JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In this special edition episode of “Voices of the 904,” we traded our traditional backdrop for our first live show front and center at the inaugural LaVilla Black History Market.
In honor of Black History Month, host and creator Kendra Mazeke sat down with four prominent community leaders at Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park on Saturday, Feb. 7, to reflect on Jacksonville’s historic LaVilla neighborhood — sacred grounds where brothers James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson created what is now known as the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The guests included:
Mrs. Hazel Gillis, President of James Weldon Johnson Branch of The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), Inc
Dr. Rodney Hurst, Civil Rights Activist, Black Historian
Mrs. Carol Alexander, Founder of the A.L. Lewis Museum
Mr. Llyod Washington, President of the Durkeeville Historical Society
While each conversation had its own tone, the overall message was clear: Black history must be actively preserved, taught and lived to protect the culture and shape the future.
Dive into the full show above.
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She's navigating the digital world of journalism one story — and interview — at a time. Creator and host of "Voices of the 904," a show highlighting everyday people redefining Jacksonville's creative scene.
