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Today the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5446, legislation introduced by Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) to name a U.S. Post Office in Cocoa in honor of Harry T. and Harriette Moore. The Moores are celebrated locally and nationally as leaders in the modern civil rights movement.

“We will commemorate the Moores’ legacy in a town where Mr. Moore began his service to others as a teacher,” said Congressman Posey. “Both of these fine citizens undoubtedly touched the lives of others with their dedication, integrity, persistence and compassion. This Post Office will serve as a reminder to our community of the important and lasting contribution the Moore’s have made to Cocoa and the nation.”

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 the 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. Mr. Moore died on the way to the hospital, and Mrs. Moore died as a result of her injuries nine days later.

The tragic murder, which cut short the lives of this heroic couple, sparked an even more resounding outcry for civil rights. While serving in the state legislature, Posey helped secure state funding for developing the Moore’s home site and designating it a Florida Historical Heritage Landmark. Brevard County also honored the Moores by naming its Justice Center after them. Posey’s bill will designate the United States Postal Service located at 600 Florida Avenue in Cocoa, Florida as the “Harry T. and Harriette Moore Post Office”.