News & Updates
"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
