Florida’s Hidden Cold War

For nearly a decade, the Florida Legislature founded, funded, and supported the Johns Committee—an organization using the cover of communism to viciously attack marginalized groups in the Sunshine State. Spearheaded by Charley Johns, a multi-term politician in a gerrymandered legislature, the Committee was determined to eliminate any threats to the state’s conservative regime. Investigative journalist Robert W. Fieseler joins us to share his exposé on his research into a secret trove of primary source documents that have been decoded for the first time in history, unveiling the truths about the Johns Committee and a vicious past that would prefer to be left undisturbed. American Scare dives into the history of Florida’s secret Cold War against Black and queer students and educators: a riveting account for those who want to understand the process by which history is preserved—and the ways the past impacts the present.

If you are unable to attend the event, but would like to purchase one or more signed copies, please visit Buxton Books here.

About the Book

About the Author

Robert Fieseler is a journalist investigating marginalized groups and a scholar excavating forgotten histories, with a special focus on the American South. A National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association ‘Journalist of the Year’ and recipient of the Pulitzer Traveling Fellowship, his debut book Tinderbox won seven awards, including the Edgar Award, and his reporting has appeared in Slate, Commonweal and River Teeth. Fieseler’s second history book, American Scare: Florida’s Hidden Cold War on Black and Queer Lives, was a J. Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Award finalist. He is pursuing a PhD at Tulane University as a Mellon Fellow and lives with his husband on the gayest street in New Orleans.