Reverend Charles Kenzie “C.K.” Steele (1914-1980) was a towering figure in the fight for racial justice in Tallahassee, Florida.
As a pastor, activist, and community leader, he played a pivotal role in the local and national Civil Rights Movement alongside other Civil Rights Leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
His unwavering commitment to equality left a lasting impact on Tallahassee’s Black community and beyond.
In 1952, Steele became the pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, placing him at the center of the city’s growing civil rights struggles. Under his leadership, the church became a hub for activism, hosting key meetings that helped organize the Tallahassee Bus Boycott of 1956. Inspired by the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Tallahassee’s Black residents, including students from Florida A&M University (FAMU), protested segregated bus seating by refusing to ride city buses. Despite threats and opposition, Steele’s leadership in the boycott underscored his bravery and dedication to the cause.
Due to his dedication to the cause, his home and church became targets of the Ku Klux Klan, but intimidation never swayed his resolve.
Beyond Tallahassee, Steele was a founding member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), an organization that united Black leaders in the fight against racial injustice.
As a close associate of Dr. King, he helped coordinate national protests and voter registration efforts across the South. His influence extended far beyond his local congregation, cementing his legacy as a champion for civil rights.
Recognizing his contributions, the Tallahassee bus terminal at 111 W. Tennessee St. was named in his honor, C.K. Bus Plaza. This tribute serves as a reminder of his role in dismantling segregation and advocating for Black empowerment in the city.
His honoring doesn’t stop there. State roads 373 and 371 were renamed in honor of Reverend C.K. Steele in 2019. His son, Darryl Steele, held a dedication ceremony at the corner of W. Orange Ave. and Capital Circle SW, where he showed off the new sign honoring his father.
Even decades after his passing, Steele’s impact remains visible in Tallahassee’s fight for social justice and equality.
Reverend C.K. Steele’s legacy is a testament to the power of faith, courage, and leadership in the face of injustice.
His contributions to Tallahassee’s Black history continue to inspire new generations in the ongoing struggle for civil rights. As the city grows, his name stands as a beacon of resilience, reminding us that the fight for justice is never over.
Reverend “C.K.” Steele died at 66 years old due to cancer in 1980.