Drew Dixon
After heavy lobbying from St. Johns County and St. Augustine, Sen. Tom Leek convinced his colleagues in Tallahassee to establish a Florida Museum of Black History in his home district in Northeast Florida.
The Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill (SB 466) sponsored by Leek that would establish the Florida Museum of Black History in West St. Augustine. A state task force recommended the site nearly a year ago.
Sen. Darryl Rouson, a St. Petersburg Republican, said he was thrilled to be honoring African Americans in Florida.
“Understanding Black history is crucial because it’s an integral part of American history and an integral part of Florida history,” Rouson said on the Senate floor. “It’s contributed to the very uniqueness of the state of Florida. It binds the generations and will teach people for years to come.”
Leek, a Republican who represents large portions of St. Johns County, acknowledged the deep and essential history of African Americans in the Sunshine State.
“The story of Florida cannot be told without telling the story of Black Floridians. This bill does just that,” Leek said.
St. Johns County leaders were pushing for the establishment of the museum in St. Augustine for a while. St. Johns County Commissioner Sarah Arnold in a county news release in March said Leek’s efforts were essentially filling a long-held vision for the county.
“I am beyond excited,” said Arnold after testifying before legislative committees in the state capital. “It is another step forward on our journey to make the dream of the Florida Museum of Black History in St. Johns County a reality.”
The Senate bill also would establish a board of directors for the museum while “prohibiting specified members of the board from holding state or local elective office while serving on the board.” It would also require the board to work jointly with the Foundation for the Museum of Black History.
The House (HB 659) companion, sponsored by Rep. Judson Sapp, a Palatka Republican, is awaiting a vote on the House floor.
