JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — During a Black History Month celebration held at Jacksonville City Hall on Tuesday, Mayor Donna Deegan announced the creation of an African American Advisory Board, spotlighting the goal of city leaders to provide equal opportunity and representation to all members of the community.
The board will be made up of 11 members, Deegan said, who will act as a direct connection between the Black community and city government. Members will report to the mayor, along with City Council.
"My hope is by creating the Mayor's African American Advisory Board, we are taking another step to bend the arc of justice and to create opportunities for everyone no matter what they look like, or where they come from," said Deegan.
The new advisory board will join the already-existing boards aimed at bridging the gaps between Jacksonville's Hispanic and Asian populations and city government, according to Deegan.
The announcement was made during the event hosted by the City of Jacksonville and 904WARD, where Deegan also proclaimed February as Black History Month in Jacksonville.
"Jacksonville would not be the city is it today, without the substantial impact and contributions of our Black neighbors," Deegan said. "We celebrate our past with an eye toward the future, and the work ahead to build on the legacy of the leaders before us. We will continue to bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice."
Jacksonville City Council President Ron Salem said Tuesday's event highlighted the commitment of city leaders to foster an environment that works for all of its citizens.
"We affirm our commitment to building a city where everyone has opportunity to thrive and succeed," said Salem, "creating a future where diversity is embraced, equality is upheld and justice prevails."
Apart from the announcement, the celebration featured a spoken-word performance by a Douglas Anderson student and a dance performance by members of Light The Way Tutoring & Performing Arts.