Community members honored for their efforts to bring Florida’ s Black History Museum to St. Augustine
“ With the wheels literally falling off, they chose to keep going,” said Howard M. Holley Sr., Board Chair of the Foundation for the Florida Museum of Black History.“ No fatalities, no injuries, no one turned back and the museum is coming to St. Augustine.”
That resolve translated into results. In September 2025, the state allocated $ 1 million for planning and design. A month later, the St. Johns County Commission unanimously approved a ground lease agreement with Florida Memorial University Foundation Inc., securing the former campus as the museum site.
Legislation to formalize governance is still in motion. The Florida Senate passed SB 308 establishing a Black History Museum Board of Directors, though the House companion bill stalled in committee.
Greg White, president of the West Augustine Historical Community Development Corp., addresses the gathering
For organizers like Greg White, president of the West Augustine Historical Community Development Corp., the recognition underscores a broader message:“ The deck was stacked against us,” White said.“ But we are unstacking it. Every journey starts with one step.” E
Kevin M. Briscoe is a freelance writer and communications strategist based in St. Johns, Florida. His byline has appeared in more than 250 publications across the U. S., including Forbes, Newsweek and Black Enterprise.
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