SHALIMAR, Fla. — A dedication ceremony honoring Augustus “Gus” Tart, a formerly enslaved man and early pioneer of Northwest Florida, will be held August 22 at the Air Force Armament Museum.
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The ceremony is being presented by the NAACP Okaloosa County Branch in partnership with the Town of Shalimar, Shalimar Library, Okaloosa County America 250 Commission, local leaders and community organizations.
Music will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by the official program at 1 p.m. Lewis Jennings, first vice president of the NAACP Okaloosa County Branch, will call the program to order.
“Honoring Augustus ‘Gus’ Tart is not just about remembering one man, but about recognizing the enduring spirit and contributions of all those who paved the way for our community,” said Sabu Williams, president of the NAACP Okaloosa County Branch.
“This dedication is a testament to our shared history and a beacon for future generations.”
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Historical presentations will recount Mr Tart’s story through representatives from the Brooks family, the Shalimar Library, and the NAACP Special Research Committee.
Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel, Okaloosa County America 250 Commission Chairman Graham Fountain, Carver Hill Museum Vice President and Crestview City Councilman Shannon Hayes, and Shalimar Mayor Mark Franks are scheduled to offer remarks.
Franks will lead a special presentation commemorating Tart’s legacy. Mr Williams will deliver closing remarks.
The ceremony is open to the public. Organizers are encouraging the community to attend and honor Mr Tart’s contributions to the history of Okaloosa County and Northwest Florida.
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