‘Waves of Change’ plaques tell the story of the courageous wade-in protests that challenged segregation at the former St. Augustine Beach Hotel during the civil rights movement. ( Photo courtesy of the St. Johns Black Heritage Trail Guidebook.)

The St. Johns County Black Heritage Trail chronicles the lesser known narratives of Black residents who helped shape the region. The self-guided tour features stories of resilience, leadership and cultural influence throughout five centuries of history from Spanish colonization to the Civil Rights Movement. We speak to the project’s collaborators about the importance of bringing these stories to light and the community’s aim to strengthen heritage tourism and education.

Guests:

• Dr. Tameka Bradley Hobbs, author, historian and lead researcher for the St. Johns County Black Heritage Trail.
• Brenda Swann, director of programs and development, St. Johns Cultural Council.
• Regina Gayle Phillips, executive director, Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center.
• Thomas Jackson, community advocate and local historian.

Then, local teens join Duval’s literacy efforts and hone their job skills in the process. READ USA’s tutoring program trains and employs teenagers to deliver one-on-one reading support to elementary students throughout 14 schools in Duval. Youth literacy tutors develop workforce skills while helping struggling readers achieve grade-level proficiency.

Guests:

• Rob Kelly, READ USA president & CEO.
• Moya Allen, READ USA tutor.

And, connecting creators to their community. Riverside Avondale Preservation reveals its placemaking initiative with the launch of the Little Local Box, an accessible platform to give and receive handmade treasures from locals. RAP also has issued an all-call for mural artists through Aug. 20 with the goal of creating a public mural on the JEA pump station under the Fuller Warren Bridge.

Guest:

• Shannon Blankinship, executive director of Riverside Avondale Preservation.