Reverend Atkins arrived in Winter Haven in 1956, shaping the local faith community and civil rights movement.
Reverend Joel Elvin Atkins arrived in Winter Haven in March 1956, stepping into a role that would shape both the local faith community and the broader civil rights movement. As the longtime pastor of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, he served for 42 years, guiding a congregation that included community leaders such as Althea
Mills, Ann Darby, Lemuel Geathers, Rev. William Fred Leonard, and Herman Mills.
During the early 1960s, Rev. Atkins played a pivotal role in advocating for equality in Winter Haven and beyond.
As president of the Winter Haven Branch and Florida State NAACP, he worked alongside fellow community members to address racial discrimination. He participated in interdenominational and interracial councils that sought to bridge divides and promote inclusivity in the city, Polk County, and across Florida.
One of Rev. Atkins’ most notable contributions came in the fight for school integration. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, segregation persisted in Polk County. In 1963, he supported a lawsuit filed by Winter Haven resident Althea Margaret Mills on behalf of her son, challenging the county’s separate school system. After five years of legal proceedings, a federal court order led to the integration of Polk County schools in 1968.
Beyond education, Rev. Atkins was at the forefront of efforts to integrate local businesses and public spaces. Alongside other community leaders, he helped lead nonviolent demonstrations that opened Winter Haven Hospital, Lake Silver’s beach, the public library, Morrisons Cafeteria, and the Ritz Theater to all residents. His quiet determination also played a key role in desegregating the Polk County Courthouse when he asserted his right to sit where he chose, setting a precedent that ended racial seating restrictions in courtrooms.
Rev. Atkins’ legacy is one of faith, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to justice. The City of Winter Haven recognizes his invaluable contributions during Black History Month, honoring his leadership in shaping a more inclusive community.
