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James Weldon Johnson composed Lift Every Voice and Sing, which became known as the Black national anthem. Author: Kailey Tracy Updated: 6:38 PM EST February 20, 2021
JACKSONVILLE, Fla The beat of several drums echoed from the newly renamed James Weldon Johnson Park in downtown Jacksonville Saturday afternoon.
The park was originally named after Civil War veteran, Charles Hemming, when he donated a Confederate monument to Jacksonville. The Confederate soldier statue that stood on top of the monument was removed last summer.
Organizers of Saturday s event, which included food music and dancing, called it Duval Legacies. It s the first of the series celebrating Black history in Duval, they said, starting with Johnson during Black History Month. Johnson composed Lift Every Voice and Sing, which became known as the Black national anthem.
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A few steps into the James Graham Mortuary, on a table beneath a wall covered with framed certificates, next to “Our Daily Bread” bulletins, there’s a large jug with a hand pump and a sign that says: “Sanitizing Station.”
On the other side of the entryway, on another table, there’s a framed message that was here long before this year. It says: “James, Trust Me, I Have Everything Under Control. Jesus.”
The family that owns and operates this mortuary still believes this, even after all that happened in 2020 A.D. But they also believe in measures to control COVID-19. As mourners walk down the hall past a chapel used for services, signs remind them to wear masks. And when they reach the door of a second chapel used for viewings, another sign signs: “Although we all long for the coming day when this sign isn’t necessary … PLEASE CONTINUE TO REFRAIN FROM HUGGING AND HANDSHAKING.”
Holiday pop-up supports Jacksonville businesses impacted by pandemic
80 vendors, food trucks take part in event at James Weldon Johnson Park
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The event supported local businesses that have struggled during the coronavirus pandemic.
Dozens of small business owners gathered at James Weldon Johnson Park for the event.
Crystal and Tommy Horton opened Seaside Slingshots at the start of March, so having the event right before Christmas was a boost to their business.
“It was definitely a really scary time to start a business,” Crystal Horton said. “Nobody anticipated what was going to happen, however, the outpouring of support has been amazing.”