Urban Core in Jacksonville in Duval County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
1960 Civil Rights Demonstration
Photographed By Dave W, January 20, 2024
1. 1960 Civil Rights Demonstration Marker
Inscription.
1960 Civil Rights Demonstration. . On Saturday, August 27,1960, 40 Youth Council demonstrators from the Jacksonville Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) advised by local civil rights leader Rutledge H. Pearson (1929-1967), sat in at the W.T. Grant Department Store, then located at the corner of West Adams and North Main Streets, and at Woolworth's Five and Ten Cent Store on Hogan Street across from Hemming Park. Seeking access to the whites-only lunch counters, the youths were met by 150 white males wielding axe handles and baseball bats. Many of the youths were injured while others sought safety at the adjacent Snyder Memorial Methodist Church. Although not the beginning of the Jacksonville civil rights movement, this conflict was a turning point. It awakened many to the seriousness of the African-American community's demand for equal rights, equal opportunity, human dignity, and respect, and inspired further resolve in supporters to accomplish these goals. Within the decade, lunch counters were integrated, Duval County public schools began to desegregate, four African-Americans were elected to City Council, and segregation of public accommodations, including parks, restrooms, and water fountains ended.
On Saturday, August 27,1960, 40 Youth Council demonstrators from the Jacksonville Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) advised by local civil rights leader Rutledge H. Pearson (1929-1967), sat in at the W.T. Grant Department Store, then located at the corner of West Adams and North Main Streets, and at Woolworth's Five and Ten Cent Store on Hogan Street across from Hemming Park. Seeking access to the whites-only lunch counters, the youths were met by 150 white males wielding axe handles and baseball bats. Many of the youths were injured while others sought safety at the adjacent Snyder Memorial Methodist Church. Although not the beginning of the Jacksonville civil rights movement, this conflict was a turning point. It awakened many to the seriousness of the African-American community's demand for equal rights, equal opportunity, human dignity, and respect, and inspired further resolve in supporters to accomplish these goals. Within the decade, lunch counters were integrated, Duval County public schools began to desegregate, four African-Americans were elected to City Council, and segregation of public accommodations, including parks, restrooms, and water fountains ended.
Erected 2002 by The Jacksonville Historical Society and The Florida Department
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of State. (Marker Number F-463.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. A significant historical year for this entry is 1960.
Location. 30° 19.744′ N, 81° 39.567′ W. Marker is in Jacksonville, Florida, in Duval County. It is in Urban Core. Marker is on W Monroe Street near N Hogan Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jacksonville FL 32202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
3. 1960 Civil Rights Demonstration Marker, located in Henning Park
Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 15, 2012
4. 1960 Civil Rights Demonstration Marker, along N Hogan Street at Henning Park
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 975 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on January 25, 2024, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. 2. submitted on August 1, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3, 4. submitted on August 5, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
