On October 18, 1960, Jacksonville’s historic downtown park hosted an important moment: the soon-to-be 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy, addressed a crowd of Democrats. Kennedy’s remarks included noting his connections to the Northeast Florida area, such as his friendship with U.S. Rep. Charles E. Bennett, his month-long stay in Jacksonville while serving in
A man who made the welfare of Jacksonville and its residents his life’s work continues to serve posthumously in the most fitting of spaces. Charles Edward Bennett, U.S. Representative for 44 years, is immortalized in a bronze statue located in James Weldon Johnson Park. The 1,500-pound, life-sized likeness of Bennett was installed in 2004 and
In one corner of James Weldon Johnson Park sits a large rock whose craggy and aged surface suggests it has kept watch over this historic public space for more than 200 years. Unlike its tree companions who perished in Jacksonville’s fire of 1901, it has stood the test of time almost entirely in this spot. The Coquina Rock,
On October 18, 1960, Jacksonville’s historic downtown park hosted an important moment: the soon-to-be 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy, addressed a crowd of Democrats. Kennedy’s remarks included noting his connections to the Northeast Florida area, such as his friendship with U.S. Rep. Charles E. Bennett, his month-long stay in Jacksonville while
By Emma Burleson, DVI’s Fall 2024 Marketing Intern in collaboration with Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park During October’s First Wednesday Art Walk, the Snyder Memorial Methodist Church will be activated and open to the public, thanks to a collaboration with the City of Jacksonville, Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park, and Downtown Vision, Inc., made possible through the Munz
Tuesday, August 27 is the 64th anniversary of Ax Handle Saturday, a peaceful protest of a whites-only lunch counter by the NAACP Youth Council. It turned bloody when white supremacists were waiting for them in the park (present day James Weldon Johnson Park) with Ax Handles and baseball bats. Although not the beginning of the Civil
In the 1960s, calls to potential diners at Morrison’s Cafeteria spilled into the historic downtown park daily: “No waiting on the main floor! No waiting on the main floor!” Jacksonville historian and artist Wayne Wood has many memories of the city’s oldest and most historic park, but this one is especially fond because he was
“It’s a nice jewel to sit & enjoy the trees. You can eat, listen to live music & attend weekend events.”
“This event has a real roots, authentic feel. I felt inspired.”
“Thanks for being an amazing host! The park is beautiful and a part of Jacksonville’s history. Your staff was stellar!”
“Wow, the park sure looks better than when I was in office!”
“I moved to Jacksonville a year ago and have never felt so much community as I did here, tonight.”
“Great event for all of Jax. Love seeing families out and kids having a good time.”
“There is so much good happening in that park. The programming – kudos to you. It just looks like a different park these days, doesn’t it? It looks totally different than it used to.”
PARK 135 W. Monroe Street • Jax, FL
OFFICE 214 N. Hogan Street, Ste. 114 • Jax, FL
EMAIL contact@jwjpark.org
PHONE 904-515-5098
PARK 135 W. Monroe Street • Jax, FL
OFFICE 214 N. Hogan Street, Ste. 114 • Jax, FL
EMAIL contact@jwjpark.org
PHONE 904-515-5098
