160 Years of Stories: A Photo Exhibit
For 160 years, the soul of James Weldon Johnson Park hasn’t been found in monuments or milestones—it’s been in the people. The morning jogger who’s traced the same path for decades. The grandmother telling stories over lunch with her granddaughter. The musician whose melodies drift through the majestic oaks. The office worker finding a moment of peace on a bench.
Through the lens of photographer Toni Smailagic and the voices gathered by storyteller Barbara Colaciello, this exhibition celebrates the everyday heroes who make our city’s oldest park extraordinary. Here are the faces you pass each day, the neighbors you might not have noticed, the quiet moments of grace that happen when people simply share space together.
These photographs and stories reveal something profound: a park is only as remarkable as the people who claim it as their own. From those who’ve gathered here for generations to the newcomers still discovering its shade, each person adds a thread to the living tapestry of this democratic space.
This isn’t a history lesson—it’s a love letter to the Jacksonville residents who, day after day, make James Weldon Johnson Park the heart of our city. Come see yourself, your neighbors, and the continuing story we’re writing together.
Photos by Toni Smailagic
About The Jessie
The Jessie brings together the Jacksonville community and its nonprofits in a setting that appreciates our rich cultural history while responding to the needs of today. Housed in one of Jacksonville’s architectural jewels — the former main library at 40 W Adams — The Jessie provides offices for nonprofits and work and gathering spaces for community members in an energy-efficient building offering state-of-the-art technology. Some of their notable tenants include the Non-Profit Center of NE FL, the Dolores Barr Weaver Policy Center, Jacksonville Speech & Hearing, and Leadership Jacksonville.
About Toni Smailagic
Toni Smailagić is a Jacksonville, Florida–based portrait photographer and the founder of Cre8Jax (est. 2016), a platform documenting the city’s cultural life and growth. Born in Bosnia and raised in Jacksonville after arriving as a refugee, he uses natural-light portraiture and documentary storytelling to spotlight artists, community builders, and everyday people.
To see more of his collection, visit ToniSmailagić.com
About Barbara Colaciello
Barbara Colaciello brings a unique perspective and skill set to her teaching and writing utilizing her eclectic experiences and interests. Based on her extensive theater background, sales and marketing experience and on her artistic journey as an actress, director, playwright, and educator, she has developed a process that promotes success through authenticity, focus, improvisation and collaboration. Barbara’s company, Improv to the Rescue, housed at BABS’LAB, specializes in experiential and creative learning to enhance communication skills, develop storytellers and encourage collaboration through workshops, classes and performances.
To learn more about Bab’s talents, visit BarbaraColaciello.com
The Stories
Enjoy your journey through these powerful images (captured by Toni Smailagic) and stories (curated by Barbara Colaciello). Click on the various stories to learn more!
Denise Scott
William Peyton Scott, Sr, originally from New Orleans was known
Grace Stoyshich
Co-founder of Social Beans, a digital marketing agency primarily focused
Lynn McNutt
A Jacksonville native, recently retired from FAU, remembers coming to
Jason Benjamin
Owner of Big Baby Trucking, Inc.“I came to Jacksonville to
Jake Garza
Owner of Jag Boilers Food Truck"I'm from Louisiana, born and
Grant Nielsen
Musician and Co-Founder of Nuera Marketing produced a David Bowie
Eileen Seuter
Eileen Seuter, a native Jacksonvillian, is the regional director for
Randy Britt
Senior Park Ambassador for Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park“I
Phoebe Mullis
Associate Director of Activations for Downtown Vision, Inc. Phoebe is
Carmen Macri & Ambar Ramirez
Folio Staffers Carmen Macri, Social Media Manager and Lead Writer,
