Recognition of local Civil Rights activists

Historic City News reporters were informed by Gwendolyn Duncan that Civil Rights activists, Lillian Twine-Roberson and the late Esther Burgess, were recognized for sacrifices they made during the 1960’s Civil Rights movement in St. Augustine at the 5th Annual ACCORD Freedom Trail Luncheon.

The luncheon was held at the Casa Monica Hotel, on July 2nd; the 47th Anniversary of the signing of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Mrs. Roberson, sister of former St. Augustine City Commissioner and Vice-Mayor Mr. Henry Twine, graciously accepted her Award in person. The Roberson family’s home was firebombed to the ground, by the KKK, for sending their sons to integrate the then “all white” Fullerwood School. Her family relocated to Jacksonville after that horrific night. A civil rights marker is located at the home site on Gault Street, where only three brick steps remain, as a landmark of the heroism of her family, in the struggle for equality.

Margaret Harrison, along with her companion, flew in from Massachusetts and gladly accepted the Award on behalf of her mother, the Late Mrs. Esther Burgess, wife of the first Black Episcopal Bishop in the United States. Mrs. Burgess came down to St. Augustine with Mrs. Hester Campbell and Mrs. Mary Peabody; the 72 year-old mother of the Governor of Massachusetts. All three women, wives of Episcopal Bishops were arrested along with Dr. Robert B. Hayling for trying to integrate the Ponce de Leon Motor Lodge in 1964. A historic marker is located at 56 Park Place, telling the story of those brave ladies.

There’s an article in The Church Militant: Diocese of Massachusetts Publication dated May, 1964, Volume LXVII, No. 5, entitled, Witness at St. Augustine, by Esther J. Burgess which tells more about her involvement in the St. Augustine Movement.

This Publication, among numerous other personal items was given to the 40th ACCORD, Inc. by the Burgess’ Family.

When asked, what good did we accomplish? Her answer was, “I feel that we have given renewed hope and courage to the local Negroes of St. Augustine…witness reminded the white people…not merely a sectional problem but an American problem…put ‘flesh and blood’ on the pious resolutions we pass at our General and Diocesan Conventions…helped us understand…our problem in Massachusetts”.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by Shirley Williams-Galvin