Today we’d like to introduce you to Willie Cooper.
Hi Willie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The West Augustine Improvement Association was founded by community activist and educator Mrs. Nellie Meade in 1956. One of WAIA’s first projects was establishing a West Augustine fire station. Before the WAIA work, a fire truck might take two to three hours to arrive from the station in St. Augustine. Other projects WAIA members have been able to see through to fruition are paving roads and installing street lights throughout West Augustine. Currently, WAIA is working on improving and maintaining two of the oldest historically Black cemeteries in Florida, Pinehurst and San Sebastian Cemeteries. These cemeteries had been abandoned for years while ownership was in question. WAIA worked to obtain official ownership and now holds three clean-up events each year to invite community members to aid in clearing out vines, brush, and fallen tree limbs and cleaning the headstones so that they are legible once again. In addition, WAIA is currently sponsoring a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to replace headstones that have crumbled over the decades.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the difficulties WAIA has faced over the years is its attempt to get on the city sewer system. Affordable housing and general home maintenance have been difficult to come by. Also, locally owned businesses need help to succeed in West Augustine. There needs to be more good-paying jobs and trade schools for the community. With the current cemetery project, funding for ongoing maintenance, e.g., lawn care, has been challenging. Regarding local schools, WAIA is working to help the students of the Murray Middle School football team acquire the proper helmets and uniforms they need, as only indoor sports teams are provided such accommodations.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
While I have the means to move away from West Augustine, where I grew up, I remain here because of the peaceful, pleasant location and community connectedness.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I like the surroundings and the people. West Augustine is a beautiful area, and it is a safe place to live. I would like to see more cohesion and interaction among the generations within the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.westaugustineimprovementassociation.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westaugustineimprovement/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestAugustineImprovementAssociation/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WestAugustineImprovement
Image Credits
Sine Boe
