ABOUT US
The Florida Museum of Black History is more than a cultural landmark — it is a living tribute to the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Black Floridians across more than 450 years of history. Rooted in the historic city of St. Augustine, the Museum will preserve stories that have shaped not only Florida but the entire nation, from early settlement through the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. Our work brings together education, remembrance, and celebration, ensuring that future generations have a place to see themselves reflected and to learn from the past.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a world-class museum that honors the depth and richness of Black history in Florida. We are dedicated to documenting the struggles and triumphs that define this history, while providing opportunities for education, dialogue, and connection. Through exhibitions, community engagement, and partnerships with schools, universities, and organizations, the Museum seeks to inspire pride, promote understanding, and empower individuals to carry forward the legacy of justice, equality, and cultural achievement.
Our Vision
The Florida Museum of Black History stands as a beacon of truth, unity, and inspiration for all. It is a space where history is preserved with dignity, where culture is celebrated with joy, and where communities come together to learn and grow. Our vision extends beyond the walls of the Museum: sparking curiosity, building bridges of understanding, and ensuring that the story of Black Floridians is not only remembered but embraced as an essential part of our shared history and future.
History is not just the past — it is the foundation we stand on and the path we carry forward.
Board of directors
Senior Vice President
Horace Hord
Horace Hord is Senior Vice President of the International Career and Business Alliance (ICABA®) and President & CEO of HCH Marketing & Consulting Associates, Inc. He brings a distinguished record of executive leadership across the airline, hotel, and cruise line industries, with a career spanning more than three decades in Travel & Tourism.
Visionary Biopharmaceutical Executive
Alesia Wilbekin
Alesia Wilbekin is a visionary biopharmaceutical executive with over two decades of experience shaping U.S. market access, trade strategy, and patient support initiatives for industry-leading companies such as Gilead Sciences, Biogen, Sunovion, and Pfizer. With a proven ability to lead large cross-functional teams and navigate complex healthcare systems, Alesia has consistently delivered results that expand access to life-saving therapies while driving organizational growth.
Leader in Innovation & Change
Howard M. Holley, SR
Howard M. Holley, Sr. is widely recognized as an advocate for economic vitality, a leader in innovation and change, a strategic communications visionary, and an executive coach. He guides executives with innovative communication roadmaps, stakeholder relationship strategies, and market assessments, working with community colleges, HBCUs, nonprofits, and minority entrepreneurs.
Chief Administrative Officer
Ashanti Austin
Ashanti Austin serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller. In this role, she provides strategic management and leadership for all administrative functions with the Executive Office of the Clerk and non-court divisions within the organization.
Senior Advisor for Intergovernmental Affairs
Travis Hutson
Travis Hutson serves as Senior Advisor for Intergovernmental Affairs, where he advises the Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller on key County and State priorities, including long-term budget strategy and legislative policy. He also acts as the Clerk’s liaison to the County for all construction and facility-related needs.
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Community Leader
Greg White
Greg White has spent decades building community in West Augustine. Through youth programs, veteran support, economic development, the Solomon Calhoun Community Center, and the soon-to-open West Augustine Health & Wellness Center, his leadership creates opportunity, inspires change, and leaves a lasting mark.
Veteran, Community Leader
Thomas Jackson
Thomas “TJ” Jackson was born in St. Augustine, Florida, and has remained a lifelong resident of the area. TJ earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida A&M University in 1975, majoring in Philosophy and minoring in Political Science and Religion. After college, he returned to St. Augustine and began working for the St. Augustine Vocational Technical Center in the Adult Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Program.
Professor of History
Dr. J. Michael Butler
Dr. J. Michael Butler is the Kenan Distinguished Professor of History at Flagler College, where he has taught since 2008. His work has appeared in many leading peer-reviewed academic publications, such as American Studies, the Journal of Southern History, Southern Cultures and, most recently, The Journal of African American History.
Founder of Clukey & Tebault
Micah Clukey
Born and raised in St. Augustine, FL, Micah always knew he wanted to live and work in his hometown. After moving to New York to attend Fordham University as the placekicker for the Fordham Rams, Micah earned his degree in Finance while also being a four-year letterwinner on the field.
Chairman Emeritus
Fred D. Franklin, JR
Mr. Franklin is Chairman Emeritus of the firm’s Board of Directors. He is also a member of the firm’s Litigation Department. His practice is concentrated in the areas of complex commercial litigation, land use litigation, and negligence litigation, including personal injury and wrongful death claims.