On February 12, 1900, James Weldon Johnson's song 'Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing' was sung for the first time by a choir of Jacksonville children for a celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Here's the story of the song known as America's Black national anthem. Read More
Did you know that the State and Union corridor between Downtown and Springfield was a working-class African-American neighborhood before being wiped off the map by urban renewal and four lane one-way streets? Read More
Despite being a major center for black commerce and culture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, not much is known about Jacksonville's significant African-American history, heritage and culture. This is especially true when it comes to recognizing the contributions of early African-American architects and buildings in the development of the city that we know today. With this in mind, here are five early 20th century African American architects/builders, and a few examples of their work still standing just outside of downtown Jacksonville. Read More
