Rockledge Mourns Dick Blake: A Legacy of Service and Leadership

Rockledge, USA - Richard K. “Dick” Blake, a monumental figure in Rockledge, passed away on June 3 at the age of 91. A lifelong resident and the grandson of freed slaves, Blake embodied a fierce commitment to public service, education, and community advancement throughout his remarkable 40-year career in leadership. As the longest-serving Councilman in the city’s history, he began his tenure on the Rockledge City Council in 1976 and continued until his retirement in 2016. This unparalleled service earned him the title of Chairman Emeritus in 2014 for his exceptional work as Council Chairman, forever transforming Rockledge and Brevard County for the better.

Blake’s contributions extended far beyond the council chambers. He was born in 1933 in Bonaventure, Brevard County, to a family of ten that placed great value on education—an ethos that clearly shaped his own life. He was the seventh of ten children, with eight of his siblings earning college degrees. He attended Claflin College and later obtained master’s degrees from Columbia University and Florida A&M University. Blake excelled athletically, playing football, baseball, and basketball at Monroe High School, and later took his talents to coaching there for 11 years. His impact on the school’s community echoes even louder as he became the first African American principal in Brevard County at Cocoa High School, a role he took up in 1979.

A Legacy of Integration and Education

Blake significantly contributed to the integration of Brevard County’s public school system, a challenging task amid the tumultuous backdrop of the civil rights movement. His leadership as principal came at a crucial time, closely reflecting broader struggles against segregated education occurring across the United States. As noted in historical accounts, the journey toward desegregated education was fraught with challenges, and leaders like Blake were pivotal in making strides against the injustices wrought by the „separate but equal“ doctrine established by the Supreme Court’s ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896 and perpetuated through subsequent Jim Crow laws. The importance of such leadership cannot be overstated in shaping a more equitable system of education for all students.

In recognition of Blake’s tireless dedication, the City of Rockledge named the former Community Park as „Dick Blake Park“ in 2012, while in 2018, Cocoa High School’s stadium was also renamed in his honor. These tributes reflect his profound influence not only on educational environments but also on the manner in which civic pride is celebrated in the region. The accolades continued with a proclamation declaring February 6th as Richard K. “Dick” Blake Day in 2022, a fitting testament to the man’s legacy.

Community Mourning and Commemoration

Blake was undoubtedly a local legend; he leaves behind a legacy enriched by numerous contributions to civil rights, education, and community spirit. He was honored with the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Service Award from Brevard Democrats in 2015, further underscoring his commitment to civic duty. A wake is scheduled for June 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Cocoa, followed by a homegoing service planned for June 13 at Richard “Dick” Blake Stadium at Cocoa Jr./Sr. High School.

Blake’s familial legacy also continues through his three children: Cocoa Mayor Michael Blake, Sheralyn Blake-Jenkins, and Mark Blake, who all embody the spirit of community dedication that their father championed. His life serves as a reminder that hard work and a good hand can lead to powerful changes that ripple through generations.

As the community reflects on the impactful life of Richard K. Blake, we are reminded that his journey—from a grandson of freed slaves to a beloved public leader—does a good deal in reminding us of the importance of individual greatness in fostering collective progress.