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Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Congaree and Penn plan lodging improvements.

• Cam Ward leads Miami's 41-17 domination.

• A deep-dive into the life of Maulana Karenga.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“You have the power on your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

 –Marcus Aurelius

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Trivia

In Jacksonville, which historic plantation is known for its preserved 19th-century buildings and educational tours?

A) Kingsley Plantation

B) Epping Forest

C) The Ribault Club

D) The Beekman House

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Jacksonville event that celebrates local seafood is B) Great Atlantic Seafood & Music Festival.

News

💼 Business

Congaree and Penn owners plan improvements, addition of lodging. (link)

Foreclosure suit filed against Ambassador Hotel developer. (link)

🏒 Sports

Cam Ward throws for 385 yards and 3 TDs as No. 19 Miami dominates Florida in the Swamp 41-17. (link)

Beck throws 2 TD passes and No. 1 Georgia manhandles No. 14 Clemson 34-3. (link)

🏦 Finance

Easterly Government Properties Inc. acquires Jacksonville VA clinic. (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

🏀 Wawa River City Classic
8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, FL
Friday, Sep 13th | 6:00 pm | (More info)

🏉 Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns
EverBank Stadium , Jacksonville, FL
Sunday, Sep 15th | 1:00 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Zebra VIP Meet & Greet Experience
Florida Theatre Jacksonville 128 East Forsyth Street Jacksonville, FL
Saturday, Sep 14th | 5:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🎨 Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL
Sunday, Sep 15th | 12:00 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 “Urban landscape of Jacksonville with a focus on pedestrian pathways and green spaces” 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

1869 - Edward Waters College, the state's oldest historically black college, is founded.

In 1869, Edward Waters College was founded in Jacksonville, Florida, making it the state's oldest historically black college. Established by members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church), the college was initially known as Brown Theological Institute and was founded to provide education to newly freed slaves and their children. Over the years, the college expanded its curriculum and obtained accreditation as a junior college in 1955. Edward Waters College has played a significant role in providing access and opportunity to the local community, and it remains a prominent institution in Jacksonville.

Edward Waters College has a rich history and has been a cornerstone of education in Jacksonville for over 150 years. The college's mission of providing access and opportunity has been a driving force in its commitment to serving the community. As the state's oldest historically black college, Edward Waters College holds a special place in the history of Florida's education system. Today, it continues to be a private Christian liberal arts college and is a member of the United Negro College Fund, further solidifying its legacy as an institution of higher learning.

The founding of Edward Waters College marked a turning point in the history of education in Florida, particularly for the black community. The college's dedication to providing quality education and its enduring influence over the years have made it a respected and cherished institution in Jacksonville. As the first and oldest college for black students in the state, Edward Waters College has left an indelible mark on the local community and continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come.

Famous People From Jacksonville

Maulana Karenga (1941–): Professor and creator of Kwanzaa, although not deceased before 2000.

Early Life and Education (1941–1960)

Maulana Ndabezitha Karenga was born Ronald McKinley Everett on July 14, 1941, in Parsonsburg, Maryland. Though not originally from Jacksonville, Karenga’s journey toward becoming a prominent African American scholar and activist would later intersect with cities across the U.S., including Jacksonville. Raised in a large farming family, Karenga’s early years were defined by a deep sense of community and African cultural pride. He pursued higher education vigorously, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from UCLA. His academic focus and intellectual curiosity would lay the groundwork for his future contributions to African American cultural and political movements, particularly through the creation of Kwanzaa.

Influence of the Black Power Movement and Intellectual Growth (1960–1965)

During the 1960s, Karenga became actively involved in the Black Power movement, which sought to empower African Americans and promote self-determination. As he pursued graduate studies, Karenga became increasingly interested in African traditions and philosophies. This intellectual development fueled his desire to create a cultural holiday that celebrated African heritage in the United States. Influenced by the works of Frantz Fanon and other black nationalist thinkers, Karenga envisioned a movement that would encourage African Americans to connect with their African roots, which eventually led to the creation of Kwanzaa. His growing intellectual prowess and commitment to black empowerment gained him recognition as a leading figure in the African American cultural renaissance.

Creation of Kwanzaa and Rise to Prominence (1966–1970)

In 1966, Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa, a cultural holiday celebrating African American heritage, family, and community. The name "Kwanzaa" derives from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," meaning "first fruits of the harvest." Inspired by African harvest festivals, Karenga designed the holiday to provide African Americans with an opportunity to honor their cultural traditions and promote unity and self-determination. Kwanzaa is observed from December 26 to January 1 and incorporates seven principles, known as the Nguzo Saba, which emphasize values such as unity, collective work, responsibility, and creativity. Over the years, Kwanzaa gained widespread recognition and became an important celebration in African American communities across the United States, including Jacksonville, where its principles resonated with the local cultural identity.

Connection to Jacksonville and Cultural Impact (1971–1980)

While Maulana Karenga’s primary base of influence was in California, his creation of Kwanzaa had a profound impact on African American communities across the nation, including in Jacksonville. Jacksonville, with its rich African American heritage and history of civil rights activism, embraced Kwanzaa as a way to celebrate black culture and identity. Karenga’s principles of cultural empowerment and community-building resonated with Jacksonville’s African American residents, many of whom began observing Kwanzaa as a means of fostering unity and pride. Though Karenga himself was not based in Jacksonville, his holiday became an essential part of the city’s cultural landscape, particularly in schools, churches, and community centers where Kwanzaa celebrations have become an annual tradition.

Academic Career and Continued Activism (1980–1999)

In addition to his role as the creator of Kwanzaa, Maulana Karenga established himself as an influential academic and activist. He earned his Ph.D. in social ethics from the University of Southern California and became a professor and chair of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach. Karenga’s academic work focused on African culture, ethics, and philosophy, and he published numerous books and articles on African American history, black nationalism, and cultural politics. His academic career allowed him to expand his influence beyond the creation of Kwanzaa, as he became a leading figure in the study of African culture and its relevance to contemporary issues facing African Americans.

Challenges and Controversies (1971–1999)

While Maulana Karenga’s contributions to African American culture are widely recognized, his life has not been without controversy. In the early 1970s, Karenga faced legal troubles related to his involvement in the Black Power movement. He was convicted of felony charges in 1971, though he was later released in 1975. Despite these challenges, Karenga continued his work as a scholar and cultural leader, emphasizing the importance of Kwanzaa and African cultural values. His ability to overcome personal and political challenges and remain a significant figure in the African American community is a testament to his resilience and dedication to cultural empowerment.

Legacy of Kwanzaa and Global Recognition (2000–Present)

Kwanzaa has continued to grow in popularity, not only in the United States but also in other countries with significant African diasporic populations. Karenga’s creation of the holiday has had a lasting impact on African American culture, providing a platform for the celebration of African heritage and the promotion of community values. As the holiday spread to cities like Jacksonville, it became an integral part of African American cultural identity, with celebrations that emphasize the importance of history, family, and social responsibility. Karenga’s vision of cultural unity continues to resonate with communities worldwide, and Kwanzaa has become a fixture in African American holiday traditions.

Connection to Jacksonville’s Cultural Celebrations (2000–Present)

In Jacksonville, Kwanzaa has taken root as an important cultural celebration, with the local African American community embracing its principles of unity and self-determination. Schools, community centers, and churches across Jacksonville celebrate Kwanzaa annually, organizing events that highlight the rich cultural heritage of African Americans. The principles of Kwanzaa align with the city’s long history of African American resilience and activism, making the holiday a meaningful part of Jacksonville’s cultural calendar. While Karenga’s direct connection to Jacksonville may be limited, his creation of Kwanzaa has left an indelible mark on the city’s African American community, fostering a sense of pride and empowerment.

Legacy and Recognition (2000–Present)

Maulana Karenga’s legacy extends far beyond the creation of Kwanzaa. As a scholar, activist, and cultural leader, he has influenced generations of African Americans to embrace their heritage and strive for social justice. His academic work in Africana Studies has contributed to a deeper understanding of African culture and its relevance to contemporary issues. Today, Karenga is widely recognized for his contributions to the African American community, and Kwanzaa continues to be celebrated by millions of people around the world. His commitment to cultural unity, education, and community-building ensures that his influence will endure for years to come.

Key Achievements:

• Created Kwanzaa, a cultural holiday celebrating African American heritage and community values, which is now celebrated worldwide.

• Established himself as a leading scholar in Africana Studies, contributing to the academic study of African culture and black nationalism.

• Influenced African American communities across the U.S., including Jacksonville, where Kwanzaa is celebrated annually as a way to honor African heritage and promote unity.

Summary: Maulana Karenga’s journey from an intellectual leader in the Black Power movement to the creator of Kwanzaa reflects his deep commitment to cultural empowerment and community-building. His influence extends far beyond his academic work, with Kwanzaa becoming a vital part of African American celebrations in cities like Jacksonville. Karenga’s legacy as a cultural icon and scholar continues to inspire, ensuring his place as one of the most significant figures in African American history. His holiday, Kwanzaa, remains a powerful symbol of unity and pride for African American communities across the globe.

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