Lincolnville Research Paper

The neighborhood of Lincolnville was established following the Civil War by freed slaves and, is in the oldest city in America, St. Augustine. The settlement was originally called Little Africa, however, in 1878 streets were paved and it became known as Lincolnville after Abraham Lincoln (1). The Lincolnville District is St. Augustine's most well-known black neighborhood and has been a part of many important events in not only African American history, but also St. Augustine and America. Racism and segregation in the South during the late 19th century and early 20th allowed for black businesses to grow and. As the 20th century progressed Lincolnville became an important part of St. Augustine (2). By 1964, the whole world was focused on St.

Augustine. Before it, only whites had the opportunity to improve themselves through education. The school produced important members to St. Augustine and Lincolnville society (16). The Excelsior was built in 1925 and really represented Florida at the time with its Mediterranean style and red tile roof. It was designed by Fred A. Henderich who later went on to become a famous architect established this Floridian and was the president of Florida Architects Association (17). One of the school 's teachers was Edward Davis who played a big part in trying equalize the salaries of white and black teachers in Florida. At one time teachers of minority races would only earn half the money of whites (18). Alumni of the school have made an impact the world. 2 people with major roles in the St. Augustine Movement and civil rights in general was Henry and Katherine. Mr. Twine at one time was president of the NAACP and was the first African American assistant Mayor of St. Augustine. Mrs. Twine was just as relentless and passionate as her husband in trying to promote equality. Mrs. Twine during the St. Augustine Movement was arrested so often she would often keep a bag by her front door with all things in it(19). Football fans should know Willie Galimore and Willie Irvin, who all attended excelsior school and went on to become professional football players. Today the Lincolnville festival was co-founded by Doug Carn another excelsior graduate, who is known internationally for his jazz music. The Lincolnville Festival celebrates the foundation of Lincolnville with music, and dancing. In 1954 the Supreme court ruled that separate but equal is inherently unequal in the case of Brown vs the board of Education. This made segregation of schools illegal. 14 years later in 1968 the Excelsior School closed becoming a government building for the next 30 years