Latest news with #MLKDayParade
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Yahoo
‘Long time coming': Jacksonville unveils marker for local civil rights figure Johnnie Mae Chappell
It's now been over 60 years since Johnnie Mae Chappell was shot and killed while walking home from the grocery store in Northwest Jacksonville. Chappell's death came at the hands of a man looking for vengeance amid ongoing race riots that occurred miles away. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] A jury would later find that man – J.W. Rich – guilty of manslaughter. He then served just three years behind bars. Friday morning, city officials and Chappell's loved ones unveiled a new historical marker honoring her legacy. Read: Jacksonville hosts annual MLK Day Parade held after a month-long delay 'We were put in foster homes, juvenile shelter, for what? Why? Why are we in jail? What did we do?' recounted Johnnie Mae's son, Shelton Chappell. 'But with this marker, it's like being exonerated.' Shelton is one of ten of children left behind after Johnnie Mae's killing. He told Action News Jax Friday, while the marker is a step in the right direction, there's still work to be done providing the resources needed in an area of Jacksonville that he feels has been long neglected – the Lincoln Villas neighborhood. 'It's still to me, left from that time my mother was killed,' Shelton said. 'You go to other communities and see how they have thrived, but this community seemed to have been left behind.' Read: 'I Lived Here, As Well' tours return for Black History Month Now, Shelton hopes one day a replica of the marker can be brought across the country and to the nation's capital itself, spreading the word about what happened to his mother, while serving as a reminder to practice peace and love – not violence and hatred. 'So I can say, Jacksonville, you did it. I really thank you for making a mark. Long time coming … change gonna come.' Read: Downtown Black History Month Parade to celebrate local creators and businesses [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
20-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
5 THINGS: Derryl Venters speaks about Black History
Retired educator and Co-Grand Marshal of this year's MLK Day Parade Derryl Venters discusses what Black History month means to her. 1 What Black person has had the biggest impact on your life, and why? 'My mother had the biggest impact on my life. She taught me to be the best me I could be. She told me not to worry about being different because God loved diversity. That is why I was different in appearance from my siblings. That is why people of different races looked different. God loves diversity.' 2 What Black historic figure or notable living person do you admire most? 'I admire Martin Luther King and the impact he made on this nation. I will always remember his 'I Have A Dream,' speech on Aug. 28, 1963 in Washington D.C. at the Lincoln Memorial. That speech is as relevant today was it was over 61 years ago.'' 3 What and who comes to mind when you think of the contributions made by the Black community throughout American history? 'George Washington Carver comes to mind when I think about contributions made by the Black community throughout American history. He was a Black scientist and inventor famous for his work with the peanut; he invented more than 300 products involving the crop, including dyes, plastics, and gasoline. Born enslaved, Carver developed an interest in botany and eventually earned a master's degree from the Iowa State Agricultural College (now Iowa State University). He became a longtime teacher at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, an advocate for farmers, and an internationally renowned botanist who consulted for President Roosevelt and became the first African American to have a national monument created in his honor.' 4 What are ways to bring more unity in Muskogee? 'I think that one way to bring more unity in Muskogee is for the churches and ministers in our community to come together on a regular basis for worship and to discuss community issues of concern. The discussions could lead to unity and prayer for the changes needed in our city.' 5 Why is it important to dedicate this time towards recognizing the significant role of the Black community in American history? 'Until the leaders and citizens of our country remember the intent of the Pledge of Allegiance and purpose to create a nation that fully respects all Americans, we need to remember and celebrate the contributions of all ethnic groups in our country.' 'I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.' — Cathy Spaulding
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Downtown Black History Month Parade to celebrate local creators and businesses
The Melanin Market is bringing attention to all things black history in Jacksonville with an event Saturday. More than 50 black-owned businesses and entertainers will take the streets of Downtown for the city's only Black History Month parade. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The vendor market begins at 12 p.m., just one hour before the parade kicks off. Participants will begin marching at the intersection of East 7th Street and Florida Avenue. For best viewing, visitors should line the streets along A. Philip Randolph Blvd between East 1st Street and East Union Street. Local, state, college and high school marching bands will provide the soundtrack. You can help out local black businesses by shopping with the on-site vendors, trying out some new food trucks and listening to local artists. Melanin Market will also be awarding five minority business owners with $1,000 grants to help them grow their brand. The celebration will wrap up at 6 p.m. The deadline to fill out a vendor or parade application is Thursday, February 20th. Read: Jacksonville hosts annual MLK Day Parade after a month-long delay Read: 'I Lived Here, As Well' tours return for Black History Month [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.
