On any given weekend at 1537 Mill Creek Road, you might find a crowd of anime fans dressed as ninjas, pirates, and heroes, laughing, gaming, and celebrating their favorite shows. The energy feels like a mini-convention, but this isn’t Comic-Con. This is Black in Jax Anime, Jacksonville’s fastest-growing anime community.
When Larry Lewis moved to Jacksonville just a year ago for a real estate position, he had no idea his journey would lead here. “Things didn’t really work out with real estate,” he says with a laugh. “So I decided to start a small Facebook group to meet people. It started with like ten members, then people started inviting their friends. Next thing I know, we had hundreds, then thousands.”
That small Facebook group quickly evolved into a full-scale movement. Today, Black in Jax Anime has over 4,000 members, with events that attract fans from across North Florida. The group has partnered with local businesses including Traphouse Chicken, Studio 444, and the Jacksonville District Library, bridging anime culture with Jacksonville’s creative scene.
Behind the scenes, Larry credits much of the group’s organization and growth to Malaia Okolie, one of the admins. “Malaia assisted with a lot of the growth and planning,” he explains. “She’s helped shape the foundation of what Black in Jax Anime has become.”
He also highlights Jil Harris, the group’s Lead Moderator, whose dedication to maintaining a positive, inclusive environment has helped the community thrive. “Jil is one of those people who truly cares about everyone,” Larry says. “She keeps things organized and makes sure every member feels welcomed and respected.”
This year the group took its biggest leap yet by opening a 6,000-square-foot clubhouse that serves as the physical home of Black in Jax Anime. Inside, you’ll find anime-themed art, gaming setups, and a space for events ranging from cosplay contests and tournaments to fitness sessions and community meet-ups.
But more than the lights, décor, or crowds, it’s the sense of belonging that defines the space.
“Black in Jax has allowed people of color from all around Jacksonville and surrounding areas to come together and celebrate their favorite characters,” Larry says. “You don’t have to worry about someone judging you for cosplaying a character who doesn’t have your skin tone. Everyone here just gets it.”
For many members the community has been life-changing. Some joined while new to Jacksonville, others to find confidence through cosplay or to overcome social anxiety. What they all share is a space that feels like home, something Larry says he wishes he had when he first arrived.
“At first I just wanted to make a few friends,” he says. “But now, seeing how much this group means to people, it’s become bigger than me. It’s about showing that our culture belongs in this space too.”
Looking ahead, Larry plans to continue expanding the Black in Jax Anime brand across Florida, with Black in Orlando already hosting its first successful event. Future plans include larger conventions, streaming projects, and partnerships with schools and youth programs to inspire the next generation of fans and creators.
From a small Facebook post to a citywide movement, Black in Jax Anime proves how one person’s desire to connect can spark something extraordinary.
“It’s more than anime,” Larry says. “It’s about building a family, one that celebrates who we are and what we love.”
To learn more or join the community, visit BlackInJax.com or follow @BlackInJaxAnime on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.