Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Jacksonville University basketball game recap

• Upcoming Tanya Tucker and Grace Potter concerts

• A deep-dive into the life of James Weldon Johnson

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

– Friedrich Nietzsche

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In Jacksonville, what is the name of the famous bridge that spans the St. Johns River?

A) Fuller Warren Bridge

B) Acosta Bridge

C) Main Street Bridge

D) Dames Point Bridge

News

💼 Business

Jacksonville International Airport Records High Traffic: Achieved a record 7.45 million passengers in 2023 post-pandemic​​. (link)

Construction Begins at Airport 295 Logistics Park: Seefried Industrial Properties starts building three large warehouses​​. (link)

Stabilization in Northeast Florida's Housing Market: Housing prices rise amid increasing inventory offering more buyer options​​. (link)

Enhanced Recovery Company Closes Jacksonville Office: The debt-collection firm's closure impacts 164 employees​​. (link)

Hillwood's Profit-Sharing Payment to City from Land Sale: $2.1 million paid to city from the sale of land to Gate Petroleum​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

The University of North Florida Ospreys defeated the Jacksonville University Dolphins 82-74 in the River City Rumble men's basketball game. (link)

In ECHL hockey, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits won a tight game on the road against the Jacksonville Icemen. (link)

The Jacksonville Jaguars ended their season with a loss to the rival Tennessee Titans. (link)

🏦 Finance

GEE Group Inc., a Jacksonville-based staffing company, increased its adjusted earnings by 45% for the fiscal year despite a decline in revenue. (link)

DirecTV proposed an a la carte model for broadcasting Tegna’s television stations, including Jacksonville's NBC and ABC affiliates, amid fee disputes. (link)

Tyson Foods extends employment for some workers beyond the initial closure date of its Jacksonville plant, with final layoffs by March 17. (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

🏓 Airhockey Tournament
Dart Bar & Games
Monday, Jan. 29th at 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🏢 Jacksonville Sports & Entertainment Career Fair
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Wednesday, Jan. 31st | (More Info)

🏀 North Alabama vs. Jacksonville Women's Basketball
Jacksonville University
Saturday, Feb. 3rd | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Tanya Tucker
Florida Theater
Monday, Jan. 29th | (More Info)

🎶 Grace Potter
Florida Theater
Thursday, Feb. 1st | (More Info)

Family

🏮 Colors of the Wild: A Zoolights Lantern Experience
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Jan. 29 - Feb. 4 | (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 as a giant eco-friendly treehouse community” 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

French Huguenot explorer Jean Ribault charters the area, later named Jacksonville (1562)

In 1562, the early chapters of Jacksonville's history were marked by the arrival of French Huguenot explorer Jean Ribault. Sailing under the French flag, Ribault was tasked with exploring potential sites for settlement in the New World. His voyage led him to the mouth of the river he named "River of May," now known as the St. Johns River. This strategic location, abundant in resources and natural beauty, caught Ribault's attention and marked the beginning of European interest in the area that would later become Jacksonville.

Jean Ribault and his crew erected a stone column at the site, claiming the land for France. This symbolic act was a declaration of French sovereignty in the region and represented a significant moment in the European struggle for control and colonization of the Americas. Ribault's arrival set the stage for future settlements and conflicts as European powers vied for dominance in the New World. The area's strategic importance was recognized not just for its navigable river and fertile lands but also for its potential as a military and trading post.

Although Ribault's initial settlement efforts were short-lived, his exploration laid the groundwork for future colonization attempts in the region. The French presence would later be challenged by Spanish forces, leading to a turbulent period of conflict and changing control. Nevertheless, Ribault's exploration in 1562 marked the beginning of recorded history in the Jacksonville area, with his name and legacy enduring through the centuries as a testament to the spirit of exploration and discovery that characterized the era of the European colonization of the Americas.

Famous People From Jacksonville

James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938)

Early Life and Education (1871-1890)

James Weldon Johnson was born in 1871 in Jacksonville, Florida. Raised in a nurturing environment that emphasized education and cultural enrichment, Johnson was exposed to a wide range of intellectual and artistic pursuits. His early life in Jacksonville, a city with a complex racial landscape, shaped his understanding of racial dynamics and his commitment to civil rights.

Academic Achievements and Early Career (1891-1900)

Johnson excelled academically, becoming the first African American to pass the bar exam in Florida. Despite the limited opportunities available to him due to racial segregation, he pursued a career in education, serving as the principal of the Stanton School, where he worked to enhance educational opportunities for African American students.

Literary Contributions and Songwriting (1901-1910)

Johnson's early literary work began to gain attention in the early 1900s. He collaborated with his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson, to compose the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which later became known as the Black National Anthem. His literary and musical contributions during this period reflected his deep cultural awareness and artistic versatility.

Diplomatic Service and Travel (1911-1920)

Appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt, Johnson served as the U.S. Consul to Venezuela and later Nicaragua. His diplomatic service provided him with a broader perspective on race relations and global politics, further enriching his intellectual and cultural insights.

Leadership in the NAACP and Civil Rights Advocacy (1921-1930)

In 1920, Johnson became the first African American executive secretary of the NAACP, a role in which he demonstrated exceptional leadership. He was instrumental in organizing and executing campaigns against racial violence and advocating for civil rights legislation, significantly advancing the cause of racial equality.

Literary Achievements and Harlem Renaissance (1931-1938)

During the 1930s, Johnson's literary work garnered widespread acclaim. He was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, contributing seminal works such as "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man" and editing influential anthologies of African American poetry. His writings reflected the complexity of the African American experience and promoted cultural pride and identity.

Final Years and Reflections on Legacy (1938)

In his final years, Johnson continued to write and engage in civil rights activism, reflecting on his multifaceted career as an author, educator, lawyer, diplomat, songwriter, and activist. His leadership and intellectual contributions significantly shaped the cultural and political landscape of the era.

Death and Enduring Influence (1938)

James Weldon Johnson passed away in 1938. His death marked the end of a life dedicated to the pursuit of equality, cultural expression, and intellectual engagement. Johnson's legacy as a Renaissance man and a pivotal figure in the NAACP and the Harlem Renaissance continues to inspire and influence.

Key Achievements:

• Instrumental leader in the NAACP, advocating for civil rights and racial equality.

• Author of influential literary works, including "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man."

• Composer of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," known as the Black National Anthem.

• Served as a U.S. diplomat, broadening his impact on international race relations and politics.

James Weldon Johnson's journey from the classrooms of Jacksonville to the forefront of the NAACP and the Harlem Renaissance is a testament to his extraordinary intellect, cultural contributions, and unwavering commitment to civil rights. As a multi-talented figure, his legacy transcends his varied roles, leaving an indelible mark on American history and culture. Johnson's life and work continue to inspire, symbolizing the power of intellect, creativity, and activism in shaping a more equitable and expressive society.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

Poll