Sixty years ago, St. Augustine, Florida played a pivotal role in the passage of the American Civil Rights Act. In 2024, more than a dozen St. Johns County cultural organizations have collaborated to present a full month of events and exhibitions to commemorate the Civil Rights era and celebrate the people who brought positive change to the nation.
Numerous free and ticketed events will be held for the public to learn more about the 1960s demonstrations organized by Dr. Martin Luther King and local activists including Dr. Robert Hayling, along with activities that explore five centuries of Black history in America’s oldest city with tours, speakers, film, concerts, and new permanent and temporary exhibitions.
60th ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
JUNE 1 – SEPTEMBER 15 | A Pictorial History of the Black Community in St. Augustine & St. Johns County
The St. Augustine Historical Society exhibits photos from the area’s Black community from the 1940s to present-day.
JUNE 1 – SEPTEMBER 15 | Lincolnville through the Lens of Richard Twine: St. Augustine’s First Professional Black Photographer
St. Augustine Historical Society presents historical photos of the Lincolnville neighborhood captured by St. Augustine’s first professional Black photographer, Richard Twine.
JUNE 5 | Opening of Waves of Change, a permanent exhibition at the Cultural Arts Center at the St. Augustine Beach Hotel
Waves of Changes highlights the history of St. Augustine Beach, from the construction of the St. Augustine Beach Hotel as a WPA project in the 1930s, to the wade-ins that provided impetus for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, surf culture, and more.
JUNE 11 | New & Improved Civil Rights Exhibit at Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center
LMCC updates its Civil Rights movement exhibit with interactive displays, artifacts, and more to illustrate St. Augustine’s fight against segregation and racial discrimination with national impact.
JUNE 11, 18, and 25 | Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center Guided Civil Rights Tour
Learn about St. Augustine’s Civil Rights history with the LMCC’s Guided Civil Rights Tour. Free with registration.
JUNE 12 | History Beach Walk at Butler Beach
Learn about the rich African American history of St. Johns County with a walking tour of Butler Beach.
JUNE 15 | Juneteenth Heritage Luncheon at Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center
The LMCC’s Annual Juneteenth Heritage Luncheon on June 15th features award-winning saxophonist Marcus Click, a conversation with Civil Rights activists from 1964, and a historic prelude on the Excelsior High School 100th Anniversary.
JUNE 15 | Juneteenth Community Festival
Dive into Art, Culture, History, & Entertainment at the Lincolnville Juneteenth Community Festival – food, music, and fun for all.
JUNE 16 | Charlie Cobb at St. Paul AME
The LMCC and St. Paul AME are proud to present Civil Rights activist, author, and former journalist, Charles Cobb.
JUNE 18 | The Arrest of 16 Rabbis Commemoration
The St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society commemorates the 60th anniversary of the arrest of 17 rabbis who came to St. Augustine to join the civil rights demonstrations
JUNE 19 | Marcus Roberts and the Modern Jazz Generation
Marcus Roberts and the Modern Jazz Generation, featuring Jason Marsalis perform a special Juneteenth concert presented by the St. Augustine Music Festival and the St. Johns Cultural Council.
JUNE 21 | Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing & Aquatic Culture Screening
Wade in the Water reclaims the 1,000-year-old tradition of Black surfing.
JUNE 22 | The Battle of Bloody Mose
Experience this historically accurate reenactment of the Battle of Bloody Mose on the historic Fort Mose site and learn of its significance to local, African-American, and US histories.
JUNE 22 | Kyshona with The Little Mercies, Live from The Waterworks
The St. Johns Cultural Council and Gamble Rogers Folk Festival presents Kyshona Trio with The Little Mercies, Live from The Waterworks in St. Augustine, Florida.
JUNE 25 | Sculptor Dana King at LMCC
Nationally acclaimed sculptor Dana King will present a collage of her works at the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center.
JULY 1 | ACCORD Film Festival and Book Signing
Enjoy screenings of civil rights documentaries and meet authors of books covering justice and equality.
JULY 2 | ACCORD Freedom Trail Trolley Tour with historian David Nolan
Visit the sites that played major roles in the civil rights demonstrations of 1964 including churches, meeting locations, homes of key local civil rights leaders, and places where non-violent protesters were attacked.
JULY 2 | ACCORD Freedom Trail Luncheon
The 9th annual luncheon features speakers Senator Geraldine Thompson, Dr. Cynthia Mitchell Clarke, and Crystal Hayling. Ticket price includes admission to the trolley tour.
JULY 21 | Crossing in St. Augustine Screening
Crossing in St. Augustine depicts the experience of Andrew Young and his visit to St. Augustine during the Civil Rights demonstrations of 1964.
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