News Summary
In celebration of Black History Month, Jacksonville pays tribute to influential African American trailblazers in the community. Notable figures include Rita Carter Perry, the first female African American publisher, Alice McQueen, the first elected African American council member, Kenneth Glover, Florida’s first African American sheriff, and Alvin Brown, the city’s first African American mayor. Their remarkable contributions to journalism, public service, and community empowerment continue to inspire future generations.
Jacksonville Celebrates Remarkable African American Trailblazers During Black History Month
As Jacksonville comes alive with the spirit of Black History Month, the city takes a moment to honor its local heroes – those exceptional African American trailblazers who have made a significant impact in their communities and beyond. From pioneering journalism to public service, their contributions deserve recognition and celebration.
A Spotlight on Rita Carter Perry
First on our list is the indomitable Rita Carter Perry, a true pioneer who broke barriers in journalism. Best known for being the first African American woman to serve as a founding publisher of The Jacksonville Free Press, she established this important publication in 1986 to provide a platform for positive stories about African Americans. Today, the paper continues to thrive under the management of her daughter, Sylvia Carter Perry, and reaches audiences across the tri-county area and southeast Georgia.
Rita’s colorful career spanned 45 years and included roles in radio, journalism, and even as an artist manager at Motown! She wrote compelling content for local publications and was deeply engaged in social activism, contributing her voice and efforts to organizations like the Clara White Mission, YMCA, and the NAACP. In 2013, her impact was officially recognized when she received the Mayor’s Trailblazer Award and the MLK Foundation Award for exceptional community service. Though Rita passed away in 2018 at the age of 80, her legacy lives on through the work she started.
Honoring Alice McQueen
Next up is Alice McQueen, the first African American to be elected to the Jacksonville Beach City Council, serving two terms during the 1990s. Her tenure wasn’t just a footnote in history but a stepping stone toward community empowerment. Through her leadership with the Jacksonville Beach Community Action Co-Op, McQueen made significant strides in reducing crime and enhancing neighborhood dynamics.
In honor of her work, a street in Jacksonville Beach bears her name, located at the pivotal intersection of Second Avenue South and Seventh Street South. A proud alumnus of the University of North Florida and an elementary school teacher, McQueen’s influence continued even after her unfortunate passing in 2013 at the age of 73.
Kenneth Glover: A Sheriff Like No Other
Moving on, we can’t forget Kenneth Glover. Making history as the first African American elected sheriff in Florida since Reconstruction, Glover took office in 1995 and was re-elected in 1999. His leadership was marked by progressive changes including the advocacy for community policing practices and banning choke holds. He also made a name for himself by instituting the practice of displaying officers’ names prominently on their vehicles, promoting transparency and trust between law enforcement and the community.
Glover’s commitment to community engagement is exemplified by the Sheriff’s Advisory Council (ShAdCo), he created to enhance relationships with citizens. After 37 years in law enforcement, he continued to shape futures as the president of Edward Waters University, Florida’s first historically Black college. Recently, Jacksonville University honored him by naming a fellowship in his honor, providing scholarships and growth opportunities for students. Glover is also an accomplished author, writing the insightful book, “Striving for Justice: A Black Sheriff in the Deep South”.
The Trailblazing Mayor Alvin Brown
Let’s not overlook Alvin Brown, who made history as Jacksonville’s first African American mayor, serving from 2011 to 2015. As Jacksonville’s first Democratic mayor in two decades, his leadership made a lasting impact. Brown’s background includes working in the White House under President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, focusing on urban policy issues. With a bachelor’s and MBA from Jacksonville University, as well as honorary doctorates, his legacy continues to inspire future leaders.
A Glimpse into the Future
As we look ahead, we can expect more celebrations of excellence. OneJax will honor Dr. Charles McIntosh with the 2025 Life Achievement Award, recognizing him as the first African American physician to practice pediatric medicine in Jacksonville. His involvement doesn’t stop there, as he has helped establish essential foundations and served on the Florida Board of Medical Examiners. This awards ceremony will be a grand event, also honoring other remarkable community leaders like Johnnetta Betsch Cole, John Peyton, Debbie Buckland, and Josh Martino.
Jacksonville is proud to celebrate these trailblazers who have shaped the community’s history, and as we enjoy the events of Black History Month, let’s remember and honor their contributions. Their stories inspire the next generation to continue blazing trails in their own communities.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Trailblazers to Receive 2025 OneJax Humanitarian Honors
- 10 African American Women Trailblazers in Jacksonville
- 10 African American Women Trailblazers in Jacksonville
- Local African American Trailblazers: Abraham Lincoln Lewis
- Unheralded African American Pioneers and Trailblazers You Should Know
- Wikipedia: Black History Month
- Google Search: African American Trailblazers
- Google Scholar: African American Trailblazers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: African American History
- Google News: African American Trailblazers in Jacksonville
