The Anniversary to Commemorate the Civil Rights Demonstrations, Inc. (ACCORD) was envisioned in 2002 after the interment of one of the Black Community’s Civil Rights Sheroes, Mrs. Katherine Twine. On that December afternoon, a few people gathered at the South Seas Restaurant to have lunch. Those in attendance talked about the upcoming 40th year anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.‘s visit to the Nation’s Oldest City leading a nonviolent campaign against segregation and discrimination. Those in attendance discussed the possibilities of having some type of celebration or commemoration. One person in particular left with a mission: to get the job done.
David Nolan, local historian contacted a person with whom he thought might be interested in helping and gave an instruction to that person to put a thinking cap on. From that humble beginning, the ball started rolling and the 40th ACCORD, Inc. is a result. A group of committed citizens organized and became incorporated in January, 2004. Since our inception, we have sponsored many events and participated in numerous activities to bring recognition and honor to the many Heroes and Sheroes of the Civil Rights Movement of St. Augustine, Florida. Our mission is to remember, recognize, and honor all of those who risked their lives to attain civil rights for all and to celebrate St. Augustine’s pivotal role in the passage of the Landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The ACCORD Freedom Trail is one of our greatest tasks to date. Through the generosity of the Northrop Grumman Corporation, Phase I and II of the ACCORD Freedom Trail has been launched. The first ten markers on the trail were unveiled in 2007 and the next ten were unveiled in 2008. Our goal is to increase the nation’s awareness of one of the greatest events that took place in American History. With the aid of the faithful few committed citizens, our Senior Advisors, Dr. R B Hayling & Attorney Dan R. Warren , our sponsors and supporters, we will continue to press onward and upward. We’ve come this far by faith!