James Brock was the owner and manager of the Monson Motor Lodge in St. Augustine, Florida, during the civil rights movement. In 1964, his motel became a national flashpoint in the struggle against segregation. Brock, a staunch segregationist, strictly enforced Jim Crow laws at his establishment, denying Black Americans access to the motel’s facilities. His actions drew the attention of civil rights activists, including members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), who targeted

Following his run-in with the Klan, James Jackson continued to demonstrate for equality. As "swim-ins" began to take place across the country to integrate beaches and pools, Jackson and fellow activists were inspired to hold their own at the Monson Motor Lodge pool: https://comca.st/2UTOiNK | Voices of the Civil Rights Movement

The Monson Motor Lodge swimming pool was one of the most iconic "wade-ins" of the St. Augustine movement. Here, activist James Jackson recalls the events of the day: https://comca.st/3z3zr3J | Voices of the Civil Rights Movement