Brevard Civil Rights Leader Richard Blake Dies at 91

Richard "Dick" Blake, a pioneering educator and civil rights leader in Brevard County, passed away at age 91, leaving a profound legacy as the first African American principal in Brevard Public Schools post-desegregation. Serving as principal of Cocoa High School for 23 years and as a Rockledge City Council member for 40 years, Blake was deeply respected for his lifelong dedication to education, civil rights, and community service. Born in 1933 to migrant farm workers in Bonaventure, his early life instilled a strong work ethic and commitment to his community, values he passed on throughout his career. Honored with numerous tributes including a park, a stadium named Richard “Dick” Blake Stadium, and a scholarship fund, Blake's impact extended beyond education into sports and civil rights advocacy. His family, including his son Michael Blake, current mayor of Cocoa, received an outpouring of community support following his death. Blake's story is celebrated as a symbol of perseverance, leadership, and the advancement of racial equality in the Space Coast region.