St. Augustine, Fla. – March marks the month of Andrew Young’s birthday. Young was born on March 12, 1932, in New 
Orleans and over his lifetime has greatly contributed to equality in the United States, especially during the Civil Rights Movement. The city of St. Augustine, Fla., celebrates the month of Young’s birthday and his actions are honored through the Journey: 450 Years of the African-American Experience exhibition and through the Andrew Young Crossing Monument in the Plaza de la Constitución.
Young’s professional resume includes pastor of an Alabama church, congressman representing Georgia’s fifth congressional district, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, mayor of Atlanta, and president of the National Council of Churches USA. Young also led the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the Civil Rights Movement. He was a friend and confidante of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Young worked with King to organize non-violent Civil Rights demonstrations, including those in St. Augustine. Young, like King, was jailed in St. Augustine for participating in a Civil Rights demonstration.
“Andrew Young played a significant role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act,” said Dana Ste.Claire, director of the St. Augustine 450th Commemoration. “He overcame a dark time in St. Augustine’s history to bring significant change to our country.”
Young’s contributions were honored in 2012 through the installation of a monument in the Plaza de la Constitución located in the heart of downtown St. Augustine. The monument features the words justice, equality, non-violence and freedom, all words that characterize Young. The monument is placed on the corner of King Street and St. George Street, which is the location where he led a 300-person Civil Rights march. During the protest, Young was attacked multiple times, but he continued marching.
“Explore Andrew Young’s story through the Journey: 450 Years of the African-American Experience exhibition and walk in his footsteps through the Andrew Young Crossing Monument featured in the Journey Passport Program,” said Ste.Claire.
Young continues to serve in organizations that focus on public policy, political lobbying and international relations. Also, he is a member of the St. Augustine 450th Commemoration Federal Commission.
About the Journey Exhibition
The Journey exhibition showcases authentic objects, original documents, powerful photographs and interactive elements that depict the expedition African-Americans experienced from our country’s beginnings until today. The exhibition is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until July 15, 2014. Admission cost includes – $5 for adults, $4 for seniors (60+), $3 for youth ages 7 to 12 and $15 for a family of four. The exhibition is free for St. Johns County residents, youth ages 6 and under, military in uniform and university/college students (with identification). Each exhibition guest receives a Journey passport, which highlights 19 destinations in St. Johns County that feature African-American history. For more information about Journey, visit www.Journey2014.com or call 904.209.4255.
About the St. Augustine 450th Commemoration
St. Augustine is America’s first city, established in 1565. It is a city built on discovery, courage and enduring spirit; it is a city built by pioneers, soldiers, artisans and entrepreneurs. Four and a half centuries later, the city and its people continue to symbolize the rich history and cultural diversity that makes St. Augustine unique. In 2014 the City of St. Augustine is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and a lengthy African-American history. Welcome to the Nation’s Oldest City, and explore our rich history – www.Facebook.com/450th, www.twitter.com/StAugustine450 or www.StAugustine-450.com.
About Florida’s Historic Coast
Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra and 42 miles of pristine, Atlantic beaches. For more information on events, activities, holiday getaway and vacation opportunities in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches, go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com, become a fan on Facebook or call 1.800.653.2489.
Media Contact
Kathy Catron, Director of Communication
St. Augustine Ponte Vedra Visitors & Convention Bureau
904.209.4424, 386-451-4213
kcatron@FloridasHistoricCoast.com
Barbara Golden, Communication Manager
St Augustine Ponte Vedra Visitors & Convention Bureau
904.209.4425 bgolden@FloridasHistoricCoast.com
Journey: 450 Years of the African-American Experience
Contact: Jennifer Zuberer
City of St. Augustine 450th Commemoration
jzuberer@citystaug.com
904.825.1053, 904.460.8763
St. Johns County Visitors & Conventions Bureau
29 Old Mission Ave.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
FloridasHistoricCoast.com
