News & UpdatesDr. Robert B. Hayling Receives FDA Special Recognition Award Dr. Robert B. Hayling, D.D.S., !st Lt. USAF Ret. and leader of the St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement received a Special Recognition Award from the Florida State Dental Association, at their 2015 Convention, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Kissimmee, FL, on June 13th at their Awards Luncheon. Many friends, family, and supporters attended this event. Click Here to view pictures. Click HERE to view FDA Video Tribute The Palm Coast African American Cultural Society Honors Ten with the Phenominal Woman Award Gwendolyn Duncan, President Emeritus of the Anniversary to Commemorate the Civil Rights Demonstrations, Inc. (ACCORD) was chosen as one of ten recipients of the 2015 Phenominal Woman Award. The Ceremony was held on June 12th. Click HERE for more information. TEENS WIN SCHOOL AND COUNTY FAIR FIRST PLACE AWARDS FOR EXHIBIT ON THE ST. AUGUSTINE FOUR Two young Middle School Teens from Ormond Beach did research on the St. Augustine Four, a group of courageous teens arrested and sent to reform school for a "Sit-In" at the St. Augustine Woolworth Lunch Counter in 1963. The teens came by the ACCORD Civil Rights Museum seeking more knowledge about the St. Augustine Civi Rights Movement. The teens left so inspired and did an exhibit: winning first place on the school and county fair levels. The teens made a return visit to take pictures of the ACCORD Civil Rights Museum and to share their good news. Their exhibit will now move on to the State Level. We wish them well. ACCORD Civil Rights Museum DONATIONS APPRECIATED While volunteering with the NGC Task Force at the ACCORD Civil Rights Museum, Mr. Eric Mitchell of J & J saw the need for more media equipment and supplied the Museum's need. Many thanks to Mr. Mitchell for his benevolence. We greatly appreciate the volunteer service installation of equipment by Mr. Tim Johnson also of J & J. Great job guys! THANK YOU NGC TASK FORCE VOLUNTEERS FOR HELPING TO PRESERVE HISTORY Many thanks to Mr. Mose Countryman & the Northrop Grumman African American Task Force Volunteers for their service in helping to preserve the Echo House Find Documents during their Volunteer Service Day at the ACCORD Civil Rights Museum. Special thanks also to Mr. Eric Mitchell of J & J for pitching in to help. On hand was Dr. Robert B. Hayling giving everyone some first hand accounts of his experiences during the 1963 -`64 Civil Rights Movement. Northrop Grumman Sponsors Two High School Summer Interns for ACCORD Civil Rights Museum cont. The program was sponsored by the Northrop Grumman Foundation based in Washington, DC. The students were in training for three weeks learning about the Heroes and Heroines of the 1960s Movement. Afterwards, they were able to conduct tours of the ACCORD Civil Rights Movement to tourists and visitors who entered the doors of the museum. The experience was wonderful as expressed by the teens, who also helped out with the ACCORD 8th Annual Freedom Trail Luncheon and were extras in a film production sponosred by the Northrop Grumman Corporation. The film should be out by Thanksgiving. The teens were featured in an article in the St. Augustine RECORD Newspaper which made the front cover. Click HERE to read the article. 7th Annual ACCORD Freedom Trail Luncheon, July 2, 2013 1964 St. Augustine Civil Rights Activist, Joanne Willis, of Indianapolis, Indiana is the Keynote Speaker for the 7th Annual ACCORD Freedom Trail Luncheon. The lunchon will be held at the beautiful and historic Casa Monica Hotel on July 2, 2013: the 49th Anniversary of the Signing of the Landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. We also will be honoring the Heroes and Sheroes of the St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement. For more information, click HERE. Want to donate a page in our Freedom Trail Luncheon booklet? Click HERE. 2013 Recipient of the Dr. Robert B. Hayling Award of Valor, presented by former Florida State Senator Anthony 'Tony' Hill, also the Emcee for the luncheon, TBA soon. City's Highest Honor to be Presented at ACCORD Freedom Trail Luncheon Dr. Robert B. Hayling will be presented the City of St. Augustine's highest honor: The Order of La Florida at the 7th Annual ACCORD Freedom Trail Luncheon, July 2, 2013 at the Casa Monica Hotel. Please click HERE for more information. YMCA of Lauderhill, Florida on the ACCORD Freedom Trail 48 Students and 10 chaperones from the Lauderhill, FL YMCA, on an 8-day College Tour, makes a stop in St. Augustine to visit the ACCORD Freedom Trail. For more information click HERE. Dr. Robert B. Hayling to Receive The Order of La Florida Award from the City of St. Augustine, Florida The highest honor that the City of St. Augustine can bestow upon its citizenry is the Order of La Florida. On January 28th,2013, after a heated debate, the City Commissioners changed the antiquated rules and will give the honor to two nominees. Please click HERE for more information. ACCORD Screening Documentary "Crossing In St. Augustine" for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Come one! Come all! "FREE" Screening of Civil Rights Documentary by Andrew Young Presents on Monday, January 21st, 2-4 PM, 399 South Riberia Street, St. Augustine, FL. Click HERE for more infomation. For St. Augustine RECORD Article, Click HERE. Visit the ACCORD Freedom Trail presented by Northrop Grumman There are 31 markers on the Freedom Trail which tell the stories and mark the sites relevant to the Civil Rights Movement of St. Augustine. Walk along the trail where history was made. For ACCORD Freedom Trail Maps/Brochures, visit the St. Augustine/St. Johns County Visitors Information Center. To Sample the Audio Tour, Click HERE. ACCORD Participating in Birdies for Charity and you can be eligible to Win $5000 for yourself and us. ACCORD will be among charitable groups participating in the Players Birdies for Charity Program: an opportunity for charitable organizations to utilize THE PLAYERS Championship tournament to further their fundraising initiatives. Starting January 7, 2013 and continuing until Wednesday, May 8, 2013, charities will have 4 months to solicit donations. One can guess the number of birdies that will be made at the 2013 PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT. and be eligible to win $5000 for yourself and your charity. For more information and to make a donation, click HERE 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, 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 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
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