During the summer of 1964, the shores of St. Augustine beach became a pivotal battleground in the fight for civil rights. Integrationists staged peaceful “wade-ins,” a means of nonviolent protest, at segregated hotel pools and beaches. Civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., attended the demonstrations, which captured national attention and ultimately led to the integration of public recreational spaces in St. Augustine.
At our Foundation, we are committed to breaking down barriers to accessing wild Florida, ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to experience the joys of the outdoors. This Black History Month, we honor the legacy of those who fought for equality and recognize modern leaders making outdoor access a reality for all.
We’re proud to support Black innovators like Cordell Jeter, whose EcoRover tracked wheelchairs enable individuals with physical limitations to explore Florida’s wild spaces independently. Brandon Thompson, one of our Watch the World Wake Up ambassadors, shares this mission as well. As an angler and hunter, Brandon inspires Black Floridians and younger generations to connect with nature. Similarly, Jovan McNeill, founder of Cloud Nine Outdoors, is teaching Tampa Bay’s inner-city youth fishing, archery, and camping—providing mentorship and skills that empower the next generation to thrive both outdoors and in life.
Most recently, our Foundation, in partnership with Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS), sponsored our first summer intern at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute in St. Petersburg. Rose Santana studied seagrass and the effects of water quality, fishing practices, and climate change on its development while shaping a more inclusive and resilient future for both our ecosystems and the people working to conserve them. We’ve also proudly given a grant to Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), whose mission is to advance the field of marine science both in research and diversity, to study bull sharks in Crystal River.
Florida’s civil rights history and ongoing efforts for equal access to wild Florida is about more than equality. Conservation benefits from the different perspectives, new ideas, deeper cultural insights, and innovative approaches to solving today’s complex environmental challenges. Together, we can ensure Florida’s iconic wildlife and habitats remain for generations to come and for all to enjoy.
