Experiencing Jacksonville's Rich Black History

Through Murals and Events, Virtually and In-Person

​There's an impressive array of murals and mosaics that focus on well-known events and Black residents of Jax, both past and present, visible all over town. This year, Art Republic’s Lift Every Voice project created murals that almost exclusively represented Jacksonville’s African American heritage. And, the addition of the Black Mural Map website is a wonderful guide to all the incredible murals that can be seen on the sides of buildings, towers, and fences downtown and in the surrounding areas of the community. 

Mosaics created by artist, Celso González and team, at the Jessie Ball duPont Building.

Ways to experience Black History Month in Jacksonville

There are numerous ways to learn and explore about Jacksonville's rich Black heritage this month. In addition to checking out the Black Mural Map website, see the list below for just some of the virtual and in-person exhibits and events, happening all month long.

• Visit the Ritz Museum and Theatre to connect and celebrate our rich African American heritage through the stories of some of our greatest Floridians.
• Check out the Jax African American Heritage Trail. Explore stops along trail, including the Catharine Street Fire Station and the Clara White Mission, founded by a former slave and in operation for over 100 years, and more. ​

• WJCT-TV Black History Month lineup of programming: a virtual event and more.
  • WJCT will host a community conversations and launch an interactive initiative in connection with Dr. Henry Louis Gates' latest PBS documentary on WJCT-TV, “The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song”. ​Read more about the full line-up at wjct.org/blackhistory​

• Theatre Jacksonville: Thurgood, the story of the first Black associate justice of the Supreme Court.
  • This powerful historical virtual production debuts on February 18th. Click here for ticket information: www.theatrejax.com
• The Cummer Museum - ​Throughout the month of February the museum has planned an impressive schedule of events, including:
  • Music and poetry from local Black artists and musicians.​
  • Works by Black artists that can be enjoyed in the galleries and through an interactive at-home viewing experience.
  • Virtual conversations, including a Fireside Chat with the Museum’s new Director and CEO, Andrea Barnwell Brownlee, Ph.D., and Johnetta B. Cole, Ph.D.​​
• Beaches Museum 
  • Cemetery Tour: African American History in the Lee Kirkland Cemetery
    February 13, 1:00 p.m.
  • Recovering Manhattan Beach
    A Virtual Event
    February 25, 6:30 p.m

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These are just a few of the incredible events planned throughout the month of February. We encourage you to get out and explore Jacksonville's rich, African American heritage, this month and throughout the year.

Image from the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens