Civil rights swim-in

8 snips

Jun 18, 2025

In June 1964, black and white activists made waves by jumping into a 'whites only' swimming pool in Florida, challenging racial segregation. The dramatic scene escalated when the motel's manager poured cleaning acid into the water to force them out. This bold protest not only attracted global media attention but also coincided with the passage of the Civil Rights Act. Through personal stories and reflections, the podcast highlights the courage of the protesters and the significance of their fight for equality.

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ANECDOTE

Mimi Jones' Acid Pool Experience

Mimi Jones recalled the terrifying moment when hotel manager poured cleaning acid into the pool during the swim-in protest.
The protest aimed to challenge the racial segregation at the Monson Motor Lodge pool in Florida.

INSIGHT

St Augustine's Segregation Impact

St Augustine was deeply segregated, with violent responses to civil rights protests.
Dr Martin Luther King believed activism there would help pass the long-stalled Civil Rights Act.

ANECDOTE

Strategic Protest Timing

JT Johnson explained how activists timed demonstrations for evening news coverage to spread their message.
A peaceful swim-in protest was planned at the Monson Motor Lodge to gain national attention.

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On 18 June 1964, black and white protesters jumped into a ‘whites only’ swimming pool at a motel in St Augustine, in Florida.

Photos of the Monson Motor Lodge manager, James Brock, pouring cleaning acid into the pool to get them out, made global headlines.

The following day, the Civil Rights Act - a landmark bill to end discrimination which had been stalling in the Senate – was finally passed.

Using archive interviews with two of the swimming activists, JT Johnson and Mimi Jones, Vicky Farncombe looks back at this crucial moment in the civil rights movement.

This programme includes outdated and offensive language.

Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.

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(Photo: Monson Motor Lodge manager, James Brock, pouring cleaning acid into the pool. Credit: Getty Images)