First Coast Connect: Celebrating Emancipation Day

As Juneteenth celebrations kick off across the city, we take a closer look at the long road from emancipation to equality. Becoming a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, the date when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, declaring all enslaved people be freed. The troops came more than 2½ years after President Abrahamn Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. We sit down with prominent Jacksonville civil rights activist, historian and author Rodney L. Hurst Sr. as he reflects on the meaning of the holiday, his role in the 1960 Woolworth sit-ins and the events that led to Ax Handle Saturday. We also preview Juneteenth celebrations happening on the historic Eastside. Guests: Nigelle Kohn, executive director, Florida Avenue Main Street Inc. Rodney L. Hurst Sr., civil rights activist, historian and author of It Was Never About a Hotdog and a Coke! Teach ‘em young Teaching Black History in Florida has changed in recent years, but Juneteenth can serve as a time to educate about the harsh realities in American history, like slavery and discrimination. A Jacksonville educator wrote a book to share how families, schools and community organizations can help young learners understand the history and significance of Juneteenth. All About Juneteenth Dictionary for Kids offers practical strategies for teaching children about freedom, resilience and cultural heritage through literacy, vocabulary and storytelling. The book also details the backgrounds of key figures, activists and important locations in the Civil Rights Movement and shares a how-to guide on creating a Juneteenth sidewalk parade. We ask the book’s author what inspired the project and ask her about the importance of teaching Black history at a young age. Guest: Celeste Payne, founder of Arts Empowered Inc. and author of All About Juneteenth Dictionary for Kids Secret sauce A beloved Jacksonville pizza restaurant serving up famous New York-style pies turns 50. Renna’s has served the community since 1976 and is the second oldest pizzeria in Jacksonville (Joseph’s Pizza opened its doors in 1956). We speak to a local owner and operator about how the company has managed to stay relevant for five decades and how he works to preserve Renna’s tradition as the brand evolves. Guest: Matt Wymer, owner and operator, Renna’s Pizza Mandarin & Argyle ForestSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.