Latest news with #EdwardWatersUniversity
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jacksonville Armada FC fans call for permanent stadium amid ongoing venue changes
Jacksonville Armada FC fans call for a permanent home for the team after being forced to move yet another U23 match, this time due to a sudden venue cancellation by Edward Waters University. Matches were held Saturday at Patton Park, where fans showed up with drums and chants — but also voiced frustration over the last-minute location change. Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< 'Every year, there's something. This year it was Waters, last year JU, before that Episcopal, and before that BK. We're used to it,' said Sebastian Cardona of the Section 904 Supporters Group. The team announced the venue change just 24 hours before kickoff after EWU canceled all event contracts. In a post on X, the club called the move 'unprofessional.' In a statement, Edward Waters University cited 'unexpected administrative issues with their facilities' as the reason for the cancellation. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Despite the sudden change, some families said they preferred the new location. Advertisement 'To us it's closer so I like it better,' said parent Beth Duncan. 'It doesn't bother me. I'm here to support the team regardless,' said fan Josh Richburg. 'It is closer and it's familiar. I used to play here when I played soccer,' said former player Ty Duncan. 'No problem at all,' added parent Dennis Sciarrhgta. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] EWU expressed regret in a statement and said it hopes to host future games again. 'So we would be glad to be back,' said Cardona. But many fans say the bigger issue remains unresolved. 'It's a problem that we should not be having because we should be playing at our stadium,' Cardona added. Advertisement Jacksonville Armada FC President Nathan Walter confirmed that stadium plans are in progress and are currently in the design and site phase. He said groundwork is expected to begin in the next 90 days. Attempts to reach Edward Waters University for clarification on the administrative issues were unsuccessful before the story aired. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Jacksonville city councilmembers want more inclusive tourism materials from Visit Jacksonville
Some Jacksonville City Council leaders are calling on Visit Jacksonville, the city's official tour guide agency, to be more inclusive in their selection of attractions. Councilman Jimmy Peluso had a meeting alongside Councilman Dr. Rahman Johnson and Councilwoman Ju'Coby Pittman to address what the members call gaps in historical and cultural sites featured in brochures. Visit Jacksonville CEO, Michael Corrigan, was in attendance. He said he always welcomes opportunities to talk about tourism in the city. 'Anytime you can get multiple elected officials to gather with you and talk about tourism - the good ... even some things that need help ... that's always good,' Corrigan said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Peluso, who represents parts of Northwest Jacksonville, said he'd like to see the inclusion of destinations like Edward Waters University, Florida's oldest historically black university, as well as James P. Small Park. 'We had Hank Aaron play in that field. That's something that people should want to do. We just want them to add more things to their brochure,' Peluso said. Johnson also drafted his list of recommendations for tourism materials. In the draft letter, the councilman mentions: The Ritz Theatre and Museum, a premier institution celebrating African American history in LaVilla and once known as the 'Harlem of the South,' is omitted from the 'Spots to Check Out' section despite its national cultural significance. Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Park, located at the historic site of the Johnson brothers' family home, lacks clear visual and editorial prominence. This is the birthplace of the hymn known as the Black National Anthem—a song embedded in American history and reverence. The absence of Edward Waters University, Florida's oldest private institution and first HBCU, from the 'spots to check out' portion of the guide represents a significant cultural oversight. EWU is not only a center of academic excellence but also a historic institution instrumental in shaping Jacksonville's intellectual and civic landscape. The Clara White Mission, founded in 1904 by Dr. Eartha M.M. White, is similarly excluded. Located in the historic LaVilla neighborhood, the Mission houses a museum showcasing one of the country's foremost collections of African American artifacts and continues to serve the community with hot meals, transitional housing, and workforce development. Its cultural and humanitarian impact make it a vital site for heritage tourism. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Johnson also said the exclusion of the Jacksonville Public Library Special Collections and the absence of Latino and Filipino cultural narratives can be problematic for a city that wants to not only welcome tourism, but keep tourists coming back, too. That's why Johnson said he is pushing for more inclusive tourism materials. 'In doing so, Jacksonville moves closer to becoming not just a city worth visiting, but a city where every story finds a home,' he shared in his draft. Corrigan said the latest edition of the tourism brochure should come out around June or July. He said his team is excited to listen to their community and incorporate some of the council's feedback into the guides going forward. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Emerging Eminence': Edward Waters University President secures new 7-year contract
Edward Waters University, Florida's first Historically Black College or University, announced this week that it is keeping President and CEO Dr. A. Zachary Faison Jr. in his role for another 7 years. The contract, set to end in 2032, was approved unanimously by the EWU Board of Trustees. 'Our new partnership is not just a reflection of my tenure, but a testament to the collective dedication of our board, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters who believe in the boundless potential of EWU,' said President Faison. 'Together, we have laid the foundation for an era of unparalleled growth, and I remain deeply committed to ensuring that our university continues to ascend as a premier institution of higher learning. The trust and support of the Board empower us to push forward with bold ambition as we chart the next chapter of EWU's #EmergingEminence!' >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The announcement comes just days after EWU reached a historic milestone. At its 2025 Commencement, degrees were awarded to 210 graduates, its largest graduating class in nearly 25 years. In its announcement, the school emphasized the other achievements it's been able to make since Faison first took the leadership role in 2018. The school gained university status in 2021, giving it the ability to offer master's-level academic degree programs for the first time. EWU has also added an Honors College, and eleven new degree programs in that time, covering topics like cybersecurity, nursing and computer science. Employees have also seen new benefits under his leadership. According to EWU, full-time faculty received across-the-board salary increases for the first time in 16 years. 'We look forward with great anticipation to President Faison continuing the work toward furthering the educational legacy of EWU—a legacy begun by Rev. Charles H. Pearce and the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church here in Florida nearly 160 years ago," said Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II, Chair of the Edward Waters University Board of Trustees. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Celebrating Black History: Edward Waters University student leaders reflect on Service, Scholarships, and Success
For Kimberly Holland and Johnoy Davis, leadership at Edward Waters University (EWU) is about more than just academics—it's about service, advocacy, and giving back to the community. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] 'It's about advocacy, and it's about giving back to the community and your present,' Holland said. Davis, who met Holland through involvement of the University's Choir community, shares a similar passion. 'Academic excellence and advocacy are things that I'm passionate about,' he said. Both students are deeply involved on campus, dedicating their time to student leadership and academic success. Scholarships Provide Life-Changing Opportunities Holland is a recipient of a full-ride Presidential Academic Scholarship. She says the financial support has been transformational. 'I was awarded a full-ride presidential academic scholarship for my studies that cover four years of housing, tuition, books, and fees here at EWU,' Holland said. 'That has completely alleviated any costs associated with college, which has been transformational in my life because not only now do I not have to worry about it, but I don't have to worry about student debt in the future.' For Davis, who is originally from Jamaica, scholarships have also played a crucial role in his educational journey. 'Scholarships for me have alleviated the financial burden that I had back home,' he said. 'Here at EWU, I'm able to focus directly on my studies, and I've been able to thrive academically, earning a 4.0 GPA.' Honoring Black History As Black History Month is celebrated, both students recognize the significance of their heritage and the legacy they continue to build. 'As a Jamaican, Black history is a big thing, not just because of the history, but also the music associated with history,' Davis said. Holland is a fourth-generation HBCU scholar and second-generation member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She says the month holds deep personal meaning. 'Black history has always been an important aspect of my life,' she said. 'I truly embody the importance of Black history because my sorority was founded on civil rights, scholarship, service, and sisterhood. So, it is truly an honor to be a part of so many different legacies.' Scholarships from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) help students like Holland and Davis focus on their academics and leadership roles, ensuring they can continue to make a difference both on and off campus. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
4th annual UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball in Jacksonville to support Edward Waters University
The 2025 United Negro College Fund's Mayor's Masked Ball, which supports Edward Waters University, will take place on Friday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. Former Action News Jax anchor Dawn Lopez will emcee the event, which is happening at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront. This gala supports UNCF's mission of investing in better futures. More than 500 corporate partners, educators, religious leaders, and community influencers are expected to attend, including Mayor Donna Deegan as the host, as well as President and CEO of Edward Waters University, A. Zachary Faison Jr., J.D. More information on tickets and sponsorships can be found at the event website: [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
