Lenny Foster

By Courtney Olson

The decision to delve into history and share its stories often stems from a spark of curiosity. 

For one individual, this spark ignited a passion project that has grown into a significant exploration 

of African American experience in St. Augustine, Florida. 

What started as a personal endeavor has evolved into a full gallery series where Lenny Foster shares both stories and images, shedding light on the profound history of the area and the people who have shaped it. 

This project began organically, without a clear roadmap or defined goals. In fact, Foster states that it was born out of a chance encounter on an evening bike ride. He recalls moving to the area from Taos, New Mexico, and discovering the Freedom Trail markers in the Lincolnville area. These markers, “became my night school”, Foster says. The more he learned about the history of the struggle for civil rights in the area, the more compelled he was to document those stories. 

Coming from a predominantly white area, living in Saint Augustine has changed the way that Foster views his own identity. He discusses uncovering the harrowing, often untold, stories of the African American community and the culture shock that has come along with trying to share those stories. 

“I don’t have to tell you what it’s like, trying to tell the truth here”, Foster says, as he casts a knowing glance. 

During the time Foster was attending his Lincolnville “night school”, the national conversation around Colin Kaepernick’s peaceful protest against racial injustice was unfolding. This historic moment of social awareness further fueled Foster’s determination to highlight Saint Augustine’s history of social demonstrations. This series, now titled “Where We Stand” began as a personal exploration, with the goal of documenting the places where people had stood, prayed, danced, and fought for justice. Initially envisioned as a small collection of 12 to 15 stories and images, the project quickly grew in scope, eventually encompassing over 100 stories. 

The work in this collection has been deeply influenced by the connections and discoveries Foster has made along the way. Each story and image often leads to another, uncovering new events, people, and places that are integral to gaining a fuller understanding of what The Civil Rights Movement truly meant for Saint Augustine as a town. A core community of activists survives today and in each of their stories, emerges another reason to continue telling this story, which seems to be a living, breathing entity, evolving with each new layer of history uncovered. 

Ultimately, Foster’s studio at 144 King Street serves as a reminder that history is not just a collection of dates and events but a complex narrative shaped by the people who lived it. By sharing these stories, the project aims to honor the legacy of those who fought for justice and equality, ensuring that their voices continue to resonate for generations to come. It encourages those who think that their voices may be small, that their contributions may be meek; monumental changes can be made by you and your neighbors. 

It is the foot soldiers that make progress possible. 

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