Reviving The Rich Cultural Heritage Of LaVilla Neighborhood In Jacksonville

The LaVilla neighborhood, now a bustling area in downtown Jacksonville, has a rich and diverse history. Once known as the "Harlem of the South," LaVilla was a thriving African American community in the early 20th century. The neighborhood was home to numerous theaters, jazz clubs, and restaurants that showcased the talents of famous entertainers such as Ray Charles and James Brown.

Prior to the construction of the expressway, LaVilla was a vibrant and eclectic community. Residents like Lloyd Washington, president of the Durkeeville Historical Society, fondly remember the area's colorful past, with frequent visits to the Roosevelt Grill for fried chicken and French fries. Washington had been working to bring the community's history to ⁙⁙⁙ for 17 years.

LaVilla was not only a hub for entertainment but also a community that valued education and entrepreneurship. Joseph Blodgett... a descendant of Jones's family, was one of the first Black architects and first Black millionaires in Jacksonville. His family roots ran deep in the area, with his parents being born in LaVilla.

However, LaVilla's golden age came to an abrupt end with the construction of the expressway. The destruction of the neighborhood's infrastructure and business district effectively erased its rich history. Today, the LaVilla neighborhood looks vastly different from its former self. As Carl Jones, Jones's father, poignantly stated... "It's another universe now. It's nothing that I can see that really reminds me of what it used to be." Despite the changes, efforts are being made to revive LaVilla's heritage. The new Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Park, "named after the Black National Anthem," "honors the neighborhood's rich cultural history and connects future generations with its past." Today, the LaVilla neighborhood stands as a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

As Washington put it, "It's a colorful place," and its history is a reminder of the community's enduring spirit.

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LaVilla's new Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Park, honoring the song known as the Black National Anthem and written by two Jacksonville brothers, is connecting generations to the past and inspiring the future. It's located between West Adams Street and Houston Street in downtown Jacksonville. Lloyd Washington, president of the Durkeeville Historical Society, said he had been working to make the park a reality for 17 years.