The recent 90th birthday celebration of civil rights activist, educator and anthropologist Johnetta B. Cole drew hundreds of attendees, including the Jacksonville mayor, judges, college presidents, and a letter from President Barack Obama. In honor of the nonagenarian's birthday, we listen back to the interview Cole did on our Kingpins and Catalysts podcast, which profiles extraordinary people of the First Coast. A former president of Barrett College and the first Black female president of Spellman College, Cole helped create the first African American studies program in the country, has received more than 70 honorary degrees from colleges and universities, and is director emerita of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African Art. She hails from a Jacksonville family that traces its lineage back to African Princess Anna Madgigine Jai (known locally as Anna Kingsley of Kingsley Plantation) and, more recently, Florida’s first Black millionaire, A.L. Lewis. Cole will release her memoir, Sankofa: Reflections on Life, Learning and Social Justice, on Feb. 15, 2027.
Guest: Johnnetta B. Cole, anthropologist, author and educator
Titanic challenge?
The 6-2 Jaguars faced off against the 1-7 Titans in Tennessee Sunday after the Jags acquired three new defensive players in trades: defensive tackle Jordan Davis from the Philadelphia Eagles, safety Jessie Bates III from the Atlanta Falcons and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux from the New Orleans Saints. The updated roster is an effort to address weaknesses in the big cats’ defensive line as Super Bowl hopes remain high. The Jaguars held an 84% win probability against the Titans. We get the full game review from our Jags season correspondent Rachel Phillips.
Guest: Rachel Phillips, sports reporter and anchor, First Coast New
Topics and guests subject to change.