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 Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park.
The name of the park is a reference to the song of the same name, widely known as the Black National Anthem. Johnson, along with his brother John Rosamond Johnson, wrote the song while living in the LaVilla neighborhood of Jacksonville between 1900-05.
“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” was first performed in 1905 by students at the Stanton School, where Mr. Johnson was principal, as part of a tribute to Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.
“I think it is only fitting that on his birthday, we honor our native son, James Weldon Johnson, with a permanent reminder of his many contributions to Black culture and American culture at large,” T-Neisha Tate, Jaguars vice president of social responsibility and impact, said. “We’re grateful to have the platform and opportunity to bring awareness to how much rich history exists mere miles from our stadium home and can’t wait to see how the City of Jacksonville continues to embrace its history.”
This contribution is part of a celebration of both Johnson’s birthday and Juneteenth, the day slaves in Texas were emancipated toward the twilight of the Civil War. The holiday represents the anniversary of the day all slaves within the former confederacy were informed of their freedom more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Juneteenth is celebrated in recognition of Black liberation, activism and culture.
Jaguars 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 “the mecca for African American culture and heritage.”
“It’s always amazing when you can go and see your culture and see where things started and see where things have developed,” Jones said. “I know growing up in the church, we sang this song as well. It just brings back memories. It’s very heartfelt and very powerful. I’m just glad I had the opportunity to sing it.”
"𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓽 𝓔𝓿'𝓻𝔂 𝓥𝓸𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓢𝓲𝓷𝓰"
On this day in 1871, James Weldon Johnson was born right here in Duval, where he penned the hymn that became the Black National Anthem. 150 years later, through the voice of @marvinjonesjr, we honor Johnson’s life and legacy. pic.twitter.com/AitqHllz4a
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) June 17, 2021
June 19 became a company holiday for the team last year, and this year, the city of Jacksonville has a number of events planned with the aim of giving both players and staff a greater understanding of the significance of Juneteenth and the role that Black culture has played in the history of the city.
With minicamp in the books, the team has a good bit of time off from the grind of practice and instead will have the opportunity to recognize the history associated with this week.