Jacksonville, Florida
“Life’s Most Persistent and Urgent Question Is: What Are You Doing for Others?” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Baptist minister and social activist who led the Civil Rights Movement(link is external) from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968. His skillful rhetoric, iconic Read More …
African American landmarks and legacies can be found at a variety of locations in Jacksonville. While some of these sites can be visited, other listings are marked “private” and are not open to the public. 1960s Civil Rights Historic Site Marker James Weldon Johnson Park, Read More …
The City of Jacksonville invites the community to celebrate the life, legacy, and service of Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast, presented by Florida Blue virtually on Friday, January 14, 2022. The virtual event will feature Mayor Lenny Read More …
FRIDAY 8 a.m. — Virtual presentation of 35th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Empowerment Breakfast, hosted by Jacksonville chapter of NAACP. Tickets are free; to register, go to events.blackbirdrsvp.com/35th-annual-mlk-jr-community-empowerment-virtual-breakfast-jacksonville-branch-naacp. 8:30 a.m. — Virtual presentation of 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, hosted by city of Jacksonville. Tickets Read More …
Happy Birthday to prominent author, anthropologist, and key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, Zora Neale Hurston. In the late 1930s, Hurston ran the “negro unit” of the Federal Writers Project, whose offices were in the Clara White Mission right here in Jacksonville. Learn more about Read More …
Eartha M. M. White hosted a children’s Christmas party at the Clara White Mission in Jacksonville on this date in 1963. This was one of many events and organizations that Miss White either supported or began throughout her long lifetime of humanitarian aid (she died Read More …
Today, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced the annual selection of 25 films into the Library of Congress National Film Registry. Films are selected based on their cultural, historic and/or aesthetic importance, and must be at least 10 years old. The 2021 National Film Registry Read More …
Black Restaurant Week was founded in 2019, since then it has expanded to 15 different areas across the country, including Jacksonville. From Nov. 12 through 21, residents are encouraged to check out all our Black-owned restaurants have to offer. A list of local Black-owned restaurants Read More …
Marie Louise Gato was the 19-year-old daughter of Jacksonville cigar factory owner Gabriel Hidalgo Gato. At the time of her death Jacksonville was home to 15 cigar manufacturing companies, her father’s company, Modelo Cigar Manufacturing, was the largest. She was shot five times as she Read More …
Yesterday, the Singleton Senior Center hosted its Grand Re-Opening event. During COVID, the center underwent extensive aesthetic and functional renovations and Saturday was a celebration of all the hard work that has gone into the center. The seniors heard the history of Mary L. Singleton, Read More …
On July 31, 1968, a young, black man was reading the newspaper when he saw something that he had never seen before. With tears in his eyes, he started running and screaming throughout the house, calling for his mom. He would show his mom, and, Read More …
This film was recently made public by FSCJ Library and Learning Commons. WARNING pejorative language and tone throughout the film. “This short piece, produced by long-time Florida Theatre projectionist Bender Cawthon, includes rare footage of Hansontown and LaVilla from around 1950 and seems to have Read More …
On the 76th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Frederick Douglass was invited to address the citizens of his hometown, Rochester, New York. Rather than acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of the young nation, Douglass used the occasion to remind all that Read More …
The 4th of July Throwback Baseball Game is back for its 12th year. This local tradition is where Historic Springfield’s residents battle it out on the baseball field for bragging rights on whether the Westside or Eastside are the true champions. Come enjoy the day Read More …
For the first time in Jacksonville history, our City Council will be led by two African-American members. Congratulations to new Council President Sam Newby and new Vice President Terrance Freeman. We are looking forward to your leadership and guidance in the coming year.
State and local news media have been abuzz with stories about the Orange Crush Festival for the last few weeks. “Controversial Orange Crush Festival” “Heavy police presence planned for Orange Crush Festival” “Businesses close ahead of the Orange Crush Festival” Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office emptied out Read More …
JUNETEENTH is the oldest celebration in the nation to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, officially freeing slaves. However, word of the Proclamation did not reach many parts of the country right away, Read More …
Today is the first day of the Orange Crush Festival. The festival is expected to draw 20,000 people with party events around Jacksonville and its beaches. The majority of local businesses and citizens see this as a welcome economical boost to Jacksonville and the Beaches. Read More …