ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Campbell Park is just over 30 acres and holds more than 100 years of Black history in St. Petersburg.

It was the only park Black people could enjoy during segregation. 

“Here in Campbell Park was the home of the Negro Baseball League. Really since the very early 1900s,” said Josette Green, who leads “Hidden Historic Campbell Park: A Revealing Walking Tour.”

In a little under two hours, Green shows the park’s baseball field — home to the Nego Baseball League.

“The teams played in horrid conditions. Things broken down, piles of dirt. The field was not level,” said Green.

Jackie Robinson played at Campbell Park.

“Jesse Owens, at one point, was on a baseball league here. But Jesse Owens also came back in 1941 to race an Austin car to prove the fastest man in the world,” said Green.

The park borders a wall and I-175.

“It’s a highway meant to divide our city from north/south and white/black,” Green said. “This borders the Negro Segregation area which the northern boundary was 6th Avenue. And the city in 1936 wanted every Black person to live south of 6th Avenue. So right now, we are right about that dividing point.”

Green said the tours offer a long view of how racism continues to impact African-Americans.

“I want people to know what actions they can be taking for racial equity in our city,” said Green.

Green hopes an upcoming review of I-175 will offer residents a chance to speak out.

“Our city’s only gonna be a better place when every resident has trust, respect and dignity,” said Green.