ORLANDO, Fla. — The Central Florida community is mourning the loss of state Sen. Geraldine Thompson, who died Thursday, according to a statement from her family. 

Her family said she died after complications from knee surgery. Thompson was 76 years old. 

Often referred to as a trailblazer, those who knew her said Thompson cared deeply about history, culture and education.

She built a reputation as a historian for compiling the history of African Americans locally. 

She was also a teacher and mentor to many. For CEO and publisher of ONYX Magazine, Rich Black, Thompson's death touches him on a personal level. 

He met Thompson when he was a student at Memorial Junior High, where she taught English. 

“And she would mentor us. And not only mentor, she would tutor after school in English," he said. "And we just thought that she was so queenly in her approach. And she was just, we always, like, looked up to her like we always thought she was a little different, elevated, and we liked that about he."

Thompson worked as a teacher for six years for Orange County Public Schools. She later served for 24 years as an administrator at Valencia Community College, where Black once again crossed paths with her. 

“We sat down, and she says, 'A Black man needs an education, and whatever you need here, you can come to my office at any time. We're going to get you through these two years and then you're going to get to your next two years and you're going to get your four-year degree,'" he said. "And as a result of her, I completed my first two years of doing my AA degree."

Thompson was also a historian and was was instrumental in establishing the Wells'Built Museum of African American History & Culture in Orlando.

“In the realm of museums and museum work, she really is a huge component of our Black history here in Orlando," said Orange County Regional History Center historian Rachel Williams. "And she helped — it really was the lead role in creating the Wells’Built museum, which she helped to save the building itself, which used to be the Wells’Built hotel,” 

She said Thompson’s influence is strong in Central Florida.

“It's incredibly important to have people like Geraldine to really do the work and help continue the legacies of those before us," Williams said. "I think every generation has those people that really fight for their community, and Geraldine’s absolutely one of them, and I hope that that continues by people that are inspired by her."

For Black, Thompson’s legacy will be remembered for generations to come.  

“It's a big loss, but we celebrate her legacy," he said. "We celebrate the losses that she had sewn into us, and we carry that forward and everything that she taught us, everything that she instilled in us. She lives through us now."

Thompson received the 2022 Warrior For Democracy Award from the League of Women Voters of Orange County. Members of the organization remembered Thompson’s legacy.

“It is such a great fortune for us in this community and Florida to have had the benefit of knowing her, benefiting from her advocacy of her convictions and her fight for what's right for not only Orlando and central Florida, but for the state of Florida,” said Lee Rambeau Kemp, the vice president of the League of Women Voters of Orange County.

Spectrum News also reached out to Florida A&M University. In a statement, FAMU College of Law Associate Provost and Interim Dean Cecil Howard said:

“Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law was saddened to learn of the passing of Florida State Senator Geraldine Thompson. Senator Thompson was a force in the education and government communities and a longtime friend and supporter of FAMU College of Law. While her husband, Judge Emerson Thompson, served as the first vice chair of our Dean's Advisory Council and is a current member of the Council, Senator Thompson often accompanied him at College of Law events and programs. We will certainly miss her presence and voice in the community. On behalf of the students, faculty, administrators, and alumni of FAMU College of Law, I extend my condolences to the family of the late Senator Geraldine Thompson.”

The Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture released the following statement on the passing of Thompson:

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of our founder, State Senator Geraldine Thompson. A trailblazer, historian, and champion for justice and equality, her unwavering dedication to preserving African American history and culture has left an indelible mark on the fabric of our community and our state.

Even after founding Wells’Built, her contributions extended far beyond the museum’s walls. Senator Thompson’s illustrious career was marked by her unwavering commitment to public service and her dedication to uplifting underserved communities. As the first African American woman elected to the Florida House of Representatives from Orange County, she broke barriers and shattered glass ceilings, opening doors for others to follow in her footsteps.

Those who had the privilege to know Senator Thompson knew that she was a fighter.

Throughout her years of public service, Senator Thompson continued to advocate for the oppressed and ensured that their stories were inscribed into the history book of Florida. Her advocacy helped increase exposure and funding for African American history arts and culture across Florida, helped establish Florida’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a state holiday, the inclusion of African American history in Florida’s public-school curriculum, the reparations of decedents of those affected by the Rosewood Massacre, the exoneration of the Groveland Four.

As Chairperson of the recent Florida Museum of Black History Task Force, Senator Thompson put in place the foundation for what will be an iconic Museum of Black History, celebrating the life and legacy of countless African Americans here in Florida and across the nation.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Thompson’s family, friends, and all those who were touched by her extraordinary life and legacy. Without Senator Geraldine Thompson, the Wells’Built Museum would not exist. We thank her loving family for sharing her with the world. As we honor her memory, we rededicate ourselves to continuing her work and preserving the rich history she fought so hard to protect.”