Late photographer David Johnson’s journey took him from Jacksonville to the Navy, ultimately leading him to capture the vibrant Black culture in San Francisco’s historic Fillmore District and document key moments in the Civil Rights Movement through his photography.

Thunderbolt Patterson was more than just a pro wrestler from the 1960's through 1980's. He was also a man who fought for civil rights and was an outcast in the industry for several years.

The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be celebrated in Jacksonville during Black History Month after the 44th annual parade was postponed in January.

The Fort Mose Jazz and Blue Series is continuing its tradition of bringing live music to one of the most historical sites in the nation—Fort Mose Historic State Park.

One way you can celebrate Black History Month is to shop at or visit local Black-owned businesses. So we've compiled a list to help you find them in your neighborhood.

Orange Park's Town Hall sits on the property that was once home to the Normal and Industrial School, which was ahead of its time. An abolitionist group taught Black and white students under one roof at the school in the late 1800s.

The St. Johns County Cultural Resource Review Board is considering demolishing the historic old county jail, a site linked to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s arrest during the civil rights movement. Local groups are advocating for its preservation as a landmark.

In a historic moment for St. Augustine Beach, the city officially proclaimed February 2025 as Black History Month. It was the first time in the city’s history that it made the independent declaration.

Jacksonville and its surrounding areas are deeply rooted in rich Black history, leaving a lasting impact on the world we know today.

The Historical Society of Orange Park is dedicated to preserving the stories of African Americans who have played significant roles in the area’s history. One example of this is the story of Lawrence Hicks, also known as the “Ice Man,” who ran a successful ice delivery business in the late 1930s and 1940s.

Jacksonville’s historic Durkeeville neighborhood was the center of a unique Black History Month celebration—a guided urban bike tour that included stops at significant cultural and historical sites.

Black history is made daily but because of Carter G. Woodson — nicknamed the father of Black History Month — the celebration of Black culture is commemorated during the second month of the year.

During segregation, Black St. Johns County residents weren’t allowed on any beaches. Not until Frank Butler created one.

Despite the disappointment, Johnson hopes for a future where people focus less on terminology and more on learning from each other.

As summer comes to an end, many families are planning those final beach trips. One of those beaches is American Beach on Amelia Island. There is a good chance, many of the people who visit, don’t know the storied history of what was once one of the only Black beaches in our area.

Black History Month, a celebration of Black history, culture and education, kicks off on Feb. 1.