St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Florida Memorial University
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, November 24, 2009
1. Florida Memorial University Marker
Founded 1879—Live Oak, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida—1892-1918
St. Augustine, Florida—1918-1968
Miami Gardens, Florida—1968-Present
Students of Florida Normal and Industrial Memorial College, in the early 1960s (soon to be Florida Memorial College—year 1963), provided the initial and necessary spark to the local civil rights bonfire in pursuit of human equality. Through their determined will to make the difference in the movement, en masse, and uniquely guided by Dr. Homer Nicholson, faculty advisor to the campus chapter of the N.A.A.C.P., they left the tranquility of 'moss-hung trees' and the security of the Abraham Lincoln Lewis Archway. The difference they sought was evidenced locally, and through the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, nationally.
Erected 2009 by The Civil Rights Memorial Projects Committee of St. Augustine, Executive Committee: Gerald Eubanks, Chairman; Bernice L. Harper, Vice-Chairman; Rev.
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1964.
Location. 29° 53.261′ N, 81° 21.262′ W. Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County. It is at the intersection of North Holmes Boulevard and West King Street (County Road 214), on the right when traveling north on North Holmes Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 N Holmes Blvd, Saint Augustine FL 32084, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in First Coast and in Greater Jacksonville. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Our Native Son Lieutenant General Ronald L. Bailey (here, next to this marker); Formative Years (a few steps from this marker); Merger-Expansion Years (a few steps from this marker); Civil Rights Movement (a few steps from this marker); College Years (a few steps from this marker); University Years (a few steps from this marker); St. Johns Railway (within shouting distance of this marker); 1074 West King Street (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.
Photographed by James R. Murray, May 19, 2014
2. Florida Memorial University Marker
Additional new marker for the recently completed A.L. Lewis Archway Plaza - dedicated July 14, 2011 - located within the monument grounds
Photographed by James R. Murray, May 19, 2014
3. Florida Memorial University Grounds
The now completed A.L. Lewis Archway Plaza dedicated July 14, 2011
Photographed by James R. Murray, May 18, 2014
4. Florida Memorial University Grounds
Additional view of the signage for the A.L. Lewis
Archway Plaza, dedicated July 14, 2011.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2013, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,140 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 14, 2013, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 19, 2014, by James R. Murray of Elkton, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
