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St. Johns County proclaims Florida Memorial University partner for West Augustine Black History Museum
Summary
St. Johns County read a proclamation recognizing Florida Memorial University as an official partner in the Florida Museum of Black History project and affirmed FMUs return to historic West Augustine. Speakers highlighted FMUs 1968 relocation, civil-rights-era ties, and a countyentered written agreement to host the museum.
The St. Johns County Board read a proclamation recognizing Florida Memorial University (FMU) as an official partner for the Florida Museum of Black History project and affirmed that the university will return to historic West Augustine, county speakers said.
The proclamation was introduced by Speaker 1, who opened by saying, "This proclamation is not just words written on a piece of paper" and declared that "FMU [is] coming back home," adding that "St. John's County has entered into a written agreement to ensure that the Black History Museum will be coming to historic West Augustine." The reading framed the event as both a symbolic and contractual step toward establishing the museum in the neighborhood.
County speakers placed the announcement in historical context. Speaker 2 said FMUs ties to West Augustine run deep: "In 1968, [FMU] was forced to relocate, yet our presence remained here in the land our elders sacrificed for." Several speakers emphasized that, despite buildings being removed decades ago, FMU retained its legacy and connection to the area. Speaker 3 described an arch that once served as FMU's front door, saying it "will now serve as the front door to the milestones and moments of black history that we will celebrate with our entire state."
Speakers also tied the site to the civil rights movement. Speaker 4 stated the location "was a gathering place of courage during the fifties and sixties" and said FMU students and faculty "helped push this nation towards the Civil Rights Act of 1964." The remarks were presented as historical background for why the county and university view the museum project as significant.
At the close of the reading, Speaker 6 delivered a formal proclamation on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, declaring that Florida Memorial University "is recognized as an official partner for the Florida Museum of Black History project." The transcript records the proclamation text but does not record a motion, vote, or further procedural action in this segment.
Speakers urged unity and community partnership as the project moves forward. Speaker 5 said "There is only one thing that is going to be powerful enough to carry us ... That is unity." The reading concluded with the proclamation and celebratory remarks; next procedural steps and implementation details were not specified in the transcript.
