- It’s been nearly 63 years since 17 African American children and their Sunday school teacher lost their lives at Lake Talquin in Quincy.
- The deaths were the result of a boating accident.
- Listen to what Gadsden County officials are doing to honor the victims as part of their recognition of Black History Month.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Gadsden County Commissioners will unveil a memorial sign Saturday morning at Lake Talquin’s Robinson Landing.
That’s where Commissioner Ronterious Green says a Sunday school teacher from a small Black church in Quincy, took his students out on a boat during a church picnic back in August of 1962. Their gathering quickly escalated once the boat capsized and started sinking.
“We just felt like this is a great opportunity for us to let them know that they’re always in our hearts and their family members will never be forgotten; neither will this tragic event," said Green.
Only one child survived the incident. It’s not clear whether anyone onboard was wearing a life vest.
The tragedy led to Florida implementing stronger boating safety laws. Cecil Farris Bryant was Florida’s Governor at the time. He signed a law that requires Florida boaters to have enough life vests for each passenger.
That law went into effect in 1963.
Event Details:
- What: Lake Talquin 18 Memorial Sign Dedication
- When: Saturday, February 15, 2025
- Where: Robinson Landing, 4178 McCall Bridge Road, Quincy
- Time: 10 a.m.
Parking:
Bethlehem Church of God and Christ
3060 McCall Bridge Rd, Quincy, FL 32351
Shuttles will run continuously to the Landing for event seating.