Community View Points

Mayor Donna Deegan on The Donna Foundation and Mother's Day

DONNA Mother's Day 5K 2026Friday MusicaleSat, May 9, 2026 @ 07:00 AM EDT

The DONNA Mother’s Day 5K returns to historic Friday Musicale in Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

This meaningful morning brings our community together to honor the moms in our lives while supporting families living with breast cancer.Held during our annual Celebrate Every Mom campaign, this event inspires women everywhere to take steps toward understanding, improving, and protecting their breast health — while standing alongside those currently in treatment.Whether you run, walk, volunteer, or cheer from the sidelines, you are helping provide hope, support, and financial relief through The DONNA Foundation’s CareLine and Financial Aid Fund. This year, the nonprofit partnered with The Chartrand Family to match donations (up to $10,000) during the Foundation’s annual spring campaign. This is the second race in the DONNA Fearless Series presented by Wingard.

Don’t miss this inspiring Mother’s Day weekend tradition benefiting The DONNA Foundation.Register today and Celebrate Every Mom.

AND 

Nelson Mccoy called in to talk about his non profit Organization - The Center One Foundation

Our Services
We serve any and all students who want to succeed in life after high school.

Find out more https://www.thecenter1foundation.org/

AND 



In Celebration of Mental Health Month and Teacher's Appreciation Week 

Rhodesia Butler is a Jacksonville, Florida-based educator, community leader, and youth advocate with over 35 years of experience in the Duval County Public Schools system. She is a former principal, CEO of the youth mentoring organization Simply Rho Lee 3

Educator Rhodesia Butler came on the show to talk about Mental Health and The education system

DONNA Mother's Day 5K 2026Friday MusicaleSat, May 9, 2026 @ 07:00 AM EDT



The DONNA Mother’s Day 5K returns to historic Friday Musicale in Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood on Saturday, May 9, 2026. This meaningful morning brings our community together to honor the moms in our lives while supporting families living with breast cancer.Held during our annual Celebrate Every Mom campaign, this event inspires women everywhere to take steps toward understanding, improving, and protecting their breast health — while standing alongside those currently in treatment.Whether you run, walk, volunteer, or cheer from the sidelines, you are helping provide hope, support, and financial relief through The DONNA Foundation’s CareLine and Financial Aid Fund. This year, the nonprofit partnered with The Chartrand Family to match donations (up to $10,000) during the Foundation’s annual spring campaign. This is the second race in the DONNA Fearless Series presented by Wingard.Don’t miss this inspiring Mother’s Day weekend tradition benefiting The DONNA Foundation.Register today and Celebrate Every Mom.


and

In Celebration of Mental Health Month and Teacher's Appreciation Week 

Rhodesia Butler is a Jacksonville, Florida-based educator, community leader, and youth advocate with over 35 years of experience in the Duval County Public Schools system. She is a former principal, CEO of the youth mentoring organization Simply Rho Lee 3

Educator Rhodesia Butler came on the show to talk about Mental Health and The education system

Casie Ellison came to the show to talk about growing in the past 7 yrs. with her non profit organization and change the face of depression in community

Find out more at https://www.changethefaceofdepression.com/

and 

Nelson Mccoy called in to talk about his non profit Organization - The Center One Foundation

Our Services
We serve any and all students who want to succeed in life after high school.

Find out more https://www.thecenter1foundation.org/

Omega Hope Foundation Spring Breeze VI

Erik Ammond called in to talk about 

Omega Hope Foundation for Spring Breeze VI—a neo-soul music experience happening Saturday, April 18th, 2026 at the beautiful Garden Club of Jacksonville along the St. Johns River. This isn’t just an event… it’s a movement.Spring Breeze VI brings together the city’s best energy—live music, culture, elegance, and community—all for a cause that matters. Because every ticket supports the mission of the Omega Hope Foundation, helping fund youth scholarships and educational programs—creating real opportunities for the next generation right here in Jacksonville. So come dressed to impress… bring your people… and be part of something big

Visit OmegaHopeFoundation.org and join us for Spring Breeze!

and 

Nelson Mccoy called in to talk about his non profit Organization - The Center One Foundation

Our Services
We serve any and all students who want to succeed in life after high school.

Find out more https://www.thecenter1foundation.org/

Melissa Fiacco

On What women History Month Means to her , her mother and the Tribe she leads! 

Nee Cee Lee 

Neecee Lee with the Salvation Army Auxiallry Board talks about  The 2026 Celebrity Chefs' Tasting & Silent Auction

Celebrating 40 years of great "Tastes"!Every Spring, hundreds of hungry folks converge on the Prime Osborn Convention Center in downtown
Jacksonville, anxious to sample scrumptious recipes offered by Jacksonville area “celebrities.”Diners stop for a nibble from each station, where a local “celebrity” is serving up a spoonful of their favorite recipe.
Patrons of this event are always delighted to mingle with local media personalities, sports figures, government officials, and local business leaders.The two-and-a-half-hour event includes a Silent Auction, which raises thousands of dollars each year for special projects. Always present at the Auction are such items as artwork, collectibles, jewelry, dinners, spa treatments, sports memorabilia, weekend getaways, rounds of golf, designer accessories, and much more.Great Food…

Local Celebrities…Decadent Desserts…A Fantastic Silent Auction…and Wonderful Guests are just some of the elements that make the 40th Annual Luncheon an event you won’t want to miss!

Danielle D. Plummer on Walk for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

DUVAL — I NEED YOUR HELP


This year I’m walking to help fight Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord and changes lives in ways many people never see.

MS can make something as simple as walking, thinking, or holding onto hope incredibly difficult. That’s why I’m joining the fight.

I created a team called “Duval Strides Against MS” because Jacksonville always shows up strong when it matters.

Now I’m asking my community to help me make an impact.

You can support in 3 simple ways:

Join the team and walk with us
Donate any amount to help fund research and support families living with MS
Share this post so we can reach more people

Every step we take and every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.

Let’s show what DUVAL STRONG really means.

Join or Donate Here:
[Insert your fundraising link]

Even if you can’t donate, sharing this post could help it reach someone who can.

Thank you for helping us fight MS — one step at a time.

#DuvalStrong
#WalkMS
#StridesAgainstMS
#MSAwareness

Latrese Williams Hargrave

Talking purpose, legacy, and building beyond real estate
The Queen of New Construction
Led by God, always

Danielle D. Plummer on Walk for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

DUVAL — I NEED YOUR HELP


This year I’m walking to help fight Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord and changes lives in ways many people never see.

MS can make something as simple as walking, thinking, or holding onto hope incredibly difficult. That’s why I’m joining the fight.

I created a team called “Duval Strides Against MS” because Jacksonville always shows up strong when it matters.

Now I’m asking my community to help me make an impact.

You can support in 3 simple ways:

Join the team and walk with us
Donate any amount to help fund research and support families living with MS
Share this post so we can reach more people

Every step we take and every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.

Let’s show what DUVAL STRONG really means.

Join or Donate Here:
[Insert your fundraising link]

Even if you can’t donate, sharing this post could help it reach someone who can.

Thank you for helping us fight MS — one step at a time.

#DuvalStrong
#WalkMS
#StridesAgainstMS
#MSAwareness

And 

Jamaiya,  Huntley on her Fitness Journey and how you can get fit with her !

Neecee Lee with the Salvation Army Auxiallry Board talks about  The 2026 Celebrity Chefs' Tasting & Silent Auction

Celebrating 40 years of great "Tastes"!Every Spring, hundreds of hungry folks converge on the Prime Osborn Convention Center in downtown
Jacksonville, anxious to sample scrumptious recipes offered by Jacksonville area “celebrities.”Diners stop for a nibble from each station, where a local “celebrity” is serving up a spoonful of their favorite recipe.
Patrons of this event are always delighted to mingle with local media personalities, sports figures, government officials, and local business leaders.The two-and-a-half-hour event includes a Silent Auction, which raises thousands of dollars each year for special projects. Always present at the Auction are such items as artwork, collectibles, jewelry, dinners, spa treatments, sports memorabilia, weekend getaways, rounds of golf, designer accessories, and much more.Great Food…

Local Celebrities…Decadent Desserts…A Fantastic Silent Auction…and Wonderful Guests are just some of the elements that make the 40th Annual Luncheon an event you won’t want to miss!

Also

ReRun of Lynne Jones and Carla Jones - Hightlighting Women in the community for Women History Month !

Highlightinh Women who are empowering our community for Women History Month!  

“UPTOWN ANGELA” WATSON CHARLES, Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia National Group, recognized “Hero Behind The Culture”.

“Uptown Angela” is living the dream in her hometown New Orleans where she oversees more than 80 radio stations for the company across the country, specializing in R&B, Hip Hop, Classic Hip Hop/R&B and Gospel.


In addition to that, she is the Program Director for legacy stations 98.5 WYLD-FM (R&B), Q93 WQUE-FM (Hip Hop & R&B), Hallelujah 940 WYLD-AM and WRNO-HD2 New Orleans Throwback Hip Hop & R & B. This past April marked 34 years with iHeartRadio New Orleans, starting as a Promotions Intern in 1990. In 1991, “Uptown Angela” debuted as an on-air personality on 93.3 WQUE who went from the overnight shift to middays/Music Director, then APD, PD, and Senior VP Programming before transitioning to the iHeart Media National team in 2020.


Angela continues to host the decades long #1 rated Sunday Morning Slow Jams on WYLD-FM. She also loves serving as host/influencer for several local events and her favorites are Mardi Gras balls (The Zulu Coronation has 40k + in attendance) with past performers like Keith Sweat, Stephanie Mills, Ne-Yo, and Lil Boosie. Angela loves reporting live from the Crescent City streets/parade route on Fat Tuesday sharing “only in New Orleans” content worldwide!


Angela says it’s a beautiful blessing to have the overwhelming support and love from the New Orleans community over the years-they aren’t just listeners…we are FAMILY!

Follow her on IG @uptownangela, FB @Uptown Angela, LI @Angela Watson Charles and X @UptownAngela

Nicky Sparrow is a seasoned media industry leader, has built an impressive 25-year career at iHeartMedia, excelling in high-level management and sales roles across major markets. Nicky is now the Executive Vice President of Multicultural Sales at iHeart Media. 

Nicky is featured int he following links; 

https://www.blackweek.co/nicky-sparrow/

https://www.theadvertisingclub.org/black-history-month-icon-nicky-sparrow/

Committed to giving back, Sparrow serves on the board of directors for the Radio Advertising Bureau, Florida Association of Broadcasting, The First Tee of North Florida and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In recognition of her philanthropic efforts, she was named St. Jude’s 2024 Partner of the Year.

And 

Carla M. Jones | CEO  904.402.4206
  [email protected]
  CarlaMechele.com


Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park Hosts Inaugural LaVilla Black History Market
to Kick off Black History Month

JACKSONVILLE, FL – January 29, 2026 – The public is invited to the first-ever LaVilla Black
History Market at Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park (LEVS Park) on Saturday, February 7, from
2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 120 N. Lee Street.

The event will transform LEVS Park into a tribute to LaVilla’s legacy, spotlighting the historic
neighborhood’s renewed role and influence in Jacksonville’s cultural landscape.
Organized by Vibrant Places Collective in partnership with JaxParks and Florida Fish
Pepper Co., the market will feature a curated mix of vendors, performances, and cultural
activities highlighting the neighborhood’s creative and entrepreneurial legacy.

Additional Black History Month Programming at LEVS Park:

● Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Day! Thursday, Feb. 12 | 5-6:30 PM | Celebrates Feb. 12 as
the first day the song was sung by 500 students at Old Stanton School in Jax.
● The Cookout: Black History Game Day Saturday, Feb. 21 | 3-6 PM | Think Black
History Jeopardy and Old School vs. New School in a family-friendly day of play.
● Black Cinema History: Hollywood in Jax Friday, Feb. 27 | 5:30-8 PM | An event
spotlighting Jacksonville as the birthplace of world-class entertainers

The afternoon includes fashion, music, and storytelling experiences led by local artists and
community leaders, with appearances by WJXT journalists, elected officials, and longtime
LaVilla voices. Attendees can expect live performances, a fashion showcase, conversations
centered on local history, and opportunities to support Black-owned businesses through
shopping, food, and cultural experiences throughout the park.

The event is free and open to the public.

Jacksonville is the birthplace of the Great Migration and the Black National Anthem, both
landmark moments in Black History. We know a lot about the tragedies. And it is equally
important we celebrate the victories and honor the greatness, much of which was spawned
nationally from the cultural hub of LaVilla ” said Carla Jones, Facilitator, Vibrant Places
Collective.

LEVS Park sits on the former home-site of James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson,
creators of the renowned song, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The Park plans to introduce
several cultural activations throughout February in honor of Black History Month.
These events reflect the park’s ongoing commitment to honoring Black history through
community-centered programming and offer continued opportunities for storytelling, cultural
engagement, and media coverage throughout the month.

For more information, visit www.levsparkjax.org or follow @levsparkjax on Instagram and
Facebook for updates.
###
About Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park is a City of Jacksonville public park that incorporates elements of
the Johnson brothers’ and LaVilla’s cultural and built history while making space for a more
inclusive future. The park was designed by world-renowned MacArthur Foundation

Angelina Rasario - Introducing Jacksonville New iHeartmedia President . Angelina Rosario relocates to Jacksonville as a sales leader, certified ICF coach, author, and speaker. A true testament that adversity can be turned into victory! In 2016 an unusual tumor began to take over her life, listen on how she overcame and has risen to become a powerful women in the Media Industry!

and

Dr. Cynthia Smith - Ceo of Minds Of The Future Academy 

"At Minds of the Future Academy, our primary concern is to provide quality child care services to families with young children. We are proud of the contribution that each member of our staff makes in providing a safe and happy environment where young children are able to grow in mind, body, and spirit. The Academy will strive to maintain continuity and consistency throughout the program by conducting cooperative staff planning, training and a variety of joint activities involving the various groups of children. In this context, all caregivers at Minds of the Future Academy are encouraged to express their individual educational strengths as they work with children and in their cooperative efforts with other staff members."

Get ready for Minds of the Future Academy Black Tie Gala — February 19th at 6PM at WJCT Studios.

Lifting Every Voice, Every Show!