The Jacksonville Newsletter
Posts
This Week in Jacksonville (January 1st)

This Week in Jacksonville (January 1st)

Here are the latest news stories and upcoming events in Jacksonville.

Matthew Larsen
January 01, 2024

Welcome to The Jacksonville Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

Scottie Scheffler Wins Player’s Championship
Jacksonville Jaguars game recap
A deep dive into the life of James Weldon Johnson
And more…

Quote of the Week

“The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.”

— Oliver Wendell Holmes

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!

Jacksonville features a set of iconic bridges spanning the St. Johns River. What is the name of the blue, cable-stayed bridge that has become a symbol of the city?

A) Acosta Bridge

B) Fuller Warren Bridge

C) Main Street Bridge

D) Dames Point Bridge

News

💼 Business

Worldpay, separating from Jacksonville-based Fidelity National Information Services Inc., is adding 500 jobs at its reestablished headquarters in Cincinnati. This move comes after the 2019 acquisition of Worldpay by FIS and a recent decision to sell a controlling interest to GTCR.

A/C Designs Acquired by Naples Company: Conditioned Air Co. announced the acquisition of A/C Designs of St. Augustine. This merger is seen as an opportunity for growth and sustainability for A/C Designs.

🏒 Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars ended the year with a victory over the Carolina Panthers, maintaining their first place in the AFC South playoffs. The Jaguars won with a dominating 26-0 scoreline.

Scottie Scheffler's Players Win: Golfer Scottie Scheffler had a significant victory at The Players Championship, shooting a 17-under 271 to win by five strokes. This victory propelled him to No. 1 in the World Golf Ranking.

Famous People From Jacksonville

James Weldon Johnson: 1871-1938

Early Life and Education (1871-1893)

Born on June 17, 1871, in Jacksonville, Florida, James Weldon Johnson grew up during the Reconstruction era. He excelled in school and became the first African American to pass the bar in Florida after attending Atlanta University.

Career as an Educator and Lawyer (1894-1906)

Johnson initially worked as a principal in a grammar school and later pursued a career in law. His early professional life was marked by a commitment to education and civil rights.

Harlem Renaissance and Literary Contributions (1907-1930)

Johnson moved to New York City, where he became a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance. He authored significant works like "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man" and "God's Trombones," contributing greatly to African American literature.

Civil Rights Advocacy (1931-1938)

Apart from his literary work, Johnson was an influential civil rights activist. He served as an executive secretary for the NAACP, advocating for anti-lynching laws and racial equality.

Legacy and Impact (Post-1938)

James Weldon Johnson passed away on June 26, 1938. His legacy as a writer, educator, lawyer, and civil rights activist left a lasting impact on American society and culture.

Key Achievements of James Weldon Johnson:

Leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance.
First African American to pass the bar in Florida.
Renowned author of influential works in African American literature.
Key civil rights advocate and leader in the NAACP.
His writings and activism significantly impacted the fight for racial equality.

Ray Charles and James Weldon Johnson, though from different eras and fields, each left an indelible mark on American culture and history, with roots tracing back to their time in Jacksonville.