JOURNEY OF FATE
Museum advocates were honored for their efforts to bring Florida’ s Black History Museum to St. Augustine.
Becomes Moment
Recognition of by Kevin M. Briscoe
Two years after a charter bus fire nearly derailed a high-stakes trip to the state capital, 54 community leaders, educators and advocates
were honored April 21 in the rotunda of the St. Johns County Administration Building— a recognition that doubles as a milestone in the campaign to bring Florida’ s Black History Museum to St. Augustine.
Branded by participants as“ We Brought the Smoke,” the ceremony framed the incident not as a setback, but as a turning point.
County Commissioner Clay Murphy called it“ a generational moment,” adding that the slogan“ is more than a catchy phrase, it’ s what happens when people show up, speak up and stay engaged.”
The honorees were en route to Tallahassee on April 19, 2024, lobbying to the site of the proposed museum on the former Florida Memorial College campus. St. Augustine had edged out competing bids from Eatonville, Opa-Locka, and Sarasota, and the momentum was building.
Then came a loud pop. A blown tire sparked an engine fire on Interstate 10, forcing an emergency evacuation. With the assistance from St. Johns Sheriff Robert A. Hardwick, deputies from Baker County transported the group by school bus to Macclenny. No serious injuries were reported. At that moment, the mission could have ended. Instead, it hardened.
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