Jacksonville Newsletter (July 11th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

Sponsored by:

Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Jacksonville tornado flips truck, video.

  • Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence announces pregnancy.

  • A deep-dive into the life of Stetson Kennedy.

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated."

- Maya Angelou

Sponsored

Yes, this platform’s 77% return is an outlier – but the rest may surprise you

The news is true: Masterworks’ 15th sale just weeks ago returned an impressive 77% to investors. While such a high return is an outlier for the blue-chip art investing platform, you might be wondering what their prior sales delivered. Glad you asked… 

Every one of their sales has returned a profit to investors, with 12 of them delivering double-digit returns, and 1 delivering triple-digit annualized returns. 

In full, Masterworks has over 300 paintings and their 16 exits have delivered: 32%, 39.3%, 36.2%, 27.3%, 9.2%, 33.1%, 21.5%, 17.8%, 13.9%, 35%, 10.4%, 325.5%, 4.1%, 17.6%, 77.3%, and 13.4% net annualized returns. 

Every sale but one outperformed the stock market in the period from when it was offered to when it was sold. 

With performance like that, offerings on the platform can sell out in minutes. However, Local News Newsletter readers can skip the waitlist to join with this exclusive link.

Trivia

What is the name of the Jacksonville museum that focuses on science and history, featuring a planetarium and exhibits on local history?

A) Museum of Science & History (MOSH)

B) Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

C) Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville

D) Ritz Theatre and Museum

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic fort in Jacksonville located on the banks of the St. Johns River and dating back to the Civil War era is A) Fort Caroline.

News

💼 Business

Tornado confirmed in Jacksonville as video shows truck flipping multiple times at local business. (link)

Photos of damage in Jacksonville storm including tornado warning. (link)

🏒 Sports

A Duval surprise! Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, wife Marissa announce pregnancy. (link)

Jaugars Mount Rushmore: Jamal St. Cyr and Justin Barney discuss top players in franchise history. (link)

🏦 Finance

MOSH hits $40 million fundraising goal. (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 Sharks vs Green Bay Blizzard
300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
Saturday, Jul 13th | 7:00 pm | (More info)

Football - Evaluation Camp
212 5th St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL
Thursday, Jul 11th | 5:00 pm | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 The Queens of R&B: Xscape & SWV
1 Daily’s Place, Jacksonville, FL
Friday, Jul 12th | 7:00 pm | (More info)

🎸 Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert
300 Water St #200, Jacksonville, FL
Thursday, Jul 11th | 7:00 pm | (More info)

Family

🎨 Kids Art Lab
333 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL
Saturday, Jul 13th | 12:30 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 “Metropolis of Jacksonville with a massive central AI-controlled hub” 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

1838 - Jacksonville serves as a major supply depot during the Second Seminole War.

In 1838, Jacksonville played a crucial role as a major supply depot during the Second Seminole War. Fort Shannon, established in May 1838, served as one of the primary quartermaster depots in Florida during the war. It was a key location for housing, training, and deploying troops for the conflict. Under the command of General William J. Worth, Fort Shannon operated as the headquarters for the St. Johns district during the war, playing a pivotal role in the logistical support of the U.S. Army.

The Second Seminole War, which took place from 1835 to 1842, was a significant conflict between the United States and the Seminoles, consisting of American Indians and Black Indians. The war arose as part of a series of conflicts called the Seminole Wars and was marked by intense military operations and strategic supply management. Fort Shannon's role as a supply depot was instrumental in supporting the U.S. Army's efforts during this challenging and protracted conflict.

The war ultimately came to an end on August 14, 1842, following the transfer of Florida from Spain to the United States and the declaration of the Second Seminole War as over. Fort Shannon, which had served as a vital supply depot during the war, was abandoned by the U.S. Army on August 24, 1843, marking the conclusion of its role in the conflict.

Famous People From Jacksonville

Stetson Kennedy (1916–2011): Author and human rights activist.

Stetson Kennedy: Early Life and Folklore Collection (1916-1937)

Stetson Kennedy was born on October 5, 1916, in the Springfield neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida, to Willye Stetson and George Wallace Kennedy. His early years were marked by a deep connection to the cultural heritage of Florida, which later influenced his work as a folklorist. From 1937 to 1942, Kennedy traveled extensively across Florida, documenting the state's diverse populations and their cultural heritage as part of the WPA's Florida Writer's Project.

Infiltration of the Ku Klux Klan and Exposing Secrets (1940s)

During the 1940s, Stetson Kennedy infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan, exposing its secrets to authorities and the outside world. Under the pseudonym John Perkins, he became a member of more than 20 hate groups, including the Ku Klux Klan and the Columbians. His courageous efforts to expose the Klan's activities and beliefs played a significant role in the fight against racial discrimination and injustice.

Labor Organizing and Crusading Journalism (1940s-1950s)

Stetson Kennedy worked as a labor organizer and crusading journalist, using his platform to advocate for human rights and social justice. His work during this period reflected his commitment to addressing systemic issues and advocating for marginalized communities, particularly in the South.

Return to Florida and Activism (Early 1960s)

After returning to Florida from Europe in the early 1960s, Stetson Kennedy continued his activism and advocacy work. His dedication to promoting social change and fighting discrimination remained unwavering, and he became a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, using his voice to speak out against injustice and inequality.

Connection to Jacksonville and Legacy (Throughout Career)

Stetson Kennedy's ties to Jacksonville remained strong throughout his career, and his impact on the city's history and culture is significant. His work as a folklorist, author, and human rights activist left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for equality and justice.

Key Achievements of Stetson Kennedy:

  • Infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan and exposed its secrets, contributing to the fight against racial discrimination.

  • Advocated for human rights and social justice through labor organizing and crusading journalism.

  • Documented Florida's diverse cultural heritage as part of the WPA's Florida Writer's Project.

  • Played a prominent role in the civil rights movement, using his voice to speak out against injustice and inequality.

  • Left a lasting legacy as a folklorist, author, and human rights activist, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for equality and justice.

Stetson Kennedy's life and work as an author, folklorist, and human rights activist reflect a deep commitment to social change and the fight against discrimination. His courageous efforts to expose the secrets of the Ku Klux Klan and his unwavering dedication to advocating for human rights have left an indelible mark on the history of Jacksonville and the broader civil rights movement.

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

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