JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan named 11 people to sit on the inaugural Mayoral Advisory Board for African Americans.
The city of Jacksonville held a Juneteenth celebration Tuesday ahead of the national holiday that marks the day when the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free.
Recommended Videos
The council’s goal is to connect with African American residents in Jacksonville and share their perspectives with the mayor.
“We recognize the struggle for racial equality and justice is far from over. Let this day be a call to action for the promise of freedom and make sure it is fully realized for every American,” Deegan said. “I am committed and dedicated to uplifting the beautiful mosaic that is out City. to celebrate diversity, champion inclusion and strive toward equity.”
Here are the 11 members of the advisory board:
- Kimberly Allen, CEO of 904Ward
- Lee Brown, III, former Director of Human Resources at Edward Waters College
- Audrieanne Burgin, Director of Diversity in Business at University of North Florida
- Dawn Curling, Executive Director, Jax Melanin Market
- Barbara Darby, President North Campus, Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Latrina Dowdell, Executive Director, The 32209 Experience Inc.
- Kelly Frazier, President, Northside Coalition of Jacksonville
- Kiaira Nixon, Vice Board Chair of Historic Eastside CDC
- Ronetta Wards, Vice President, Jacksonville Public Education Fund
- Errol White, Assistant Vice President, Bank of America
- Marques Wilkes, Director of Accelerated Degree Programs, Edward Waters College