JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The city's Black History Month calendar has become a tradition -- each year paying tribute to African Americans with ties to Jacksonville from the past, present and future.
The 2015 calendar is being unveiled Thursday evening at the downtown library, where all 26 calendars are on display.
The calendar's co-creator, Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, spoke about the tradition. Local students drawn interpretations of each year's theme grace the covers.
"Which was my favorite? Each one was my favorite. I really can't pick one. It's like asking which child is your favorite child. I'm serious," Simmons-Hutchins said.
Seven years into the project, Burger King signed on as a title sponsor, and the calendar was printed in color. It also now includes coupons.
"Being African-American, it brought a sense of pride," said Bill Thompson, who owns 18 local Burger King franchise. "To be able to say that, 'Now I can help keep this program going,' meant a lot to me."
This year's theme: taking a look at past, present and future inspirational black peolpe with ties to the First Coast -- a local focus to a national group's theme.
"I would like for people to take time to read stories involved and celebrate with people who've have successes, and they've shared those successes in the calendar," said Simmons-Hutchins.
News4Jax is proud to partner with the calendar's creators this year. They will be available to the public on Feb. 1, the start of Black History Month. You can pick one up at participating Burger King restaurants, as well as the main library.