Standing on the shoulders of great men

In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson initiated “Negro History Week” and, in 1976, the week-long observance was extended to the entire month of February.

Every February since, I have been able to participate in an event or two where I try to learn one new fact about the role of black families in St. Augustine and St. Johns County. As all of us who grew up here, or lived here in the 1960’s, know, St. Augustine is one of those towns that became a footnote in the history of the civil rights movement.

I often encourage friends and acquaintances to do the same; there is quite a bit of history involving black leaders and everyday families that have made a positive impact on the life we enjoy here today.

Last year, U.S. Congressman John Lewis, who was dubbed one of the “Big Six” leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and challenged segregation at interstate bus terminals as a volunteer “Freedom Rider”, paid a visit to St. Augustine — as did former Lincolnville resident Dr. Robert B. Hayling; who is known as the father of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Hayling has a well qualified opinion on the advancement of black people in St. Augustine — he lived it more than anyone would want; Hayling had his home shot into, killing his dog and nearly hitting his wife, and another occasion, he was kidnapped by the Ku Klux Klan.

Otis A. Mason and Errol D. Jones are natives of St. Augustine — Mason is an Excelsior High School graduate; Jones graduated from Richard J. Murray High School. Both returned to St. Augustine after college and shared their education; Mason as a teacher, principal and instructional supervisor while Jones was a St. Johns County School District social worker.

I respect these men — I recall them when I was teenager, I remember the violent outbreaks during the mid 1960’s and recall occasions when both Mason and Hayling were trying to keep peace; when everyone around them, black and white, were ready to erupt.

What I don’t recall, and don’t appreciate, are the faces of those who were nowhere near St. Johns County during the years of racial unrest, but, hold themselves out today as “experts” and “comrades-in-arms” with those who were.

A recent example comes to mind. A white “expert” was relied on by a local newspaper reporter as an authoritative source for comments that the founding physicians of St. Augustine General Hospital were “segregationists”. I’m not sure if readers are more upset at David Nolan for making the unsubstantiated claim or Peter Guinta and The Record for publishing it — knowing its validity is suspect. Where was David Nolan, or writer Peter Guinta, or editor Peter Ellis, or publisher Ron Davidson in the 1960’s, or in the 1970’s when General Hospital opened?

And, how about the occasion of civil rights giants and local supporters of peaceful change and equal opportunity, meeting to commemorate the 46th Anniversary of the signing of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964? Lewis, Hayling, Jones and Mason were together; sharing fellowship during the July 2, 2010 Freedom Trail luncheon at the Casa Monica Hotel.

The men were here during the 1960’s, they knew the problems of a troubled time in our city. They see the improvements today and stay optimistic for the future. They are modest men who are seeking no fame or publicity for themselves.

So why would a carpetbagger like County Commission Chairman Joseph “Ken” Bryan pop-in for a photo opportunity — as if he was qualified to stand with real men of honor who have earned the respect of their colleagues and neighbors here in St. Augustine.

Where was Ken Bryan in the 1960’s, or in the 1970’s when men with honest reputations and integrity were advancing the conditions of black families — not for themselves, but for their communities?

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer