By: Brandon King – Former councilman and current Duval County School Board member Warren Jones walked to the podium at the Durkeeville Historical Society and Museum in Jacksonville, FL, on May 20th, 2023. Jones smiled and greeted the audience and dignitaries who had gathered to celebrate the 158th anniversary of Florida’s Emancipation. Jones delivered a powerful and informative speech honoring this important day in Florida’s Black History.
The Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln. However, it wasn’t until May 20th ,1865 that Floridians learned that slavery ended in America.
Jones spoke of how far Black Americans have come since the end of slavery and how Black success stories continue today. Locally, the shared the varied accomplishments of African Americans in
Jacksonville, Florida during both the Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights eras.
In the speech, Jones explained that there were three Blackowned banks in Jacksonville during the Reconstruction period and for the first time Black Americans held public office. There were several black sheriffs in the Northeast Florida area during Reconstruction and five of the 12 city council people were also Black. Jones talked about how it is important for Black people to
remember their history because it provides evidence that hard work pays off, teaches the values of determination, and the benefits of good character and good citizenship on the surrounding community. The Jim Crow Era deliberately held Black people back but this all changed during the Civil Rights Era. The fight for Civil Rights in America were rewarded with the freedoms the Black community has today.
Jones championed strong family values and the power of using education as a tool to enhance the standard of living. Jones encouraged parents to continue educating their children to become
strong citizens with good values.
Jones concluded his speech by reminding his listeners of the importance of good character, and how the positive actions of each individual can impact their communities for generations. The Durkeeville Historical Society Museum’s artifacts created an appropriate backdrop for Warren Jones’ presentation. We encourage you to come learn about Jacksonville Black History. The museum is open for tours each Saturday, 12-3pm, and reservations are recommended.
Visit us online at DurkeevilleHistoricalSociety.org
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