Our guests today have spent over a decade advocating for the removal of Confederate monuments in Jacksonville. Their efforts culminated last week at Springfield Park, where the largest remaining statue was taken down.
Guests:
- Wells Todd, member of Take ‘Em Down Jax.
- Boobie O’Conner, longtime community activist on issues of racial injustice and a member of Take ‘Em Down Jax.
Alice Newman
Alice Newman truly embodies resilience in the professional world. She has served as the front office manager for the Mayor’s Office since the Delaney administration, holding her position through five different administrations. During our conversation, she shares insights into her remarkable 25-year journey.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Brenda Councill, a skilled artist and sculptor, is busy crafting a bronze statue of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the renowned author and abolitionist who once owned property in Jacksonville. The sculpture will depict Stowe sitting with two young laborers in her orange grove, capturing the essence of her connection to the area.
If you want to witness Councill's creative process firsthand, swing by the Historic Mandarin Store & Post Office at 12741 Mandarin Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday through Sunday until February.
Jax events
Our friend Yaya Cardona shared with us the lineup of events taking place in Duval to kick off the first weekend of 2024.
You can find the curated list of events here.