Bob Simms Collection at UM

Robert H. Simms is a longtime teacher and activist who helped foster dynamic change for blacks in some of South Florida’s most historic neighborhoods. The Richter Library at UM has an archival photo collection that chronicles his life and legacy this week. Simms recently donated hundreds of his pictures to the University of Miami Libraries, which has made them a part of its Special Collections division.

The Bob Simms Collection includes scores of images taken by Simms of his activities in the black communities of Coconut Grove and Miami. It also features documents, letters, awards, and publications of his personal and civic accomplishments.

An emeritus member of the UM Board of Trustees, Simms was a teacher at the George Washington Carver schools in Coconut Grove and served for 15 years as executive director of the Metro Dade Community Relations Board. He developed the Miami Inner-City Minority Experience for the U.S. Department of Defense and led efforts to create and implement the Inner City Marine Project now known as the Mast Academy.

A special exhibit featuring samples from the Bob Simms Collection is currently on display at the Richter through the end of the month, and a website features samples from the collection. To see it, click here.