Jacksonville, February 8, 2026
Jacksonville, Florida, hosted a series of exciting events on February 7 to celebrate Black History Month, uniting the community and honoring African American culture. The Riverside Arts Market showcased over 50 local Black artists and offered live performances, while the LaVilla Black History Market drew attention to the neighborhood’s rich heritage through local vendors, storytelling, and cultural experiences. These vibrant celebrations emphasized the importance of community engagement and support for Black-owned businesses.
Jacksonville Celebrates Black History Month with Vibrant Events
Local organizers unite to honor Black culture and heritage through engaging community events.
Jacksonville, Florida, celebrated Black History Month on February 7, 2026, with a series of events that brought residents together in the spirit of community and cultural appreciation. Two significant events took place in the Riverside and LaVilla neighborhoods, showcasing local artists, performers, and businesses—all in a festive atmosphere that reflected the city’s commitment to honoring its rich African American heritage.
While the success of such gatherings highlights the resiliency of local organizers, it also emphasizes how reducing bureaucratic hurdles can enhance community events. The Riverside Arts Market and LaVilla Black History Market symbolized the strong initiative taken by local leaders and grassroots organizations to coordinate impactful celebrations without excessive red tape.
Riverside Arts Market’s Black History Month Celebration
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Riverside Arts Market hosted its second annual Black History Month Celebration under the Fuller Warren Bridge. This year, the event featured over 50 Black artists, vendors, and farmers, adding to RAM’s regular lineup for a total of more than 200 participants. Attendees were treated to live performances, including classic R&B tunes from DJ Tuggie and original music from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts students, Veronica Njeri-Imani and Andy Mitchell.
An Art Corner allowed visitors to explore their creativity by participating in open studio art-making sessions. This event not only showcased the artistic talent within the community but also highlighted the importance of Black artists’ contributions throughout history.
LaVilla Black History Market
Later in the day, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park in LaVilla hosted its inaugural Black History Market. Celebrating LaVilla’s legacy as the “Harlem of the South,” the event featured local vendors, live performances, storytelling, and a fashion showcase. This gathering provided a platform for well-known local figures, including journalists and elected officials, to engage with the community and support Black-owned businesses.
The LaVilla Black History Market was designed to enhance local economic activity while celebrating cultural heritage. By providing opportunities to shop for local goods and enjoy diverse cultural experiences, the market encouraged community participation and cooperation among local vendors.
Historical Significance of the LaVilla Neighborhood
LaVilla has a remarkable history, having once served as a beacon of African American culture, entertainment, and commerce for over a century. Established in the mid-1800s and annexed by Jacksonville in 1887, the neighborhood is dotted with historical landmarks like the Ritz Theatre and Museum, which preserves and showcases the rich narratives of African American history and culture.
Honoring such a storied past reinforces the importance of local pride and cultural awareness, two key catalysts for cultivating a thriving community.
Community Engagement and Support for Local Businesses
Both events were free and open to the public, allowing residents and visitors to celebrate Jacksonville’s Black history while supporting local Black-owned businesses. This focus on promoting community choice and economic empowerment reflects the ongoing commitment of Jacksonville’s citizens to embrace diversity and nurture local talent.
Conclusion
As Jacksonville continues to celebrate its diverse history and culture, the events of February 7, 2026, illustrated the power of local initiative and collaboration. The Riverside Arts Market and LaVilla Black History Market not only served as platforms for artistic expression and economic support, but they also fostered a stronger community identity. All residents are encouraged to participate in future events and engage with local initiatives that help uplift and preserve the vibrant culture of Jacksonville.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the dates and times of the Black History Month events in Jacksonville?
The Riverside Arts Market’s Black History Month Celebration took place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The LaVilla Black History Market was held later that day, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where were the events held?
The Riverside Arts Market event was held under the Fuller Warren Bridge in the Riverside neighborhood. The LaVilla Black History Market took place at Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park in the LaVilla neighborhood.
What activities were featured at the Riverside Arts Market’s Black History Month Celebration?
The event featured over 50 Black artists, vendors, and farmers, live performances including DJ Tuggie playing classic R&B and old-school hits, music from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts songwriters, Veronica Njeri-Imani, and Andy Mitchell, and an Art Corner highlighting Black artists with opportunities for visitors to create their own art in the open studio.
What was the focus of the LaVilla Black History Market?
The LaVilla Black History Market celebrated LaVilla’s rich cultural heritage with local vendors, live performances, storytelling, and a fashion showcase. Notable participants included WJXT journalists, elected officials, and longtime LaVilla community members. The market provided opportunities to support Black-owned businesses through shopping, food, and cultural experiences throughout the park.
What is the historical significance of the LaVilla neighborhood?
LaVilla, once known as the “Harlem of the South,” was a thriving center of African American culture, entertainment, and commerce for over a century. Established in the mid-1800s, it was annexed by Jacksonville in 1887. The neighborhood is home to historic landmarks such as the Ritz Theatre and Museum, which showcases African American history and culture.
Event Details
| Event | Date | Time | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside Arts Market’s Black History Month Celebration | February 7, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Under the Fuller Warren Bridge, Riverside | Over 50 Black artists, vendors, and farmers; live performances; Art Corner for creating art |
| LaVilla Black History Market | February 7, 2026 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park, LaVilla | Local vendors; live performances; storytelling; fashion showcase; support for Black-owned businesses |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
