Florida's Historic Coast Highlights African American Heritage During Black History Month

Reenactors portray runaway slaves arriving at Fort Mose in Spanish St. Augustine, Florida in the early 18th century (Photo Credit: St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The BEaches VCB)

SAINT AUGUSTINE, Fla., February 1, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) - This February, Florida's Historic Coast is set to honor Black History Month with a series of events and programs that spotlight the African American legacy in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and the Beaches. The region, known for its deep Spanish and British roots, also boasts a profound African American history that dates back to the 16th century, including pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

A variety of cultural celebrations are planned, from art exhibitions to historical reenactments. The Ovico Gallery will feature contemporary African Art, while photographer Lenny Foster at the One Forty Four Gallery will present works celebrating historical black figures. Fort Mose Historic State Park, recognized as the first free Black settlement in the U.S., will host the "Flight to Freedom" event from February 1-3, commemorating those who sought freedom in Spanish Florida.

The Ximenez-Fatio House will offer "I Lived Here, As Well – Together," a narrative experience from the perspective of enslaved individuals on their journey to freedom. Additionally, the Lincolnville neighborhood, a central hub of Black history in St. Augustine, invites visitors to explore the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center and the ACCORD Freedom Trail Project, which highlights 31 historic sites from the local Civil Rights Movement.

Expanding access to these rich historical narratives, Historic Tours of America has added a new stop on its Old Town Trolley Tours specifically to serve the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center.

Music plays a significant role in this month's celebrations, with performances by blues musicians Selwyn Birchwood and John Primer at Café Eleven, and the Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series featuring artists like Common, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, and Keb’ Mo'.

The culinary scene on Florida's Historic Coast also reflects the contributions of Black chefs, including Executive Chef Denzel Aponte at The Reef Restaurant, Executive Chef Lashunta Harris at Prohibition Kitchen, and Chef Tyrone Bennett of the Heart and Soul Food Eatery food truck, known for his philanthropic efforts.

As Florida's Historic Coast commemorates Black History Month, it continues to offer year-round opportunities to engage with African American history through narrated tours, museums, and historic sites. The upcoming launch of a new Black History Tour App promises to further enrich visitors' understanding of the area's heritage.

Located between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida's Historic Coast encompasses the historic city of St. Augustine, the golf and seaside community of Ponte Vedra, the rural charm of Hastings, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches.

For more information on Black History Month events and other cultural offerings, visit www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com.

Source: St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors and Convention Bureau via Newswire