50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act Ceremony

Weather Note: If there is inclement weather at the time of the event, then the event will be moved to The Treasury on the Plaza (24 Cathedral Place), which is located next to The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.

The 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act Official City Ceremony recognizes the landmark legislation that forever altered American history. The city-held ceremony will start with opening remarks from St. Augustine Mayor Joseph Boles and a prayer by Reverend Thomas DeSue, pastor of St. Paul AME Church in 1968. Mayor Boles will then read a proclamation, followed by remarks by Chairman of the 2014 Commemoration Advisory Council, Thomas Jackson.

Barbara Vickers, who is a civil rights movement veteran, coordinator of the Foot Soldiers Monument, and 2014 Commemoration Advisory Council member, will speak about the Civil Rights Act. The final words will be said by Dr. Robert Hayling, a St. Augustine civil rights leader.

Following the speakers, there will be a singing of "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around" by Dorothy Edwards, Madeline Holtz, and Carol Holts of the 1964 Mt. Zion AME Church choir. After the song, there will be a laying of a wreath on the Foot Soldier Monument by Mayor Joseph Boles and Barbara Vickers. The closing prayer will be given by Father Tom Willis of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.

Following the ceremony, the nearby church bells will ring 50 times to commemorate each year since the passing of the Civil Rights Act.

Admission: This event is FREE and open to the public.

When? Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 3:30 p.m.

Where? At the Foot Soldiers Monument In the Plaza de la Constitucion near the Government House.