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Jacksonville Newsletter (October 14th)

Jacksonville Newsletter (October 14th)

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

Matthew Larsen
October 14, 2024

Quote of the Week

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Trivia

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

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The name of the Jacksonville annual music and arts festival held in Metropolitan Park is A) Jacksonville Jazz Festival.

News

💼Business

Developer of 3,300-home community looking for agreement with St. Johns. (link)

DIA proposes incentives for company HQ to relocate downtown. (link)

🏒Sports

Hurricane Milton scratches football games in Duval, Flagler, St. Johns counties. (link)

Four Cents: Win over Colts could be the spark that ignites a Jaguars turnaround. (link)

🏦Finance

Lucky's Bar to open in former Shim Sham Room this week. (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

⚽ Jean Ribault Middle vs Springfield Middle School
3663 Raines Ave, Jacksonville, FL
Tuesday 15 October, 2024 at 6:00 pm | (More info)

🏃 Track Workout (W)
7400 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
Wednesday 16 October, 2024 at 2:00 pm | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Make Music
8505 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
Mon • Oct 14 • 3 - 3:45 PM | (More info)

🎸 Men at Work
Florida Theatre Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
Wed • Oct 16, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🌻 Art Wednesdays
10139 Hood Rd, Jacksonville, FL
Wednesday 16 October, 2024 at 1:30 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 “Jacksonville with domed buildings” 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

1562 - French Huguenot explorer Jean Ribault charters the area, later named Jacksonville.

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): Author, educator, lawyer, diplomat, songwriter.

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.

Summary:

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.

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