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Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Bluebird Hardwater plans multi-state expansion.

• Mandarin starts season atop Varsity 4.

• A deep-dive into the life of Nina Mae McKinney.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."

– Anais Nin

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Trivia

In Jacksonville, which beach is famous for its historic pier and vibrant nightlife?

A) Atlantic Beach

B) Neptune Beach

C) Jacksonville Beach

D) Ponte Vedra Beach

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The iconic Jacksonville sculpture located at Friendship Fountain is A) The Fountain of Friendship.

News

💼Business

Jacksonville's Bluebird Hardwater plans multi-state retail launch. (link)

Thompson Thrift plans multifamily development near county line. (link)

🏒Sports

Varsity 4 Super 10: Let’s get this season started as Mandarin opens at the top. (link)

Four cents: Parker Washington, Mac Jones and positives on a night full of backups. (link)

🏦Finance

RISE to build multifamily development on Southside. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Norfolk Tides
121 Financial Park, Jacksonville, FL
Tuesday, Aug 27th | 7:05 PM | (More info)

⚾ Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Norfolk Tides
121 Financial Park, Jacksonville, FL
Wednesday, Aug 28th | 7:05 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Charley Crockett
The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St Augustine, FL
Monday, Aug 26th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎤 Jane's Addiction & Love and Rocketss
Daily's Place, Jacksonville, FL
Tuesday, Aug 27th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🐻 Friday Family Night
1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL
Friday, August 30th | 6:00 pm | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Jacksonville celebrating a futuristic holiday with unique traditions” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Jacksonville Historical Events

1982 - The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra is founded.

In 1982, the cultural landscape of Jacksonville, Florida, was forever changed with the founding of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. This momentous occasion marked the beginning of a new era in the city's musical history, as the orchestra quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the local arts community. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for bringing world-class music to the region, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra has captivated audiences and enriched the cultural fabric of the city for nearly four decades.

Since its inception, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra has been a beacon of artistic innovation and creativity, showcasing the talents of renowned musicians and conductors from around the world. Through its captivating performances and educational outreach programs, the orchestra has inspired generations of music lovers and aspiring artists, fostering a deep appreciation for classical music and orchestral excellence. As a beloved institution in Jacksonville, the symphony continues to uphold its legacy of musical excellence and remains an integral part of the city's vibrant cultural scene.

The founding of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra in 1982 marked a pivotal moment in the city's history, elevating Jacksonville to a prominent position in the world of classical music. With its unwavering dedication to artistic expression and community engagement, the orchestra has become a cherished symbol of cultural pride and a testament to the enduring power of music in Jacksonville.

Famous People From Jacksonville

Nina Mae McKinney (1912–1967): Actress who worked during the Harlem Renaissance.

Nina Mae McKinney, born on June 12, 1912, in Lancaster, South Carolina, was an American actress who worked internationally during the 1930s and in the postwar period in theatre, film, and television. She revolutionized the role of black women in film with her 1929 Hollywood film debut in "Hallelujah," becoming one of the first African American leading actresses in Hollywood. McKinney's career spanned continents, and she was known for her self-taught singing, dancing, and acting abilities.

Early Life and Hollywood Debut (1912-1929)

Nina Mae McKinney was born to Georgia Crawford and Hal Napoleon McKinney in Lancaster, South Carolina. Her talent for singing, dancing, and acting was evident from a young age, and she pursued her passion for the performing arts with determination. In 1929, McKinney made her Hollywood film debut in "Hallelujah," a groundbreaking achievement that marked the beginning of her illustrious career in the entertainment industry.

International Career and Breakthrough (1930s-1940s)

Determined to break barriers in acting, McKinney immigrated to Europe, where she performed in cabarets in Budapest, Hungary; Dublin, Ireland; London, UK; and Paris, France. She appeared in British films such as "Congo Road" (1930) and "Sanders of the River" (1935), both opposite Paul Robeson. McKinney's international career and her ability to transcend racial barriers in the entertainment industry made her a trailblazer for African American actresses in the early 20th century.

Legacy and Impact (1950s-1967)

In the postwar period, McKinney continued to make significant contributions to theatre, film, and television. Her talent and charisma captivated audiences, and she was praised for her expressive performances. McKinney's legacy as an actress who defied racial barriers to find stardom in Europe continues to inspire and resonate with audiences, cementing her status as a pioneering figure in the history of African American actresses in Hollywood.

Connection to Jacksonville

Nina Mae McKinney's impact extended to Jacksonville, where her influence as a pioneering African American actress was felt by aspiring performers and artists. Her groundbreaking achievements in the entertainment industry inspired future generations of actors and actresses, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Jacksonville.

Key Achievements of Nina Mae McKinney:

• Revolutionized the role of black women in film with her Hollywood debut in "Hallelujah."

• One of the first African American leading actresses in Hollywood.

• Performed in cabarets across Europe, breaking racial barriers in the entertainment industry.

• Pioneering figure in the history of African American actresses in Hollywood.

• Remembered for her expressive performances and lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Nina Mae McKinney's story is one of resilience, talent, and trailblazing achievements that transcended racial barriers in the entertainment industry. Her legacy as a pioneering African American actress continues to inspire and resonate with audiences, leaving an enduring impact on the history of Hollywood and the cultural landscape of Jacksonville.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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