ACCORD Freedom Trail
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was contested in Congress until
televised demonstrations in St. Augustine pushed legislators over the edge.
Local activists risked their lives and some lost their jobs and homes to
make it happen. That story is illustrated through a series of local landmarks called
the ACCORD Freedom Trail. The Trail was created by the 40th ACCORD organization
and sponsored by The Northrop Grumman Corporation.
Brochures for the Freedom Trail's self-guided tour are available at the
St. Augustine Visitor Information Center in downtown, St. Augustine.
40th ACCORD
The 40th ACCORD (Anniversary to Commemorate the Civil Rights Demonstrations), Inc.
is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 2003. The group has sponsored many events
to commemorate the heroes of the Civil Rights Movement of St. Augustine, Florida. Their mission
is:
"Remembering, Recognizing, and Honoring all those who risked their lives to attain civil
rights for all and celebrating St. Augustine's
pivotal role in the Civil Rights Act of 1964."
Dr. Hayling's Dental Office
79 Bridge Street
Dr. Robert
Hayling has been called the "father" of St.
Augustine's civil rights movement. In his dental office, he coordinated
demonstrations and provided office space for out-of-town lawyers and
leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Lincolnville Public Library
97 M. L. King Avenue
The Lincolnville Public library was one of the training camps for
civil rights activists. Here, Reverend Thomas Wright trained college students
in nonviolent techniques before they began sitting-in at local lunch counters.
Willie Galimore's House
57 Chapin Street
Willie Galimore, St. Augustine's most famous athlete, returned
here to help with his hometown's civil rights movement. As a Chicago Bears
NFL star, he became the first black registered guest at a white-only hotel
local demonstrators had been protesting.
Janie Price's House
156 M.L. King Avenue
Like many locals, Janie Price offered her home to civil rights
activists who came from out of town to support St. Augustine. Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. and his colleague stayed here the night before their
demonstration and arrest at the Monson Motor Lodge. |