state of Florida’ s identity,” she said.“ The profound and enduring tapestry of Black history in the region of the First Coast and St. Augustine is a cornerstone of our history and our story.”
Greg White, president of the West Augustine Historical Community Development Corp., also spoke on behalf of St. Augustine’ s bid, along with Thomas Jackson, president of the St. Augustine Historical Society.
“ We have so much rich history here,” Jackson said.“ We have the place where the Black history museum naturally should be.”
Tera Meeks, St. Johns County Tourism and Cultural Development Director, said the Florida Museum of Black History would be“ a near seamless fit in St. Johns County” and the St. Augustine location“ would certainly provide a cohesive, central location to tie together the many Black history stories and experiences the greater area has to offer.”
St. Johns County Commission Chair Sarah Arnold told the Task Force the county is fully behind the effort to bring the Museum to St. Augustine.
“ Our board is in full support of this project and is committed to any and all resources to make this happen,” she said.
The Florida Memorial University property in St. Augustine was identified as a possible location for the Museum. Florida Memorial College, now operating in south Florida, has sent a letter expressing interest in enabling the sale of some of the land it still owns in St. Augustine for the Museum. The effort to locate the museum in St. Augustine has also gained significant local and regional support which includes the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, JAXPORT, the city of Palm Coast and the City of Jacksonville.
To learn more about the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force visit their site- dos. fl. gov / historical / museums / blackhistorytaskforce.
Aaron London is Editor, The Story of Fort Mose, EVOLVE News. He is also an adjuct professor of digital media at Daytona State College.
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