Andrew Young: Crossing in St. Augustine

Priscilla Proctor, Coordinator of College and Public Relations, reported to the St. Augustine local news desk at Historic City News that Flagler College will host civil rights supporter and former Atlanta Mayor and United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young.

Young is appearing for a special presentation and screening of his documentary “Crossing in St. Augustine” on Tuesday, February 9th at 7:00 p.m. in the Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada St.

“Crossing in St. Augustine” focuses on the impact of the civil rights movement in St. Augustine that culminated in a visit by Young at the request of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1964.

Young was a personal friend and fellow advocate of King during that time. He helped galvanize a movement that transformed the nation through King’s famed non-violent approach. Young was a key strategist and negotiator during the civil rights campaigns in Birmingham and Selma that resulted in the passage Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

That legacy caught the attention of Flagler College student Jillian McClure, 20, during her Southern Religious History course. McClure first contacted the Young Foundation because of a research paper for that class, taught by history professor Dr. Michael Butler. She wanted to find out more about the celebrated leader and contacted his foundation via the online social networking site, Facebook.

McClure says she didn’t really expect to get such an enthusiastic and immediate response to her request. She says the foundation suggested presenting “Crossing in St. Augustine” at Flagler College because of the educational opportunities for the community as well as the college. And they were eager to bring the film back to St. Augustine.

“I’m really excited for the doors this could open,” McClure said. The history major plans on studying southern culture and race relations in graduate school, a topic Young has made his life’s work.

College President William T. Abare, Jr., sees this event as an opportunity for the community to learn more about St. Augustine’s impact on the civil rights movement.

“Flagler College is honored to be hosting Ambassador Young for this event and to provide this program to the community,” Abare said.

Young’s bio says he continues to view his professional life through the lens of his first career, that of an ordained minister. His life’s work includes decades of public service in civil and human rights, then as a congressman, U.N. ambassador and mayor. He has been recognized for his leadership of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, his advocacy for public purpose capitalism and the establishment of the Andrew J. Young Foundation.

Young will travel to St. Augustine with his wife, Carolyn Young, who is vice chair of the foundation, as well as an admired educator, public servant and philanthropist, and his daughter, Andrea Young, who serves as executive director of the foundation and is an ardent civil rights supporter.

This event is free and open to the public; reservations are not required. However, seating is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors will open one hour prior to the event, and tickets will be handed out until the auditorium is full.

Please note, backpacks and large bags will not be allowed inside the auditorium and attendees are subject to search. Ladies, please limit your handbag to no larger than 10 inches by 10 inches.

For more information, please call (904) 819-6400.