We live in a society where many people have a mindset that wrong is right, and right is wrong. This is not true for everyone, but it’s true for many. Sometimes, we all seem to have this mindset at different points in our lives. February is Black History Month, a time when we celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Black people in our country’s history. It’s a month that means so much to so many people, including me, but some forget why it’s so important. One person who had an enormous impact on Black lives and their freedom, and also one of my favorite people in history, is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King fought for equal rights, and because of his work, many Black people gained freedom and equality.

Dr. King’s legacy has had an incredible influence on our country, and I am beyond grateful for what he did, especially in St. Augustine, Florida, where I live. Around two million people visit the oldest city in the United States each year. Many come for its beautiful beaches, Nights of Lights, the charming downtown, and its rich history. But what many people may not know is that St. Augustine became an important place in the Civil Rights Movement because of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His leadership in my beautiful city supported the anti-discrimination movement and helped push for the desegregation of public spaces. These demonstrations were a key part of getting Congress to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law made segregation in public places illegal and stopped employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, or gender.

One of the most famous moments in history happened in St. Augustine when protesters tried to integrate the Monson Motor Lodge’s segregated pool. The owner of the hotel, James Brock, reacted by pouring acid into the pool, which shocked people all over the country. This event caught the attention of the media and showed just how badly people were being treated because of their race. Dr. King was arrested during these protests for attempting to eat at the Monson Motor Lodge’s segregated restaurant. His time in jail highlighted the cruel injustices of segregation, and it made people realize that something needed to be done to stop it. The day after his arrest, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law.

During Dr. King’s campaign in St. Augustine, he rented a beach house to stay in while he was here. The house was set on fire and shot up when segregationists believed Dr. King was inside. Thankfully, he was not there at the time. Today, the house is known as the Canright House, a symbol of hope and resistance for activists fighting for equality. The Canright House holds a lot of historical value during Dr. King’s visit to St. Augustine. I have a personal connection to the Canright House, too. My father, Robert Nimmons, played a huge role in helping to preserve the house. He is an important leader in the community and worked hard to make sure the house was saved from being torn down. He helped rally support from local organizations in the community to move the house to a new location and protect its place in history. Thanks to his efforts, the Canright House was saved as a historical landmark, and its importance as a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement lives on today.

In conclusion, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s hard work for justice and equality shows us how important it is to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not always easy. During Black History Month, we should remember how much he did to help Black people gain freedom and equality. His legacy teaches us that while progress has been made, there’s still more to be done. It’s important to keep honoring the work of people like Dr. King and keep fighting for what’s fair for everyone. We must keep moving forward, just as Dr. King did, with courage, hope, and the belief that change is possible.