St.Augustine - Civil Rights

Youths demonstrating next to the Slave Market 1964, St.AugustineForty five years ago next month the manager of the St. Augustine's Monson Motel (now the Bayfront Hilton) tossed acid into the pool while youngsters were demonstrating for integration.

David Nolan wrote that in St. Augustine ,"Young people formed the shock troops of the civil rights movement." This was true across the country. Though the press covered Dr.King, Ralph Abernathy and the other leaders in somber suits and ties, it was the youth who were in the forefront as freedom fighters. I particularly like the placard held by the girl above, the one on the right, "Wear Old Clothes With Dignity".

This weekend NPR's Fresh Air Show with Terry Gross has a story on Claudette Colvin and the book,"Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice, by Phillip Hoose". Either listen or read the story but try to read the excerpt from the book without choking up for this brave little girl who was alone.

Here is a link to info on The St.Augustine Four written by David Nolan.