In 1900, LaVilla natives James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson wrote and composed “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” now celebrated as the Black National Anthem. Just a decade later, in 1910, LaVilla made history again as the site of the world’s first recorded public performance of blues singing.
The neighborhood also played an important role in the Great Migration, sending African Americans and their culture north and west. By the 1930s, LaVilla was part of the legendary Chitlin’ Circuit, a network of venues that provided safe stages for Black musicians and entertainers during segregation. Clubs like the Two Spot and Lenape Bar were must-visit stops for performers traveling the circuit.
Today, LaVilla remains an influential symbol in Jacksonville’s story and is experiencing a period of revitalization. Its streets hold generations of history, creativity, and resilience. When visiting, be sure to explore these three main destinations that celebrate the neighborhood’s enduring legacy.