Black History Month on Florida’s Historic Coast

Florida’s Historic Coast is well-known for its long Spanish and British history, but it holds a significant place in African American history too.

It spans centuries, from the arrival of black Spanish soldiers in the 16^th century and the country’s original Underground Railroad in the 1700s to the birthplace of the first African American college graduate in 1824.

This goes all the way to historic protests and sit-ins by Black activists including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 1960s.

In February, Florida’s Historic Coast recognizes Black History Month with a host of events and programs.

Celebrate Black art at galleries in St. Augustine. The Ovico Gallery, a space dedicated to showcasing contemporary African Art, this week hosted their Black History Month Kickoff Event  with fine art, live music, food and live poetry readings.

Photographer and artist Lenny Foster showcases photography that tells the story of historical black figures through a modern lens. Check it out at his One Forty Four Gallery .

The Crisp-Ellert Art Museum at Flagler College hosts cultural and historical exhibitions to expand students’ artistic knowledge. Through February 21, the gallery will host “Golden Thread” by New York artist Ilana Harris-Babou. The Crisp-Ellert Art Museum then welcomes Artist-in-Residence Raheleh Filsoofi through February 9.

Lectures, cultural events and museums offer an array of activities, from lectures to historical reenactments. Fort Mose Historic State Park, the first free Black settlement in the United States, recognizes those who made the perilous journey to Spanish La Floride with Flight to Freedom. The event features tours and culinary and military demonstrations.

Head to downtown St. Augustine for the moving “I Lived Here, As Well – Together,” at the Ximenez-Fatio House. This historical performance offers a first-person perspective of an enslaved man and woman, from enslavement to freedom. This program is offered every Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning beginning February 8 through the end of the month.

The Lincolnville neighborhood is the epicenter of Black history in St. Augustine. Visitors interested in its history can visit the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center or walk the ACCORD Freedom Trail Project, which consists of 31 historic markers located at various sites significant to the St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement. A cell phone audio tour is available by calling 904-335-3002.

Black musicians are taking center stage in February. Café Eleven welcomes John Primer, former bandmaster and lead guitarist for the legendary Muddy Waters, on February 25.

The Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series returns for two weekends, February 8 through February 17, and boasts performances by heavy hitters like Common, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Keb’ Mo’ and more. Live from the Waterworks, a series presented by the St. Johns Cultural Council and Gamble Rogers Music Festival, welcomes Grammy-nominated musician and songwriter Jontavious Willis on February 17.

Florida’s Historic Coast is a playground for foodies looking for unique and delicious experiences. Executive Chef Denzel Aponte creates seafood specialties at The Reef Restaurant; the menu of Prohibition Kitchen features Southern comfort and bar dishes with a twist, crafted by Executive Chef Lashunta Harris and her team.

Renowned local chef Tyrone Bennett is known for his philanthropy as much as his killer soul food at his food truck and brick and mortar, Heart and Soul Food Eatery. Growers Alliance Café and Gift Shop sources fair trade, pesticide-free coffee from around the world, serving a selection of beverages, whole beans and health baked goods. Don’t miss the food trucks. Chef Ibrahim Mahem churns out delicious Tanzanian cuisine at his African Love Kitchen, while The T.R.E.N. in West Augustine, with chef Natalya Axen at the helm, delivers fried specialties and soul food classics.

Narrated tours, museums, historic sites, special events, concerts and self-guided walking tours provide opportunities to experience the rich history of the black experience in the Oldest City throughout the year.

Learn more at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com. 

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