By Darryl E. Owens | Orlando Sentinel

Martin Luther King Jr. once remarked, "Because the goal of America is freedom, abused and scorned tho' we may be, our destiny is tied up with America's destiny."

That perspective also translates well to African-Americans' oft-overcast history in the Sunshine State.

Blacks have been instrumental to Florida's fortunes, and the tribulations and victories Africans have experienced here since the first blacks participated in 16th century Spanish explorations and in the establishment of St. Augustine in 1565 are woven into the Florida fabric as tight as the red bars lancing the Florida flag.

Nine years ago, the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, took note of that history, publishing The Florida Black Heritage Trail, a compendium of more than 140 places that reflects African Americans' significance to the history of Florida.