State and Community Leaders Gather to Honor Past, Build Future with $1 Million State Appropriation

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla., Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- St. Johns County hosted a historic celebration on Sept. 18 to mark the State of Florida's $1 million appropriation for the planning and design of the Florida Black History Museum in West Augustine. The event honored the collective efforts of State and County leaders, community members, and advocates who worked tirelessly to make the project a reality. The St. Johns County Office of Public Affairs produced a video to capture this historic moment.

The $1 million appropriation from the State of Florida represents the first step in planning and designing the museum. County officials and community leaders emphasized that the project is the result of teamwork across all levels of government and society, reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring that Black history is remembered, studied, and celebrated.

The Florida Black History Museum will honor the past while inspiring the future, serving as a lasting symbol of resilience, unity, and pride for all Floridians.

The program began with a welcome from St. Johns County Commissioner Sarah Arnold, District 2, followed by a prayer from Pastor Anthony D. Britton of New Mt. Moriah Christian Ministry. The American Legion Post 194 presented the colors, and St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Remarks were delivered by State Rep. Kiyan Michael, District 16; State Sen. Thomas J. Leek, District 7; Commissioner Sarah Arnold, District 2; Walter Weatherington, Chairman of the Florida Memorial University Board of Trustees; and Greg White, Founder of the West Augustine Historical Community Development Corporation.

Rep. Michael and Sen. Leek presented Commissioner Arnold with a large ceremonial check to commemorate the historic step towards the museum being located in St. Johns County.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say I'd imagined this day many, many times over the last couple of years, as I think many of you have as well," said Sarah Arnold, District 2 Commissioner for St. Johns County. "Together, we have experienced an incredible journey coming to this place. A wild ride, a roller coaster of emotions with highs and lows, ebbs and flows, but through sheer will, determination, perseverance, a whole lot of faith and prayer… we are here."

The program also featured cultural performances, including New Mt. Moriah Christian Ministry leading "Lift Every Voice and Sing," African dance by LaShantz Stevens, and a reading of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech by West Augustine eighth grader Robbi Nimmons. Rep. Michael closed the ceremony with final remarks and the presentation of a ceremonial check marking the $1 million appropriation.

The celebration took place on the grounds of the former site of Florida Memorial University in West Augustine, where generations of Black Floridians laid the foundation for education, equality, and justice.

The museum will highlight the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Black Floridians as an essential part of the state's identity. It will stand as a place for learning, reflection, and inspiration.

"I just hope you take away one thing from today, and that is that this is only possible because of all of us," said Commissioner Arnold. "This is a team effort, a community effort, a regional effort. Today is for everyone. This museum is for everyone. Black history is American history, and we are proud of our Black history in St. Johns County."

For more information about the Florida Black History Museum, visit www.sjcfl.us/florida-museum-black-history.

Get more St. Johns County news by receiving our e-newsletters and learn how to stay informed with accurate, timely information through a blend of community outreach initiatives by the Office of Public Affairs.

Media Contact: Tyler Jarnagin, Public Affairs Manager
Cell: 904-814-9214
Email: tjarnagin@sjcfl.us

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SOURCE St. Johns County