Preserving the Past
to Promote the Present
and Pave the Way for the Future!
Notable Historical Residents
Activists from Jacksonville, Florida Earl (1928–1988) and Janet (1933-2012) Johnson Earl and Janet Johnson were Civil Rights Activists who often hosted famous leaders, like Martin Luther King Jr, in their Jacksonville home for strategy meetings. Mr. Johnson became the first Black City Council President and Ms. Johnson was a Jacksonville University professor who created their Upward Bound program. James Weldon Johnson (June 17, 1871 – June 26, 1938) Civil Activist and Educator; Lyricist of the Black National Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” Asa Philip Randolph (April 15, 1889 – May 16, 1979) Civil Rights and Union Activist; Founder of Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters
Musicians from Jacksonville, Florida John Rosemond Johnson (August 11, 1873 – November 11, 1954) Composer and Singer popular in New York’s Harlem Renaissance. He wrote the beautiful music to accompany the lyrics to the Black National Anthem, “Lift Ev’vy Voice and Sing” Charlie “Hoss” Singleton (September 17, 1913 – December 12, 1985) Grammy-Award Winning Songwriter and LaVilla’s musical extravaganza “April Frolics”
Athletes from Jacksonville, Florida Robert Lee “Bullet Bob” Hayes (December 20, 1942 – September 18, 2002) Olympic Gold Medalist and NFL Football Super Bowl Winner Artis Gilmore (born September 21, 1949) NBA Basketball Player
Politicians from Jacksonville, Florida Sallye B. Mathis (May 18, 1912 – 1982) First Woman to serve on Jacksonville City Council; First Black member to sit on the Council since 1907. She was elected in 1967 alongside Mary Singleton. She taught in Duval County Public Schools for 25 years. There is an elementary school named after her today. Mary Singleton (September 20, 1926 – December 7, 1980) First Woman to serve on Jacksonville City Council; First Black member to sit on the Council since 1907. She was elected in 1967 alongside Sallye B. Mathis. She went on to be the first Black and first Woman elected to the Florida State Legislature from Northeast Florida.