The City of Jacksonville’s Mayor’s African American Advisory Board hosted “A Celebration of Black History Month,” inside the Jacksonville Public Library’s Main Branch downtown. What unfolded was less a ceremony and more a confirmation that the people doing the quiet, consistent work of showing up for this city deserve to be seen, named, and honored out loud. Five individuals received the Black Excellence 365 Awards alongside the recognition of the Legends Public Art Installation.Dr. Audrieanna Burgin, event chair, shared, “We break down barriers and push change from the inside,” Burgin said. “We send recommendations to the mayor that we hear from our community to make sure our community is represented. We also have the honor of highlighting members of our community that we believe are unsung heroes.”
Recipients were allowed to share a few comments upon receiving their awards. Honoree Dana Michelle Maule did not define Northside Pride with a mission statement. She painted a picture. “Northside Pride is marching in the Northside Classic chanting down Moncreif Road,” Maule said. “It’s a monthly subscription to the Jacksonville Free Press. It’s a turkey wrap with a lemonade at Cafe Resistance. I am Northside Pride.”
The Legacy Award went to the Jacksonville Cultural Council, the team behind the Legends Public Art Installation, recognized for transforming the facade of the Legends Center in Northwest Jacksonville into a nightly celebration of Black history and culture.
For more information about the Mayor’s African American Advisory Board and upcoming events, contact ehenry@coj.net.