Irwin Brunson

By Courtney Olson

Irwin Brunson’s life story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and community. Growing up in St. Augustine, Florida, Brunson’s childhood not only coincided with The Civil Rights Movement, but was directly shaped by it. In 1963, at just eight years old, Brunson was one of the five initial African American students to integrate Fullerwood Elementary School, an experience that profoundly altered his perception of the world and his identity.

Brunson recalls the hostility he faced on his first day at Fullerwood, where he was met with racial slurs, spitballs, and exclusion. “It was the first time I realized I was black” Brunson remembers the permanent shift in his reality that day. Up until that point, he had seen himself as another person in a world of people, but in one foul afternoon, he discovered what it meant to be black in St. Augustine. 

Despite the adversity, Brunson found solace in doodling. What began as a quaint hobby, a means of escape, turned into a way to process his emotions and express himself. His talent for art blossomed, and he later developed a unique style that he continues to showcase in galleries and cultural festivals.

Sports also played a pivotal role in Brunson’s journey. At Fullerwood, he was initially left on the bench during baseball games, as none would welcome him to their team. Upon realizing this, Brunson’s teacher instated a rule that everyone should have a chance to be team captain, Brunson seized the opportunity. He led his “team of misfits”, as he puts it, to a victory when he [hit a triple] against the opposing pitcher. Shocking his classmates with his talents, he found that he began to slowly earn their respect through common ground. 

Brunson’s journey continued as he moved to Liberty County, where he faced similar challenges. Seeking to be the first Black player on the football team, he approached the coach. Despite being told that the other students would try to kill him on the field, he persevered and attended practice where this prediction certainly came to fruition. But Brunson continued to show up to practice, and encouraged other African American students to do so as well, enforcing their right to play. Through his relentless efforts, he became Florida’s leading rusher by the end of his high school career. His determination inspired others, including his siblings, to break barriers in their own pursuits, where success once seemed impossible.

Throughout his life, Brunson has been guided by mentors who helped him navigate the complexities of identity and community. One such figure was Dr. Robert Hayling, a civil rights leader in St. Augustine, who encouraged Brunson to share his experiences through art and writing. Their bond was profound, and Brunson credits Hayling as a father figure who inspired him to complete his book, Shades of Blue, which explores his life and the impact of the civil rights movement.

Brunson’s commitment to community is evident in his involvement with the Lincolnville Cultural Festival and the creation of the Heroes and Sheroes Memory Garden at the ACCORD Civil Rights Museum. These initiatives honor the legacy of those who fought for civil rights and aim to foster understanding and unity. “Racism is rooted in ignorance, fear, and superstition”, Brunson surmises. His life epitomizes the importance of education and understanding as tools to bridge cultural and racial divisions. Brunson’s story is a powerful reminder that identity is formed through small interactions; that even from hate, incredible empathy can be born. 

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