Congress Names Cocoa Post Office for Harry and Harriette Moore

A Cocoa post office will bear the name of Florida civil-rights legend and martyr Harry T. Moore and his wife, Harriette.

Congress on Wednesday passed U.S. Rep. Bill Posey's legislation authorizing the Moores' names to be affixed to the post office at600 Florida Ave. in Cocoa.

We will commemorate the Moores legacy in a town where Mr. Moore began his service to others as a teacher, said Posey, R-Rockledge. Both of these fine citizens undoubtedly touched the lives of others with their dedication, integrity, persistence and compassion."

In 1934, Harry T. and Harriette Moore founded the Brevard County chapter of the NAACP, which led to a statewide NAACP Conference in 1941. Mr. Moore served as president of the Florida State Conference of NAACP chapters, as well as the founder and executive director of the Progressive Voters League.

As the couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Christmas Eve, 1951, a bomb exploded beneath their home in Mims. Mr. Moore died on the way to the hospital, and Mrs. Moore died as a result of her injuries nine days later. Though numerous suspects were interviewed, no one was ever convicted in the case.

While serving in the state Legislature, Posey helped secure state funding for developing the Moore home site and designating it a Florida Historical Heritage Landmark. Brevard County also honored the Moores by naming its Justice Center after them.