The Durkeeville Historical Society and city of Jacksonville collaborated to dedicate the birth site of Jacksonville’s Johnson brothers as the “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” Park. The park is named after the song written by John Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson in the late 1800s, which the NAACP calls the “Black National Anthem.”

As part of the development strategy for LaVilla, the current Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing park will be expanded and designed by to celebrate James Weldon Johnson and the African-American experience. The park, which commemorates Johnson’s contributions to our nation, will invite people from all walks of life to honor this important Jacksonville native. Designed by renowned lanscape architect Walter Hood, the park will be linked to 15 other historic neighborhoods and Downtown via the Emerald Trail.

Investment: $3M (COJ & Jessie Ball duPont)