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LaVillas’ long-awaited Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park opens

LaVillas’ long-awaited Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park opens


Former City Councilor Warren Jones and Bishop Rudolph McKissick

The historic LaVilla neighborhood was given new life as community members gathered to celebrate the opening of the Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park. The park was designed to honor the contributions of Jacksonville natives James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson, composers of Lift up every voice and sing, the black national anthem.

Carla Mechele Media provided storytelling for the marker design at the new Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park. Carla worked with a creative team of small local black-owned businesses including Erin Kendrick, Erin is Creative, LLC, on the graphic design of 5 markers;

Located at 120 Lee Street in Downtown Jacksonville and connected to the Emerald Trail’s LaVilla Link, the park features a stage overlooking a raised lawn, gardens, sculptures, historical markers, landscaping and more, accented by custom art sculptures evoking the eponymous theme. The park was several years in construction and is now open to the public. The public is also invited to attend a free community celebration on September 14, featuring live entertainment and festivities for guests of all ages. More details will be announced in the coming months at www.levsparkjax.org.