By Morgan Chatoff, Spring Marketing Intern
February marks the beginning of Black History Month, a time to honor the history, cultures, and communities that have helped shape Downtown Jacksonville and the LaVilla district! From the arts and music to civil rights and social justice, #DTJax is a focal point for learning and celebrating these important contributions.
The Clara White Mission
Located just west of the Downtown core, LaVilla is one of Jacksonville’s oldest historically Black neighborhoods. In 1909, Lionel D. Joel and Mr. Glickstein opened the Colored Airdome Theater. The Airdome was said to be the largest theater exclusively for Black people in the South. In 1910, the Airdome was the first recorded instance of blues singing performed on a public stage. Learn more about the “Lost Theatres of LaVilla” from The Jaxon.
What was once the Hollywood Music Store, now the Clara White Center, is one of the oldest African American missions in the state of Florida. The Clara White Mission strives to prevent and reduce homelessness through advocacy, housing, job training, and employment. Remembering the lasting impact that Dr. Eartha Mary Magdalene and Clara English White had on the LaVilla community, an exhibit occupies the rooms that were once Eartha White’s residence. It is now known as The Eartha M.M. White Historical Museum.
A Thriving Cultural Hub: The Ritz Theatre & Museum
By the 1920s, LaVilla had evolved into a busy district filled with theaters, clubs, and businesses all catering to the Black community. The neighborhood was home to rich talent, particularly in jazz, blues, and gospel music, attracting performers including Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Today, the Ritz Theatre & Museum serves as a living tribute to the neighborhood’s musical past, including a museum to show glimpses of what life was like in Downtown Jacksonville during this time.
Check out these events during the month of February:
Saturday, Feb. 8th: Hope Flood & Friends
Monday, Feb. 10th: Purple Kiss
Sunday, Feb. 16th: Community Family Day
Saturday, Feb. 22nd: Ritz Voices: The Gospel According to Ritz Voices
Tuesday, Feb. 25th: Round Table Workshop
The Jessie’s Mosaic Murals
The Jessie brings the Downtown Jacksonville community together by celebrating the rich cultural history it offers. Through public art, The Jessie works to improve the representation of diverse artistic expressions, helping people feel a sense of belonging in the Downtown area. Celso González is the talented mosaic artist who captivates the powerful stories of Zora Neale Hurston and Ebony Payne English as pictured above. For more information on the Jessie’s murals, check out their public art.
The Black Mural Map
The Black Mural Project was created after the lack of promotion of murals featuring black people or by black artists. Some of these breathtaking murals in #DTJax includes the Simpo mural by artist Hiero Veiga, located on Adams & Madison Street, as well as the Uplift mural by artist Steven Teller. Stay up to date about new murals and updates by checking out Jacksonville’s Black Mural Map. For more information on historical murals, check out the Explore Jax Core’s Art & Mural Tour.
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park
This park pays tribute to Jacksonville native brothers, James Weldon and John Rosamond Johnson, who co-wrote “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” now known as The Black National Anthem. Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park was built to represent and celebrate the history and success of the LaVilla neighborhood in Downtown Jacksonville. Today, the park holds community gatherings, events and celebrations.
Happy Black History Month #DTJax! Show us how you celebrate in Downtown Jacksonville by tagging us at @dtjax for a chance to be featured on our social media.