In honor of the birthday of civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938), the Jaguars Foundation and the Khan Family announced that they will donate $ 250,000 in support of the creation of the Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park Lift.
The park’s name is a nod to the song of the same name, widely known as the Black National Anthem. Johnson co-wrote the song with his brother, John Rosamond Johnson, when he lived in the LaVilla neighborhood of Jacksonville between 1900 and 2005.
“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” was first performed in 1905 by students at Stanton School, of which Mr. Johnson was principal, as part of a tribute to Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.
“I think it is only fitting that we should honor our native son James Weldon Johnson on his birthday with a lasting reminder of his many contributions to black culture and American culture at large,” said T-Neisha Tate, Jaguar’s vice president of social Responsibility and impact said. “We’re grateful to have the platform and opportunity to create awareness of how much rich history lies just a few miles from our stadium, and can’t wait to see the city of Jacksonville continue to take on its history.”
This post is part of a celebration of both Johnson’s birthday and June 10, the day Texas slaves were emancipated at the dawn of the Civil War. The holiday marks the anniversary of the day on which all slaves within the former confederation were informed of their freedom more than two years after the emancipation proclamation. Juneteenth is celebrated in recognition of black liberation, activism and culture.
Jaguar’s receiver Marvin Jones Jr. delivered a performance of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” at the Ritz Theater in LaVilla, a historic black landmark described as a “Mecca for African American culture and heritage.”
“It’s always amazing to see your culture and see where things started and where things went,” said Jones. “I know when I grew up in church, we sang that song too. It just brings back memories. It’s very warm and very powerful. I’m just glad I had the chance to sing it. “
The story goes on
June 19 became a company holiday for the team last year, and this year the City of Jacksonville has hosted a series of events to introduce players and staff to the importance of Juneteenth and the role of black culture in city history.
With Minicamp in the books, the team has a good break from everyday life and instead has the opportunity to recognize the story associated with this week.
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