St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Florida Memorial University
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. Willie M. Bolden, General Ronald L. Bailey, Michael McQueen, Jimmie D. Wells, Sr.
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. Marker 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Our Native Son Lieutenant General Ronald L. Bailey (here, next to this marker); St. Johns Railway (within shouting distance of this marker); 1074 West King Street (approx. 0.3 miles away); Zora Neale Hurston (approx. 0.8 miles away); New Augustine Colored Elementary School #36 (approx. 0.9 miles away); Pinehurst Cemetery (approx. one mile away); San Sebastian Cemetery (approx. one mile away); 650 Julia Street (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.
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 1,126 times since then and 282 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.