Downtown Crowd, June 2021

JUN. ‘21

, t u O Chill er!

m m u It’s S enings + Events Hot Happ

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DOWNTOWN CROWD JUNE 2021 CONTENTS Publisher Malcolm Ballinger

Executive Editor Kelly Oden Editor Morgan Cole

Morgan Cole, Editor

Art Director Guy Stevens Graphic Designer Garrett Hallbauer Editorial Assistant Dakota Parks Advertising Account Executives Paula Rode Paula@ballingerpublishing.com Becky Hildebrand becky@ballingerpublishing.com

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7 After spending the day at Pensacon on Saturday, I headed downtown to check-out the Star Wars Lego Competition at 200 South and it was packed! The streets were filled with colorful costumes and downtown Pensacola was officially open for business.

It was great to see everyone out enjoying the Pensacon festivities being held at the different venues throughout the city, and for the first time in almost a year, things actually felt sort of normal. As the summer of 2020 officially goes down as the “summer that never was,” many of us are looking forward to what this year might have in store. So far, the outlook is pretty darn good.

The calendars are packed with fun happenings and loads of returning events. So, in the interest of making sure you don’t miss out on any of this summer’s essential outings, we’ve put together a handy list of activities for you to enjoy, because if the last year has taught us anything, it’s not to take summer for granted.

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8

Editor’s Letter

Owner Malcolm Ballinger

In this issue, you’ll read about one of downtown’s latest and greatest watering holes, The Well. If you haven’t already checked it out, I highly recommend it.

We also wanted to be sure and share all of the good news about things happening in Pensacola. From tasty food tours exploring our city’s rich culinary history to the recent discovery that the Fort Barrancas Area was a part of the Underground Railroad, we’ve covered it all. So dive in and enjoy!

13

15 7 5 Questions with Creatives 8 Summer Vibes: Your Summer Bucket List 13 Seville Savories Food Tour: Exploring the City’s Untold Culinary Past

18 15 Uncovering the History of Underground Railroad Sites in NWFL 18 PensaPRIDE: Pensacola’s New LGBT+ Pride Festival 20 June Events Calendar 22 Military Matters

ON THE COVER – Illustration by Guy Stevens

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5 QUES TIONS WITH

CREATIVES E NI KO U JJ

BY MORGAN COLE

Thoughtful splashes of color, vibrant patterns and largerthan-life pink camellias. You’ve more than likely seen some of this local artist’s work on building facades throughout the city. Her name is Eniko Ujj and she’s literally painting the town. Her colorful murals, mostly inspired by nature and local flora, bring new life to the city streets. DTC had the opportunity to chat with Eniko Ujj about the inspiration behind her mural designs and some of her latest artistic endeavors. Follow Eniko on Instagram @enikoujj.

First, let’s start with how you became an artist. Can you tell me a little about your background?

I have been drawing and painting since I was a small child, and I got my BFA in Painting at UWF back in 2013. I then moved to Chicago, and later to Denmark, working gigs in the service industry and the brewing scene to support my art habit. I always made art, typically portraiture and sculpture, but only recently have I been able to do it full time again and support myself through it.

How did you get into painting murals and why are you drawn to this particular form of art/subject?

When the pandemic hit, I ended up losing my job at a brewery in

town. The owners of Cypress, a restaurant I’d previously worked for, were familiar with my art and reached out to ask if I would do a mural for their new business, Emerald Coast Bread Company.

They wanted to use their massive exterior wall to advertise it. I had never done a mural before, let alone one that was 96 feet long, but was more than up for the challenge. I’ve always admired murals for their potential for inclusiveness and accessibility. They’re available for anyone who wants to enjoy them and can reinvigorate neighborhoods and communities, bringing color and life and joy to places and things that might otherwise go unnoticed. They also can have the effect of making people slow down a little and find some beauty in their day—I’m all for that.

Tell me a little about your artistic style and what other artistic mediums you practice?

difficult for me, but I seem to be drawn to bright, contrasting colors and circular motifs.

My background is in oil painting and portraiture. I recently did a series of portraits of women writers because I believe redefining the “Western literary” canon is necessary and overdue. I also wanted to put faces to the wonderful women I’ve been reading.

Lately, I’ve been taking commissions for portraits of pets and children. I also love doing abstract conceptual sculpture, woodworking and alternative ceramics because it’s such a different way of approaching creativity that ultimately inspires my 2D work.

For my mural painting, I’ve been very drawn to plants and flowers, inspired by some free time I’ve spent studying forageable plants and plant identification. Defining my artistic style has always been

Is there someone you look up to in the industry or that has served as an inspiration for your work?

I started getting into mural art when I was living in Denmark. Every city I went to seemed to have huge, amazing murals everywhere.

I later learned it was because the country provides a lot of funding for public art. Unfortunately I didn’t get any of the names of those artists, but their influence is there nonetheless. I’m very into Gagosh, ChemiS, Swoon and the Hungarian group called Neopaint Works, but there are so many amazing artists out there. I’m also really inspired by local mural artists Hand in Hand Creative and Daniela de Castro Sucre.

I recognized some of the work featured on your Instagram page from murals I’ve seen on building facades throughout downtown Pensacola. Can you tell me more about these projects?

When I finished the Emerald Coast Bread Company mural, I signed it with my Instagram handle, which is how people have been contacting me for inquiries. I did an interior mural for Empathic Practice’s lounge of plants, which are considered weeds but actually have medicinal properties. Most recently, I painted a mural for The Daily Squeeze/East Hill Plaza across the street from the East Hill Publix. I wanted something to really pop and be noticeable, so I chose to paint bright pink Camellia flowers intertwined with the limbs of oak trees.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 7

SUMMER

VIBES Your Summer Bucket List by Morgan Cole

W

hile the pandemic has wreaked havoc on virtually every facet of society since its onset early last year, the impact it has had on our social lives is difficult to overstate.

It’s hard to believe, but after more than a year, there are finally events on the local calendar again. With the promise for more later this month and into the summer, there’s a reason to believe summer 2021—though obviously not what any of us would call

8 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

“normal” in the pre-pandemic sense—will be a hopeful time with plenty of reason and opportunity to get out and hit the town.

We’ve gathered a slew of chill summer activities for those looking to get out and, you know, do stuff again. From new bar openings and summer concerts to drive-in movies and farmers markets, here’s a round-up of some of our favorite local happenings making a comeback just in time for summer. Dive in!

Although we encourage you to “let the good times roll,” we ask that you please do so with caution.

We want everyone to remain safe, especially those of us not already vaccinated.

Shopping 200 South Small Business Saturday

Come out and shop for one-of-a-kind products and creations made by local vendors just outside Graffiti Pizza on Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola. Every month, 200 South features new, up and coming creatives and their one-of-a-kind products. The market features unique jewelry, art, decor and more! The next Small Business Saturday is scheduled for June 5 from 11 am–11 pm. For more on Small Business Saturday and a list of upcoming market dates, check-out their facebook page at @200southpcola.

Uptown Pensacola Market

Spend the Saturday shopping in Uptown. With more than 50 vendors and growing each week, Uptown Pensacola Market is quickly becoming the place to be on Saturdays. Trader Bo’s, along with Uptown Market and Green with Envy, host an assortment of local vendors selling arts, crafts, antiques, collectibles and more. Several of the area’s popular food trucks are on-site as well. So grab some friends, a big shopping bag and head to Uptown for this fantastic outdoor market held at the Dunmire Plaza on 9th Ave. in Pensacola.

Markets are held Saturdays from 9 am–3 pm and parking is free.

For upcoming market dates, visit uptown.market/events.

Palafox Market

Shop fresh finds at this local outdoor farmers market. Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art and antiques are just a few of the items offered by vendors at Palafox Market in Downtown Pensacola. Items originate directly from on-site vendors who grow, make, or create the fruits, vegetables, herbs and art for sale. Markets are held on Saturdays from 9 am–2 pm. For more on Palafox Market and a list of upcoming market dates, visit palafoxmarket.com.

The Well

Food & Drink

One positive outcome of the pandemic is the collective rediscovery of so many simple joys. Like enjoying a drink with friends at a local bar. So, beat the summer heat with a crafty cocktail or cool sour ale at downtown’s newest watering hole, The Well. This vintage Florida-style taproom and cocktail lounge is located in the East Garden Street District of downtown Pensacola, next door to sister establishments Perfect Plain Brewing Co. and Garden & Grain. Their funky barrel-aged beer program and modern Floridianinspired cocktail menu were crafted by one of the region’s top mixologists. Their signature cocktails are thoughtfully served in unique glassware with festive garnishes. If you’re more into beer, check-out the taproom featuring a select assortment of draft beers from Perfect Plain and four bottled beers (exclusive to The Well), including two sour ales. The Well hosted its official grand opening last month, with plans to launch a food menu (featuring a raw oyster bar) later this year. The interior’s lounge-style seating areas and swanky tropical decor combine to create an inviting space that’s perfect for grabbing drinks with friends.

AJ’s Market & Ice Cream at Southtowne

Satisfy your sweet tooth with an old-fashioned ice cream sundae or boozy Punch Pop from AJ’s Market & Ice Cream at the Southtowne Apartment Complex in downtown Pensacola.

This 50s style parlor has a traditional soda fountain style ice cream counter with 16 flavors of Hershey’s ice cream! They also serve malts, frosty A&W root beer floats, banana splits, sundaes and pretty much any other ice cream concoction you can think of. Did we mention the Punch Pops? AJ’s carries some of the best Punch Pops we’ve ever tried…Hands down! If you haven’t heard Punch Pops before, they’re basically booze-infused popsicles packed with some serious punch. You can purchase the pre-packed pops individually or by the box.

Fish House Craft Beer Festival

Cool-off with some local craft brews at the 7th annual Fish House Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, June 19 from 3–6 pm. The event will feature more than 50 types of craft beers with a portion of the event proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at the Fish House Tackle Shop, located at the front of the Fish House building just at the top of the steps. For tickets and event details, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 9

Outdoor Activities 2021 Firecracker 5K Run

Heat things up by kicking-off your 4th of July weekend with the Firecracker 5k run on July 3 from 7–9 am at Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola. Celebrate with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of NWFL for this 4th of July themed race by gearing-up in all things red, white and blue. Event proceeds directly benefit RMHC of Northwest Florida. The race starts and ends at Seville Quarter. Both runners and walkers are invited to join in the fun. Following the 5k is the Kids Fun Run. Don’t forget to grab a cold drink at Seville after the race and pick up your finisher’s medal! Visit rmhc-nwfl.org for registration and event details.

Red, White & Blues Week & Pensacola Beach Airshow

This three-day event features the worldfamous Blue Angels Airshow on Pensacola Beach and will be held July 7–10. Locals and visitors from all over look forward to the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show held in the summer. Red, White & Blues Week will celebrate our very own hometown heroes—the Blue Angels—the U. S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron stationed at Forrest Sherman Field aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. Hit the beach, grab a spot in the sand and kick-back while enjoying one Penacola’s most iconic annual events. For complete details on this year’s Red, White & Blues Week and the Pensacola Beach Air Show, check out visitpensacola.com.

Grand Fiesta Parade Pensacola Beach July 4th Fireworks Show

Head out to Pensacola Beach on July 4th for a fireworks extravaganza. The fireworks will display along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Santa Rosa Sound, so grab your lawn chair, pack the cooler and head out for some fun. The show starts at 8:30 pm, so arrive early to reserve your spot on the sand. For more details, visit pensacolabeachchamber.com.

10 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

It’s Fiesta time in Pensacola! Come catch some beads, hear the sounds of local high school marching bands and enjoy watching beautiful floats parade through the streets of downtown Pensacola June 4, from 7–10 pm. Bring the entire family to one of Pensacola’s favorite annual Fiesta events. In addition to the dozens of local krewes parading, special appearances will be made by a masked DeLuna LXXI, his queen and their court. For complete event details, visit fiestapensacola.org.

Blues on the Bay

Timewarp Theater Drive-in Movies

Come wind-down at this free outdoor concert series held at the Community Maritime Park’s Hunter Amphitheater. Blues on the Bay is one of the most popular events for locals and visitors to spend the final hours of their weekend enjoying fantastic live music with family and friends in a great atmosphere. Concerts are held at 6 pm on select Sunday evenings and are open to the public. Visit cityofpensacola.com for summer concerts dates and scheduled performers.

Load-up the car and head out to Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola for a good old-fashioned drive-in movie. The founders of Timewarp Theater previously hosted a series of “pop-up” drive-in movie nights at locations throughout Pensacola, but have recently set-up a permanent home for their giant pop-up movie screen. So, gather some friends and head on out to the Speedway for an evening with the stars from your cars. This series of family-friendly drive-in movies runs Thursday–Sunday. Check out Timewarp Theater’s Facebook page @timewarptheaters for upcoming movies and showtimes.

Downtown Pensacola Gallery Night

Performing & Visual Arts

Pensacola’s infamous Gallery Night will officially return July 16! Gallery Night will once again host its monthly art centric event on the third Friday of every month from 5–10 pm in downtown Pensacola.

Grab a drink and hit Palafox street as the galleries, boutiques, restaurants and bars open their doors to the night air and welcome visitors and locals for an evening of lively music, fantastic art and tasty cuisine. The party officially wraps up at 9 pm, but most restaurants, bars, and local businesses extend their hours to promote the excitement of late-night crowds.

Visit gallerynightpensacola.org for the complete 2021 Gallery Night schedule.

Music & Entertainment Bands on the Beach

Grab your chair and cooler and head-out to Pensacola Beach for some chill tunes and good times at Bands on the Beach summer concert series.

This free outdoor concert features a line-up of performers for every musical taste. Held weekly on Tuesday nights at the Gulfside Pavilion, the series features regional artists performing a wide variety of music genres. Concerts start at 7 pm, so be sure to get there early and set-up your chair to snag a good spot. Check-out visitpensacola.com for the complete line-up.

Gallery 1060 at First City Arts Center

Check-out the latest Gallery 1060 art show at the First City Art Center in downtown Pensacola. Local artists have put together an Urban Remix Show which is currently on display and includes street art design with iconic Pensacola points of interest. In addition to Gallery 1060, First City Arts Center hosts an extensive variety of workshops with everything from glassblowing to pottery and clay; drawing and painting; to metal casting; Shakespeare; Zumba and yoga. The center also welcomes visitors to drop-in on other events, such as Free Verse Friday Open-Mic Night, where guests can come to hear or be heard; or Life Drawing events, the drawing of a live model, open to the public every Monday night. For more information on prices, workshops, classes and schedules, visit firstcityart.org.

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Seville Savories Food Tour

EXPLORING THE CITY’S UNTOLD CULINARY PAST f you think a three-hour, guided history tour through the city streets of downtown Pensacola in the summer is an activity solely reserved for the enjoyment of tourists on Segways, out-of-towners and history buffs, think again!

Seville Savories Food Tour dishes-up a unique culinary experience that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. On this guided tour through downtown Pensacola, you’ll learn about Pensacola’s rich culinary history while enjoying local cuisine from a myriad of simply delicious eateries.

The brainchild behind the operation is Pensacola native Duel Christian, who launched the company just prior to the onset of last year’s pandemic. After seeing the rising popularity of tours like these in other “foodie” meccas of the U.S., like New Orleans and Chicago, Christian wanted to bring something similar to Pensacola.

So, when Christian decided that he was ready to start his own business, it only seemed natural to pursue an endeavor that would allow him to combine two things he loves—food and local history. His knowledge of the

culinary craft comes from his travels and the 30-years he spent working on the sets of several nationally-syndicated cooking shows as a TV producer.

“Cooking with Earl Peru was my first job in television, and I basically learned how to cook on a TV set, working on TV cooking shows all over the Southeast,” Christian said. “So, I took two things that I really love—food and local history—and put them together, because at the time, when I first started the food tours, there really wasn’t anything like it being done in Pensacola.”

Seville Savories offers two variations of tasteful tours that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Each of which are based on the area in which they take place. The Palafox Trot and Seville Stroll tasting tours are offered on a monthly basis and can accommodate a max of 18 people, so plan ahead if you’re considering reserving a spot.

All of the food tours are led by Christian, who’s knowledge of Pensacola’s past stems from t h e h u n d re d s , i f n o t thousands, of historical lectures that he attended with h i s g ra n d m o t h e r throughout his childhood. “My grandmother was one of the past presidents of the historical Preservation Society, so I grew

SEVILLE SAVORIES FOOD TOURS

by Morgan Cole

up basically immersed in downtown history,” Christian said.

Each of the tasting tours takes about 3–4 hours, but don’t worry, the walk isn’t far and you’ll have plenty of time to rest after enjoying food at the different stops along the way. If you are feeling hesitant about signing-up for a 3–4 hour walking tour, you should know that it will be time well spent.

The length of the tours allows you to enjoy cuisines from each of the restaurants without feeling rushed. Plus, you’ll get to listen to fun facts about Pensacola’s culinary history dating back to the days of the famous Spanish explorer who first set foot in Florida—Don Tristán de Luna.

If you’re wondering what you might expect to eat, the chefs at each location have the option to surprise you with daily specials of their choosing.

So indulge your inner “foodie” as you learn the complete history of America’s oldest settlement, while tasting your way through the historic streets of downtown Pensacola. No matter how picky the palate, you’re sure to enjoy the experience.

For more information on scheduling a tour, visit sevillesavoriesfoodtour.com.

“Wear your stretchy pants.”

- Duel Christian

The Palafox-Trot On this lunchtime tour, you will visit 5–7 restaurants and eat food that is as diverse and eclectic as Pensacola. Along the way, you will learn what people ate throughout the entire history of Pensacola, beginning with the native indigenous population 1,000 years ago. You’ll find out what the earliest Spanish settlers brought with them, as well as what people ate through every occupation of Pensacola. The price is $55.

Seville Stroll

For this dinnertime tour, you’ll spend the evening in old Seville tasting delicious cuisine from five of downtown’s top dining spots. Most of the historical tour is the same as the Palafox-Trot, with a focus primarily on the different historical facts pertaining to the area of Seville Square park. The price is $65.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 13

FLORIDA'S FIRST

PENSACOLA WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

MUSEUM PLAZA 10 A.M. July 17th, 2021 View full calendar of events online.

VISITPENSACOLA.COM/200TH

UNCOVERING THE HISTORY OF

Underground Railroad Sites IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA

by Dakota Parks

In March 2020, Gulf Islands National Seashore Park Ranger, Casimer Rosiecki began researching and uncovering the history of the Underground Railroad site at Fort Pickens, leading to its official designation as a site on the network in September 2020. Through compiling and analyzing official correspondences and reports written by Union and Confederate soldiers, newspaper clippings and even soldiers’ diaries and letters, Rosiecki began to uncover additional accounts of freedom seekers entering the Union camp at Fort Barrancas.

E

very year, researchers uncover never-before-seen or analyzed documents, artifacts and correspondence that help us better understand landmark historical periods, such as the American Civil War, fought in part right here in Northwest Florida. Through new research brought to light, the 64-acre Fort Barrancas Area, located on the Pensacola Naval Air Station and managed by Gulf Islands National Seashore, has been officially recognized as a site on the Underground Railroad, joining nearly 700 sites, programs and facilities on the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Contrary to misconception, the network does not refer to a physical subterranean railroad structure, instead the Underground Railroad refers to the network of routes, safe houses and people, both African American and white, that aided enslaved African Americans in their escape to freedom. This national designation helps honor, preserve and promote the history of the black freedom struggle and the resistance to slavery in the United States.

When asked why it has taken so long for Fort Pickens and the Fort Barrancas Area to be recognized as sites on the Underground Railroad, Rosiecki explained that the history has gone largely untapped. “The subject of the Underground Railroad hasn’t received a lot of attention from academic historians, but that is slowly changing,” he said. “I think the continuous use of the landscape by the U.S. Military also didn’t provide public or academic historians with the means to investigate the stories related to those areas. This is just one example of how new research is uncovering these really

powerful and complex stories about enslaved black people playing active roles in their liberation and their emancipation.”

The Fort Barrancas Area includes three historic structures: The Spanish Water Battery, Advanced Redoubt and Fort Barrancas. Completed in 1844, the Army Corps of Engineers built Fort Barrancas over the ruins of other forts built by the Spanish and British as early as the 18th century. Although Fort Barrancas was built to stop any foreign invasion and provided defense for the Pensacola Navy  DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 15

Casimer Rosiecki, a Gulf Islands National Seashore Park Ranger, discusses the history of the Fort Barrancas Area.

Yard, the only time the fort saw actual combat was during the American Civil War, where it operated as a Union camp, as well as a site for freedom seekers and a post for the United States Colored Troops that actively fought against the Confederacy. Although the Barrancas area played a vital role in dismantling slavery, Rosiecki explained that Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens and the Pensacola Navy Yard were built by the forced labor of African Americans.

“Many Americans have one singular idea of what slavery looked like prior to the Civil War. While the majority of enslaved people in the south were forced into labor on cotton plantations and in agriculture, in cities and urban areas, slavery took on different forms such as domestic labor and slave renting,” Rosiecki said. “In the mid-1820s, when the Pensacola Navy Yard was established, the U.S. Navy turned to enslavers and posted advertisements in the local paper calling on slaveholders to rent out their slaves to the federal government to build the Navy Yard. The Army Corps of Engineers also used slave renting to construct the string of Army forts in West Florida. Decades after their completion, [the forts] became the gateways to freedom seekers who were playing an active role to dismantle slavery in the United States. So, they’re both the products and the consequences of the enslavement of black people here in the United States, but [the forts] also become the tools to dismantle that institution itself.”

In his research, Rosiecki discovered two accounts written by a Union General, which documented en16 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

SS Arched corridor inside Fort Barrancas featuring narrow windows used as gun ports.

WW Black infantrymen in the 25th United States Colored Troops.

slaved men of color crossing Union lines and finding refuge at the Barrancas in December 1863 and April 1864. Although the Confederate soldiers evacuated Pensacola fully by May 1862, these freedom seekers trekked hundreds of miles from plantations in rural Alabama to escape bondage. It is in this let-

“The forts became the gateways to freedom seekers who were playing an active role to dismantle slavery in the United States.”

ter from the Union General in December 1863 that first mentions a freedom seeker who arrived at the Barrancas with an iron bar riveted around their leg.

Through the research of an anti-slavery newspaper called the Green Mountain Freeman, based in Vermont, Rosiecki uncovered an anonymous article chronicling Henry’s struggle for freedom. Although the editor kept the contributor’s identity hidden, the article signs off saying, “Yours for Union and Universal Freedom.”

“From this newspaper, we learn that Henry’s struggle for freedom began around August 1863.” Rosiecki explained. “Henry resisted his enslaver and made his way to Pensacola, where he lived in an abandoned structure for two weeks before he was captured by 15 Confederate soldiers. They tortured him and forced him back to his enslavers in Sparta, Alabama.

The 1860 census records indicate his enslavers were James and Mary Burnett, who enslaved about 40 people of color. When Henry was returned to the

“It’s incredible to WW An example of torture devices slaveholders used on slaves.

This image depicts Wilson Chinn, a branded slave from Louisiana.

Image courtesy of Library of Congress

Burnett plantation, his enslavers riveted a modified tire iron tightly around Henry’s right ankle, which formed a hook at the bottom of his foot to keep him from being able to walk properly. In mid-November 1863, Henry again escapes and makes the 100-mile trek from Sparta to Pensacola through swamps, nearly drowning once and still dragging this iron torture device along with each painful step before he finally arrives at the Barrancas.”

Once Henry arrived at the Barrancas in December 1863, Union soldiers spent 30 minutes working to successfully remove the torture device from his ankle. The historical record indicates that Henry went on to become a Union soldier, serving in the 14th Regiment, Corps d’Afrique, which organized out of New Orleans and was later renamed the 86th United States Colored Troops. Rosiecki then used this information to uncover an enlistment form for a man named Henry Stalburt that matched the exact date of the Union General’s report of a man entering Union lines at Barrancas with an iron bar around his leg. Henry Stalburt was around 30 years of age, listed his occupation as a laborer and signed the form with an X for his signature.

“Military records show that Henry survived his service, mustering out in September 1865 for medical reasons” Rosiecki continued. “His regiment played a vital role in the Civil War through various expeditions in West Florida and South Alabama. One significant

immerse yourself in these places and to look at the rise and fall of slavery here in our nation.” expedition from Barrancas to Marianna in Jackson County, FL in September 1864, resulted in the liberation of around 600 men, women and children.

By the end of the Civil War, around 200,000 men of color fought for the Union. Historians show that approximately 180,000 served in the US Army in the United States Colored Troops, and a slight majority were formerly enslaved men.”

ers, educators and generations to come. Although there are no current plans for an official exhibit or public tour based on the new findings, the research will be readily available when the time comes for future exhibits, tours or demonstrations. While Fort Pickens is open to the public to visit and explore, Fort Barrancas Area, located on the Pensacola Naval Air Station remains closed to the public. Visit nps. gov/guis/learn/historyculture/fort-barrancas.htm to learn more about Fort Barrancas and for updates on re-openings.

“History can be difficult,” Rosiecki said. “Often these authentic stories may not portray our country in the way we think it should be portrayed, but we need a complete narrative that is not tilted or biased to only show good stories. These stories are not mine—they are the property of the American people—people here today and future generations. I think it’s incredible to immerse yourself in these places and to look at the rise and fall of slavery here in our nation. We can chronicle that story here on the Gulf Coast at Gulf Islands National Seashore.”

Rosiecki’s research and uncovered stories not only led to the official recognition of Fort Pickens and the Fort Barrancas Area as sites on the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, but will also be available to future interpretAn aerial photo of the Advanced Redoubt,  located in the Fort Barrancas Area.

Inside the moat of the Advanced Redoubt. The  Advanced Redoubt was designed to make an attack from land as costly as possible.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 17

Pensa PR IDE

PENSACOLA’S NEW LGBT+ PRIDE FESTIVAL

by Dakota Parks

E

very June, people in cities across the world flood the streets in rainbow regalia, flying flags and holding signs in parades and festivals to celebrate the LGBT+ community. National Pride Month not only brings members of the community together to celebrate, but also marks the catalyst for gay rights in the U.S. and the on-going fight for equality.

For the last 10 years, Pensacola’s family-friendly park celebration ‘PensacolaPRIDE’ has been hosted by the now defunct organization Gay Grassroots of Northwest Florida, which permanently dissolved due to financial constraints during the pandemic. To fill the void in the community, the nonprofit organization Strive has partnered with Pensacola Arts Market, located at 2725 W Cervantes Street, to host its newest event: PensaPride, a caravan and pride festival from 10 am–5 pm on June 26.

At the height of the pandemic last summer, pride events worldwide were canceled, and Strive began to brainstorm alternative ways to cel-

18 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

ebrate Pride Month, while adhering to social distancing and safety protocols. In June 2020, the inaugural Pensacola Pride Caravan was established and more than 29 cars and 50 people showed up at Open Books with decorated cars, flags and even a few dogs dressed up in rainbow gear to drive around downtown Pensacola and celebrate safely. Building on the success of last year’s event, Strive is kicking off the PensaPride 2021 event with another caravan from Open Books, located at 1040 N Guillemard Street, to the Pensacola Arts Market, where the pride festival will be held. As an added bonus, there will be prizes awarded for the best decorated cars. The caravan will meet at Open Books at 10am and make its way through downtown Pensacola to the Pensacola Arts Market, where the festival will be held from 11 am–5 pm.

deeply embedded in the political origins of pride, which began as a riot against police brutalization amidst vice raids in New York in 1969 and raised political traction to the issues that still affect the LGBT+ community to this day. “Pride is important because it gathers us all together and reminds us that we have to keep fighting and that there is still work to be done,” they said. “The fight did not end in 2015 when gay marriage was federally recognized. Homelessness in the LGBT+ community is still an epidemic. Violence against black trans women is still an epidemic.

There are still undocumented, migrant trans people locked away in ICE detention centers. All of these issues are political issues that must be paid attention and acknowledged at pride.

Pride is a time to reflect on what we have accomplished and a reminder of what still needs to be done.”

For Devin Cole, the president of Strive, the need for this event is

Part of returning to the political roots of pride involves making space for activists and organizers at the festival.

The festival will feature food trucks,

“

Pride is important because it gathers us all together and reminds us that we have to keep fighting and that there is still work to be done. The fight did not end in 2015 when gay marriage was federally recognized.”

aa Strive Secretary and Social Media Coordinator, Indigo Lett reading from Leslie Feinberg’s book Stone Butch Blues at the 2020 Pensacola Pride Caravan.

art vendors and performances from local drag queens, LGBT+ musicians, comedians and poets. In addition, local activist organizations like Pensacola Community Action Committee and Black Voters Matter will be tabling and speaking at the event to provide information and resources to the community. As Cole explained, giving organizers space at pride allows them to connect and educate the community on the interconnected issues of police brutalization and the Black Lives Matter movement, which

directly impacts black transgender and black queer people.

Another new facet of this familyfriendly pride festival will be its designation as a sober space with no alcohol permitted or sold at the venue. “Alcoholism and drug use as a whole are major issues in the LGBT+ community,” Cole explained.

“Whether people are ready to admit it or not, it’s dangerous, deadly and very rampant in Escambia County and the surrounding areas. Many major pride events are surrounded by alcohol and alcohol advertising. This designation as a sober space is for people who are dealing with alcoholism or people who are in recovery, which can be very alienating. We want to respect those struggles and make everyone feel included and welcomed at pride.”

Strive will be raising money through the sale of raffle tickets at the festival

to support the Pensacola LGBT Shelter, a co-op nonprofit that is currently raising funds to open Pensacola’s first transgender and queer-friendly homeless shelter. The shelter is a

“

the Homeless, 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBT and 29 percent of transgender people report being turned away from shelters entirely, with some being brutalized, harassed and sexually assaulted at the shelters.

This designation as a sober space is for people who are dealing with alcoholism or are in recovery, which can be very alienating. We want to respect those struggles and make everyone feel included and welcomed at pride.” joint coalition between the following organizations: Strive, Pensacola Osteopaths, Pridesacola Support Group and Evolve ‘n Thrive. Board members from the Pensacola LGBT Shelter will be tabling at PensaPride to answer questions and pass out flyers that illustrate the need for the shelter. According to the National Coalition for

“There are no homeless shelters in Pensacola that will accept transgender people, and many queer people must hide their sexual orientation to stay in the local shelters,” Cole explained. “Most of the local shelters are faith-based and make up their own policies. The Pensacola LGBT

Shelter is secular and paramount to the wellbeing and safety of LGBT+ people, specifically transgender people. Strive exists as an emergency housing program for transgender people, and we have had to suspend the housing program during COVID. This shelter is sorely needed and has been needed for years.”

The PensaPride event is free and open to the public and will live stream on social media through the Strive Facebook account for those that are unable to attend in-person.

Visit the PensaPride 2021 Facebook page for updates and details on this year’s event, scheduled for June 26 from 10 am–5 pm at 2725 W Cervantes Street. To learn more about volunteer, donation and sponsorship opportunities for the Pensacola LGBT Shelter, visit pensacolalgbtshelter. wordpress.com or follow its progress on Facebook at @pcolalgbtshelter.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 19

JUNE CALENDAR Pensacola Ice Flyers Win Southern Professional Hockey League Championship Series

The Pensacola Ice Flyers are the Southern Professional Hockey League champions for a record-tying fourth time in franchise history. The Pensacola Ice Flyers took home the President’s Cup on May 15 after defeating the topseeded Macon Mayhem, 4-1, in Game Two of the Southern Professional Hockey League Championship Series. The Ice Flyers are now tied with the Knoxville Ice Bears for most championships in league history. Way to go Ice Flyers!

Blue Wahoos Scheduled Home Games

Make Every Day Earth Day Protect imperiled manatees and their habitat

Join Pensacola’s Blue Wahoos on weekdays at 6:35 pm, Saturday at 6:05 pm and Sunday at 4 pm. Box seats are open behind home plate, on top of the dugouts or down by the baseline. Tickets are $13-$15 per game.

Reserved seats and standing seats are also available. For tickets and information, visit milb.com/pensacola/tickets.

Blue Wahoos vs Mississippi (June 1–6) Blue Wahoos vs Montgomery (June 15–20) Blue Wahoos vs Biloxi (June 29 & 30)

Grammarcise with Grammar Fitness Coach Mamie Hixon June 7–September 6

Does your grammar need to get in shape and experience a healthy change? Grammar Fitness Coach Mamie Hixon, UWF Writing Lab director, will help you boost your grammar skills with Grammarcise. Join the grammar workout every Monday at 7:15am, CST. Join on Zoom! https://bit.ly/2SZntGP Meeting ID: 841 4963 0560 and passcode: 021360. For more information, visit the UWF Writing Lab online at uwf.edu/writelab or Contact Mamie Hixon at mhixon@uwf. edu or or 850-474-2987. Follow the UWF Writing Lab on IG at @UWFWritingLab.

Blue Angels 2021 Practice June 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 & 30

1-800-432-JOIN (5646) savethemanatee.org Photo © David Schrichte

For those who have access to NAS Pensacola (DoD ID card holders and their guests), the National Naval Aviation Museum is pleased to open the flight line behind the museum to view Blue Angels practice flight demonstrations. Gates open at 9:30 am and the Blues are scheduled to take to the skies at 10:30 am. The outside viewing area for the Blue Angels practice is located on the Museum Flight Line north of the Museum. Signs are

posted to direct visitors to viewing and parking locations, including limited parking for handicapped visitors. Open bleacher seating is available for seating 500 people.

Constant Coffee Poetry Night June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Join Pensacola Poetry at the longest running open mic in Pensacola at Constant Coffee & Tea, located at 615 Scenic Highway. Every Tuesday, poets and creatives come to flex their voices through poetry, rap and spoken word. Come out and support the local arts community and hear a beautiful bricolage of words. Doors open at 6 pm and mic starts at 6:30 pm. Follow Pensacola Poetry on Facebook for updates and information.

Hand to God June 3–5

Join Pensacola Little Theatre at its production of Hand to God, written by Robert Askins. Jason works out his stress and anxiety when his church ministry puppet takes over his left arm, with a hilarious and acidic personality of his own. Ridiculously raunchy, irreverent, and funny. Directed by Studio400 Chair Barbara Jacobs. (Originally scheduled for June 2020). *Hand to God contains strong, coarse language and difficult subject matter including religious hypocrisy, death, morality, violence and depression—but, it is still very funny.

My Big Fat Greek Take Out Day June 5

Join members of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, the hosts of Pensacola’s infamous Greek Fest, in their newest event.

Faced with canceling Greek Fest in 2020, they have brainstormed a new way to share their food and culture with the community.

Individual takeout dinners will be sold at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, located at 1720 W Garden Street, on June 5th first-come, first-served from 11 am– 7 pm, or until they sell out. The pastitsio meal includes pastitsio, Greek-style green beans, tiropita, spanakopita and greek salad. Pasties include baklava, kourambiethes, ergolavos and chocolate baklava.

Free Yoga in Community Maritime Park June 6

Free one-hour yoga classes are offered every first Sunday of 2021, at 9:30 am, in Community Maritime Park, meeting directly in front of the amphitheater stage. Classes are open to all ages and levels of experience. Certified instructors from Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center will provide instruction. The class is free, but you will need to BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) and any other accessories you would like to use.

The Choral Society of Pensacola’s Women’s Ensemble in Concert June 6

The Choral Society of Pensacola’s Women’s Ensemble, under the direction of Isabelle Peterson, will perform a program of secular and sacred music with pianist Meredith Stemen. Admission is free and the show is from 4:30–5 pm at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church at 9945 Hillview Drive.

Gordon Open Mic June 10

Join the Gordon Community Center for this month’s open mic night where musicians, comedians, poets and performers celebrate their artistic talents. Open mic night is hosted on the second Thursday of each month from 7–10 pm at the Gordon Community Center, located at 306 North DeVilliers Street in downtown Pensacola.

If you are interested in performing, you will have a chance to sign-up for a time slot when you arrive. For more information, follow @penartsinc on Facebook.

The Big Scoop Drive-Thru June 12

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida at the sweetest event in town. From 12–2 pm at the Community Maritime Park, there will be a drive-thru fundraiser with ice cream and other assorted sweets and frozen treats for each car to enjoy. Entry to the drive-thru is $10 per car and all proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. Bigs & Littles get in free with proof of their “Magic Card.”

Once Upon A Dream June 12

Local dance academy, the LaBelle Performing Arts will be performing in two dazzling shows called Once Upon a Dream and Sleeping Beauty at the Saenger Theatre at 10 am and 6 pm. Tickets are available online at pensacolasaenger.com/events.

2021 Bud Light Fishing Rodeo June 18–21

This year’s Bud Light Fishing Rodeo will take place June 18–21 at Flounder’s Chowder House on Penscola Beach. The weigh-in is at Flounders on Saturday from 2–7 pm and Sunday from noon–6 pm. Cash awards and prizes await the angler who weighs in the top three fish in 21 different species. In addition to the rodeo, there is the Step One Automotive King Mackerel Challenge with separate buy-in and cash and prizes awarded to the boat that brings in the biggest king mackerel. There is also the In-Shore Challenge and the Academy Sports and Outdoors Junior Rodeo. Visit pensacolasports.org for more information.

Black Beauty Expo June 19

The Black Beauty Expo is a gathering that allows for black women on the Gulf Coast to encounter new products, network, learn and connect. The event is held at the Pensacola Bay Center from 11 am–5 pm and includes vendors and speakers on health, beauty, politics and business growth. VIP ticket holders will enjoy access to The Beauty Bar where they can receive free services from local licensed beauty professionals. They will also have access to the Brand Builders Level Up Room where there will be classes on credit repair, homeownership, investments and brand building.

Free Pilates in Community Maritime Park June 20

Free Pilates classes are offered every third Sunday of 2021, at 10:30 am, in Community Maritime Park, meeting directly in front of the amphitheater stage. Classes are open to all ages and levels of experience. Certified instructors from Pure Pilates Studio will provide instruction. The class is free, but you will need to BYOM (Bring Your Own Mat) and any other accessories you would like to use.

DepARTure June 23

The annual DepARTure fundraising event support arts education at Pensacola Little Theatre. Each year, PLT offers the community a chance to win a trip to an exciting destination

around the globe (or $4,000 cash) to raise funds for its education programs. Putting a little ART in your depARTure helps facilitate PLT’s affordable tuition prices and traveling education troupe—taking theatre into Title I schools, nursing homes, community centers, libraries, and beyond. You can purchase tickets for the annual raffle benefit online at pensacolalittletheatre.com/departure.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák, Symphony No. 8 June 26

The season comes to a close with a bright and optimistic program, featuring Dvořák’s idyllic Symphony No. 8. Composed in solitude in the countryside, the symphony seemed to flow spontaneously through Dvořák’s pen, with the composer noting that “melodies seem to pour out of me.” The orchestra will also be joined by composer James Lee, III for his new work, Restored Images. Inspired by the challenges of the year 2020, it evokes the beautiful, restored images of love and respect in humanity.

In-person and virtual tickets are available.

For additional information, visit PensacolaSymphony.com. There are two shows on June 26 at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm.

Escambia County 200th Anniversary Cleanup June 26

Join Keep Pensacola Beautiful as they clean up historical Ft. Pickens from 9 am-11 am to celebrate when Florida as a territory transferred from the Spanish to America.

Wear clothes you are okay getting dirty in, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. KPB will provide all litter removal equipment.

Instructions on how to enter the park will be provided to volunteers that sign up via Volunteer Match. Masks are required at check-in.

Summer Movie Night June 27

Cool off under the stars at the Pensacola Blue Wahoos movie night at the Blue Wahoos Stadium. Tickets are $5 for a familyfriendly showing of Sonic the Hedgehog .

Gates open at 6 pm and movie starts at 7 pm. There are ticket discounts available for children (12 and under), military members and seniors (65+). No groups larger than 10 people will be permitted to sit together and all separate groups will be required to sit a minimum of six feet apart in accordance with social distancing guidelines. Grab-andgo concessions will be available. No chairs or outside food or drink will be permitted.

Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on or use the stadium stands.

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MILITARYMATTERS

MILITARYMATTERS

AN ARMED FORCES NEWS SECTION

PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE ANNOUNCES NEW DUAL ENROLLMENT CHARTER SCHOOL FOR MILITARY FAMILIES AND AT-RISK YOUTH W W Left to right: Patrick Dawson, Capt.

Tim Kinsella, Julian MacQueen, Andrea Krieger, Wesley Hudgens, Sandy Sims, Rick Byars, Mike Spoor, Ed Meadows, Sarah Gatewood, Scott Luth, Margie Moore, Ed Moore and Troy Tippett

This is going to be transformational for our community.”

P

ensacola State College plans to open a dual-enrollment charter school at the Warrington campus that will target military dependents and at-risk students.

The proposed opening date for the Pensacola State College Charter School (PSCCS) is August 2022. PSC President Ed Meadows made the announcement on Tuesday, May 18, during a press conference held on the PSC Pensacola campus.

At the press conference, the Gulf Power Foundation presented the College with a $100,000 leadership gift that will fund a state-of-the-art Technology Innovation Center at PSCCS, which will be open to 10th through 12th grade students.

The charter school will offer both pre-collegiate and collegiate classes, giving students the opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma and/or an 22 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

associate degree. It will be based in existing facilities at the Warrington campus.

“We are honored to celebrate Gulf Power Foundation’s investment in the heart of our community,” Meadows said. “I think we’re on the right path. The charter school is going to be very beneficial to the military and it’s certainly going to be beneficial to our community.”

The impetus for the charter school came from meetings between PSC and Naval Air Station Pensacola leadership.

“This is the definition of community,” said U.S. Navy Capt.

Tim Kinsella, NAS Pensacola commanding officer, speaking of the partnership between Pensacola State College, the Navy and Gulf Power. “This is the very definition of helping each other, understanding our shared values and moving forward with them.

This is something that is going to benefit the entire community.

Gulf Power Foundation’s gift continues a legacy of an educational partnership between Gulf Power and PSC that is committed to invest in the future of our future leaders. Gulf Power and the Gulf Power Foundation have been valuable partners to PSC, previously providing $616,000 to support the college’s mission and commitment to higher education, said Andrea Krieger, Executive Director of Institutional Development. Gulf Power has now contributed $716,000 to educational initiatives at PSC. In addition to contributions to PSC Foundation campaigns, donations have helped support scholarships, a multicultural honors program, the automotive technology program, SkillsUSA and the PSC Nonprofit Center for Excellence and Philanthropy.

“We are honored to be part of the mission of Pensacola State College to support our military families and other students through additional education opportunities that provide the learning environment to grow their skills,” said Gulf Power Vice-President Mike

Spoor. “Our mission is to help build strong communities, and at the core of our mission is to build toward the future. Not only are we investing in our children, we are investing in accelerating their potential for an even brighter future.”

PSC has already held preliminary discussions about the new school with Escambia County School District officials and the Florida Board of Education. Meadows characterized the talks as “very positive.” The application for the school will be presented to the PSC Board of Trustees in late summer or early fall for approval.

Officials from Gulf Power and PSC encouraged other businesses to consider supporting the PSCCS. “The PSC Foundation hopes other companies and individuals will see the value of this investment and will join Gulf Power Foundation by contributing to this effort,” Krieger said. “Gulf Power’s gift comes from their recognition of the importance of serving military families and at-risk students in our region and creating additional learning opportunities in the technology and innovation center.”

Companies and individuals interested in providing financial contributions to support the charter school initiative should contact Andrea Krieger at (850) 484-1477 or akrieger@pensacolastate.edu.

MILITARYMATTERS

NMRTC PENSACOLA CHANGE OF COMMAND Naval Hospital Pensacola: May 14, 2021

C

apt. David Webster, Medical Corps, relinquished command of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Pensacola to Capt. Alan Christian, Medical Services Corps, at a change of command ceremony May 14 at the National Museum of Naval Aviation aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.

During Webster’s tenure as commanding officer of NMRTC Pensacola, he

led a 72 member deployment of Navy Medicine’s first Acute Care Team and 4 Rural Rapid Response Teams during the Defense Support of Civil Authorities Coronavirus 2019 pandemic counter operations in Texas. Webster guided the activation of emergency response operations during the fatal terrorist attack onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Hurricane Sally and the global pandemic. He directed the activation of six Special Psychiatric Rapid Intervention Team response efforts to support 6,500 service members across the region. Webster oversaw the implementation of safe vaccine administration operations for NMRTC Pensacola selected as a Coronavirus Disease 2019 vaccine pilot site. Additionally, Webster directed process improvement projects that led to three Department of Defense High-Reliability Organization Awards.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve alongside you as your commanding officer. We have faced and overcome our fair share of challenges these past two years,” said Webster.

“Your efforts to take care of our patients and each other while at the same time caring for yourselves and your families have been awe-inspiring.

I have said to you many times that I

am humbled to be associated with such a caring, professional and dedicated staff. Now reflecting on these past two years, I can say without hesitation that statement is truer today than ever before.”

Immediately following the change of command ceremony, Webster transferred to be the Fleet Surgeon for Command, U.S. 7th Fleet.

“It’s an honor to join a fantastic team of dedicated professionals committed to the readiness of our warfighters, their families and our beneficiaries,” said Christian. “I could not ask to lead a better team and Command than Naval Hospital Pensacola.”

During Christian’s speech, he thanked Webster for his hard work and dedication to NMRTC Pensacola.

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