News & Updates
Spreading Christmas Cheer
We had a great time at the ACCORD Christmas Party. Many thanks to those in attendance. A special thank you to Mrs. Cora Tyson, "Housemother to the Civil Rights Movement" & Friends for the great holiday "treats". A "love box" and Publix Gift Card was distributed to a family in need in the Lincolville area: who was so thankful. ACCORD Members are the best. God bless you all for your volunteerism: giving of your time, talents, and financial donations throughout the year to help continue our mission. Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
FT Mentioned in TravelSmart Newsletter
In the City Insider Report, St. Augustine, Florida (Part 1), July 15, 2012, SJC resident Nancy Moreland, of Convey MORE Communications, Inc. and TravelSmart correspondent, recommends that travelers to St. Augustine visit our ACCORD Freedom Trail. Money Magazine has called TravelSmart the 'best newsletter for travelers on a budget'. To learn more about the Travel Smart Newsletter, click HERE.
To View A Letter of Thanks and Poem by Delores Miller Parks: Civil Rights Activist and Heroine of the St. Augustine Movement, Click HERE
Whose Hat Is It? Click HERE.
ACCORD 6TH Annual Freedom Trail Luncheon A Huge Success
This was the 6th year of the ACCORD Annual Freedom Trail Luncheon presented by the Northrop Grumman Corporation. The last five luncheons were held at the Casa Monica Hotel. This year ACCORD wanted to do something a little different by having the luncheon at Flagler Colleg's historic Ponce de Leon Hotel Dining Hall: the scene of numerous civil rights actitivies during the 60s Movement of St. Aguustine led by Dr. Robert B. Hayling, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. It was indeed a huge success. To read about the event, please click HERE. To view the video of Taylor Branch, keynote speaker's speech, click HERE.
Want to be a part of history and be in our 6th Annual ACCORD Freedom Trail Luncheon Booklet? click HERE
FOR CURRENT PRESS RELEASE: Click HERE
Former Florida State Senator the Honorable Anthony C. "Tony" Hill 2012 BCU Commencement Speaker Receives Honorary Doctor of Law.
Former Florida State Senator the Honorable Anthony C. "Tony" Hill was the 2012 commencement speaker for Bethune Cookman University.. Hill addressed the graduating students and received an honorary degree of Doctor of Law. Please click HERE for more information. Photo click HERE.
Dr. Hill will be the Master of Ceremonies for the 6th Annual ACCORD Freedom Trail Luncheon. For Flyer click HERE.
ACCORD Volunteers at TPC to benefit Save Africa Global, Inc.
A special thanks to ACCORD Members Purcell & June Conway. Elizabeth, Dalonja, Priscilla, Zebulun, and Gwendolyn Duncan for volunteering their time and talents on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the 2012 Players Championship at Sawgrass to benefit the Save Africa Global, Inc.
Northrop Grumman ExecutivesTour the Freedom Trail
Executives from as far away as Redondo Beach, CA including Rick Matthews and others from the St. Augustine Plant toured the Freedom Trail with David Nolan as guide on Thursday, May 10th. A special thank you to the St. Augustine Old Town Trolley Tours for their great generosity and hospitality. To view Spotted photos by Shirley Williams-Galvin, click HERE.
"Spruce Up" of Historic Twine Street House a Huge Success
The Northrop Grumman Corporation sponsored the 'spruce up' of the historic house at 177 Twine St. on March 9th, 2012. The house looks like new money and has been transformed in two days.
Thank yous to Lambert's Nursery, Home Depot, the NGC volunteers, Kenneth Ginn, Marcus Ginn, Mrs. Michael Gallen, Flagler College students from SIFE, and the Black Xperience Group, who came out to help on Friday and Saturday. Many thanks to the ACCORD Volunteers as well. GREAT JOB EVERYONE!
This is the future office building of the 40th ACCORD, Inc. If one would like to help with this project or make a donation, please call Liz (904) 347-1382 or Email: gwen062856@aol.com
"Historic House Needs Tender Loving Care"
The house at 177 Twine Street in St. Augustine, Florida needs some TLC. Want to help bring this house back to life? Then join us on March 9th, 9AM - 12 Noon for a "spruce up". Click HERE for more information.
"Sweat Box" Did Not Deter Her From Singing Songs of Freedom
Arrested and jailed during a "Sit-In" at the Woolworths Department Store, she was placed in a 'sweat box' because of her refusal to stop singing songs of Freedom. Click HERE to read more about this Unsung Shero of the 1963-`64 Civil Rights Movement of St. Augustine, FL
Gwendolyn Duncan Guest Speaker for EWLI Rountable
Gwendolyn Duncan was the Guest Speaker for the Enterprising Women’s Leadership Institute, Inc.’s February Leadership Roundtable which focused on Civil and Human Rights: “Women as Civil and Human Rights Leaders – Past, Present and Future.” Click HERE for details. To read Ducan's Speech online, click HERE.
Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Struggle for Freedom in the Nation's Oldest City
The 40th ACCORD will present a documentary film, "Dare Not Walk Alone", by former Flagler College alumnus Jeremy Dean, to any and all students of St. Johns County, at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at the Willie Galimore Community Center. Refreshments served.
We need volunteers to assist with seating, student decorum, and refreshments. Please call Gwen at (386) 283-4055 if one would like to volunteer for this worthwhile community service. One may also E-mail Gwen at: contact@accordfreedomtrail.org
The 40th ACCORD, Inc.'s 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 passage of the Landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. This is one more aspect in educating the public on one of the greatest events that took place in American History during the 20th Century: particularly the Movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Robert B. Hayling, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, in 1963-`64. For more information on the film, please visit: http://darenotwalkalone.com/ or Click HERE for Historic City News Article.
ACCORD 6th Annual Freedom Trail Luncheon Plans Underway
Plans are underway by ACCORD to commemorate the 48th Anniversary of the Signing of the Landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, at the 6th Annual Freedom Trail Luncheon which will be held on July 2, 2010 @ 11:30 AM, at the Historic Ponce Dining Hall, at Flagler College. Keynote Speaker will be Taylor Branch: an American author and public speaker best known for his land-mark narrative history of the civil rights era, America in the King Years. For more information click, HERE.
ACCORD CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 19TH
All Members, friends, and volunteers of ACCORD are Cordially Invited to Attend our Christmas Party 6 PM-until on Monday, December 19th at the ELKS Rest, 100 Washington St., St. Augustine, FL. Goodies prepared by Mrs. Cora Tyson & Company, festive music by DJ Richie Rich, dancing, games, & gifts. RSVP to Gale at: 904 823-9688 or via Email: serendips@bellsouth.net
FREEDOM TRAIL AUDIO CELL PHONE TOUR SIGNS INSTALLED
All Freedom Trail Audio Cell Phone Tour Signs have been installed on each of the ACCORD Freedom Trail Markers. Although the signs are up the Audio on the Trail, on some stops, are still under construction. All persons dialing into telephone number (904) 335-3002 will receive a Welcome Message. By keying in the STOP # one will receive an additional message telling more about the significant civil rights history that took place at that particular site. One may hear personal accounts given by Civil Rights Activist who participated in the 1963-`64 CRM led by Dr. Robert B. Hayling, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. For a Preview of the ACCORD Freedom Trail Audio Cell Phone Tour, Click Here.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SCHEDULED FOR ATTORNEY RALPH J. TEMPLE
You are invited to attend a celebration of Ralph J. Temple’s life and work at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 30 at Different Israel synagogue in Washington, D.C. who passed away in Ashand, Oregon on August 27 following a battle with congestive heart failure. To view Obituary click HERE. For more information on Attorney Temple's St. Augustine Connection, click HERE.
MRS. RENA AYERS, "Housemother to the Civil Rights Movement" turns 107 ON OCTOBER 10th, 2011
Mrs. Ayers loves flowers and cards. If one would like, please send them to 120 Dehaven St., St. Augustine, FL c/o Mrs. Shirley Garvin.
CIVIL RIGHTS GIANT REV. FRED SHUTLLESWORTH PASSES
The Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, who helped lead the civil rights movement, has died, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute said Wednesday. He was 89. Click HERE for more in formation..
DR. JOSEPH T NOLAN PASSED
David Nolan's father, Dr. Joseph T Nolan, passed away, peacefully, on Wednesday, October 5th, 2011, at the age of 91. Dr. Nolan was a former adjunct Professor for many years at Flagler College. Please send condolences to David's home at 30 Park Terrace, St. Augustine, FL 32080 or one may contact David via email: saveourhistory@comcast.net
Our Deepest Sympathies go out to the Family of the Late Dr. Joseph Nolan. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless them with strength and comfort as they celebrate the life and mourn the passing of their dear loved one. A Memorial Service is planned at a later date. To view Obituary click HERE.
STETSON KENNEDY REMEMBERED AT MEMORIAL SERVICE
“He was an uncommon man and an uncommon father,” Loren Kennedy said. “All his conversations were serious...He taught me to think at 30,000 feet,”... Read more HERE.
DAN WARREN REMEMBERED AS CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCATE
"Dan Warren played an integral role in the passage of the Landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964...", writes James Harper of the Daytona Times. To read more click HERE.
FORMER FLORIDA STATE SENATOR ANTHONY HILL TO BE HONORED
Former Florida State Senator Anthony "Tony" Hill will be honored by Bethune Cookman University on September 28, 2011. Click HERE for more information
KEEP GALI MORE CENTER OPEN!
Gwendolyn Duncan and Sharyn Coley representing the Willie Galimore Recreational and Educational Programs Advisory Board presented a Proposed Operational Plan to keep the Willie Galimore Center open, during the City of St. Augustine Commission Meeting. Read all about it HERE. Please see pictures of Ft. Mellon Park in Sanford, FL for examples of what can be at the Eddie Vickers/Little Links Fields HERE.
FORMER STATE ATTORNEY, CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, & AUTHOR DAN R. WARREN HAS PASSED AWAY
ACCORD sends condolences to the family of the Late Dan R. Warren who passed away Sunday evening, September 18th.As one may know, Dan, amongst his many accomplishments, is the author of, "If It Takes All Summer; Martin Luther King, the KKK, and States' Rights, In St. Augustine 1964.He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched; especially his family and friends who lovedand cared forhim so very much.
Dan and his wife participated in many ACCORD events over the past few years.Dan also was our Keynote Speaker for the 1st Annual ACCORD Freedom Trail Luncheon, 2007, Train the Trainer Workshop Participant for the teachers of St. Johns, County, interviewed in Andrew Young Presents, "Crossing In St. Augustine" documentary, etc . Dan was elated to know that former Governor Crist and his Cabinet had exonerated the Civil Rights Demonstrators of the St. Augustine Movement.He had me to contact Sheriff Shoar's office to let them know that he would assist them in any way that he could with the process.It was a privilege and an honor to have met and known Attorney Dan, his lovely wife Judge Stasia Warren, and his family. For more Information
CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, STETSON KENNEDY DIES AT 94
ACCORD sends condolences to the family of the Late Stetson Kennedy who died on August 27, 2011 at Baptist Medical Center South in Jacksonville, Florida, where he had been in palliative care for several days. Stetson was a longtime friend of ACCORD and participated in numerous events.
On November 24, 2006, a 90 year old Stetson Kennedy was wed to Sandra Parks. As you may recall, Parks and Kennedy met through ACCORD, when she came to Beluthahatchee to interview and recruit him for the 40th Anniversary Celebration.
On April 6, 2005, ACCORD accompanied Stetson to Tallahassee, Florida where he inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.
According to his web site, Kennedy's stated wishes were that upon his death there be a party held rather than a funeral; therefore, there will be a luncheon on October 1, 2011 (four days before Kennedy's 95th birthday) at Kennedy's homestead, Beluthahatchee Park, followed by a memorial celebration tentatively scheduled at 2pm. For More Information
CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, HATTIE WHITE DIES AT 84
ACCORD sends condolences to the family of the Late Hattie White who passed away June 4, 2011. Hattie White was the mother of one of the St. Augustine Four and a civil rights activist along with the rest of her family. Read more on her and her family's courage and bravery HERE
5th ANNUAL ACCORD FREEDOM TRAIL LUNCHEON
The 5th Annual ACCORD Freedom Trail Luncheon was held Saturday July 2, 2011 11:30AM at the Casa Monica Hotel. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Dorothy Cotton, Special Guest Speaker Sonya Y. Plummer.
GOVERNOR CRIST EXONORATES FREEDOM FIGHTERS
ACCORD members were on hand in Tallahassee, Florida as Governor Charlie Crist exonerated the Freedom Fighters of the St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement. To read about it in our December Newsletter, click HERE. or to read the news article.
DR. HAYLING'S SPEECH AT THE CAPITOL
The Florida Conference of Black State Legislators' sponsored a Black History Program, 6 PM, February 16th, at the House Chamber, 4th Floor of the Capitol Building in Tallahassee, FL .Dr. Robert B. Hayling, leader of the St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement was the Keynote Speaker. More Information
ACCORD FREEDOM TRAIL MARKER UNVEILING
Sunday, February 27, 2001, @ 2PM, ACCORD will be at 81 Bridge Street, the home of Cora Tyson for a Marker Unveiling Ceremony and Presentation of the Kelly Tourist Home sign to ACCORD to be displayed at the Civil Rights Museum of St. Augustine. More Info
CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM COMMITTEE
Chairman Mr. Richard P. Burton, Sr.,Vice-chairman Mr. J. T. Johnson announced the next meeting for the St. Augustine Civil Rights Museum Committee will be held on April 29, 2011 @ Noon, at the Main Branch of the SJC Public Library, St. Augustine, Florida; Followed by June 2 meeting at 6PM at St. Paul AME Church, St. Augustine. Please email Elizabeth Duncan, Secretary for meeting information: EMAIL: gatorchic127@aol.com
