Entering this holiday season, James Weldon Johnson Park is excited to bring the holiday spirit to The Heart of Downtown! This Wednesday, December 4th, will be the City of Jacksonville’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony during December Artwalk. Here are 10 Fun Facts about the Christmas Tree and upcoming festivities! 1. The Christmas Tree will be up in JWJ Park until January 2nd 2. The
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
Mariah Barry Events Ambassador Q: How long have you worked here and what drew you to the job? Barry: I have worked here for a year and a half. What initially drew me to the job is that Liz (McCoy) proposed working with this organization. I think what really kept the ball rolling for me
As we find ourselves on the eve of 904 Day, we're taking a moment to reflect on the iconic (and historic) DUUUVAL chant, and learning more about where it originated. In this article written by our Friend, Mr. Al Pete, the history lesson begins with the chant adopted by The Jacksonville Jaguars and delves a
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
Terrance Johnson Events & Operations Manager Q: How long have you worked here and what drew you to the job? Johnson: I’ve been with the nonprofit since July of 2020. I was drawn here out of friendship and the need for something to do. It’s no secret that Liz and I worked together at a
JACKSONVILLE, FLA., August 8, 2024: Get ready for an out-of-this world experience as Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park and The ScienceSis are proud to announce the 2nd orbit of “Galaxy Fest, Where Culture and Science Ignite”, presented by Florida Blue & Custom Strategic Solutions, on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 11am to 4pm. Last year’s inaugural event was so successful that we are excited to
“I moved to Jacksonville a year ago and have never felt so much community as I did here, tonight.”
“It’s a nice jewel to sit & enjoy the trees. You can eat, listen to live music & attend weekend events.”
“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.”
“This event has a real roots, authentic feel. I felt inspired.”
“Wow, the park sure looks better than when I was in office!”
“Great event for all of Jax. Love seeing families out and kids having a good time.”
“Thanks for being an amazing host! The park is beautiful and a part of Jacksonville’s history. Your staff was stellar!”
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
