first Black graduate of FSU in 1965, and Doby Flowers was FSU’s first Black homecoming queen. The Integration Statue stands as a
reminder of the barriers that these students fought to break, reminding us
of the progress we have made and the values we uphold today.

In more recent news for Fred Flowers, in 2018, he, along with his sister Doby, co-founded the Civil Rights Institute at FSU. Located in the Gus A Stavros Center, this institute is committed to researching civil rights in America and encouraging social change.