Jacksonville's Cultural Diversity

Jacksonville is the second largest city in the northeastern Florida, which is about eight miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Many people with diverse ethnicities have moved into the River City and became a part of its society. Many new businesses, streets, and communities began developing all over the First Coast.

The city grew, so it can accommodate the expanding population. Now, over a million different ethnic backgrounds are currently living together and sharing their unique cultures with other residents.

Today, the city is known best for its beaches, St. John's River, Jaguars (NFL), Military Bases, and its love of the cultural arts. There are restaurants, museums, planned events, and communities that routinely celebrates other cultures (City Town Info., 2006). Jacksonville is diverse city, which has learned to intermix with different cultures and beliefs in its community. The River City, welcomes all ethnic backgrounds and races, with open arms.

Spirit of Jacksonville

Humble Beginnings

When the city was discovered in 1816, it was originally named after its first Governor "Andrew Jackson" (Infoplease, 2007). The first wave of settlers, choose to live and work around the St. John's River, which runs through he heart of downtown Jacksonville.

By the late 1800's Jacksonville had become incorporated with businesses and factories of all sorts. Many of the residents began using the St. Johns River and Atlantic Ocean to trade important products. Before long, the city was filled with several ethnic communities, which were a key to developing Jacksonville into a diverse city.

Year after year, more settlers of different cultures found their way south; whether by sea, trains, or horse and buggies. The settlers decided to elect local officials; in order, to speak for the residents and protect their city.

Budding Communities

The communities began flourishing and thriving, until it was destroyed during the Civil War. After the war finally concluded, "Jacksonville was rebuilt, becoming a major industrial city and a transportation hub." (CityTown Info, 2006) The city opened it harbor and began importing and exporting merchandise, which caused the city's financial growth.

Once the railroad entered Jacksonville, the tourism industry began bringing more people to the popular city. Many families decided to stay and live on the banks of the St. John's River. The city's tourism started growing, especially during the winter time.

Many people fled to the Jacksonville, in order to escape harsh winters up North. Many immigrants decided to settle in Jacksonville and build homes or businesses. The city earned the nickname, "Winter City in a Summerland" (Jacksonville Tourist Guide, 2005).

Population Explosion

After the military decided to open Bases in the River City and many new families followed. Each new resident became a part of Jacksonville's culture and population. Some people built churches and schools for their families to attend. Before long, the diverse cultures had spread throughout the city, as many new residents filled each community.

The city became finally secure, as more residents and tourist began pouring into the city each year. Jacksonville's prospered and became a popular city to live in, by the late 1900's. Many hospitals and began popping up, throughout the different ethnic communities. Some residents decided to build businesses and organizations for their communities. Various neighborhoods began growing and the city's officials started building public transportation services. "In 1968, the city and county governments consolidated." (Infoplease, 2007)

Diversity Leads the Way

Life in the River City

According to (JCCI, 2006) many African-Americans decided to flee to the River City, in search of freedom and economic opportunities. Many young children began going to school with people of other cultures and ethnic background. Most neighborhoods are filled with many diverse families and neighborhood businesses from different cultures. Some radio stations and television stations are targeting diverse audiences. Even though many families had jobs and homes; some families needed help just to survive. However, some families prospered, once their businesses began growing.

Welcoming Change

Soon, the local officials realized that more ethnicities and cultures, were calling Jacksonville home. The mayor and other public officials started building public programs, in order to help those of any race or culture. Many needed families help feed their families and pay for their medical bills. So the officials began building more local programs and organizations began popping up all over the River City.

Some neighborhoods welcomed different cultures; however, some strongly resisted the change. Finally, the government officials had to deal with the racial tension and stop the hatred from spreading. According to decided to enact new laws, in order to protect the different ethnicities and cultures from discrimination (JCCI, 2007). Before the turn of the century, different cultures exploded all over of the River City and new communities began thriving. The residents seemed to welcome the diverse cultures, which took over the First Coast's communities.

Healing the Divide

Although some disagreed, the mayors and city council began planning events for the cultures. Every year, the city plans several types of celebrations for each unique culture living in Jacksonville (America's Most Livable, 2007). People from all walks of life, began celebrating their unique cultures and exquisite culinary skills. Then, many other organizations started planning their own meetings and celebrations. Before long, the city was filled with over a million diverse residents, who just wanted to claim their piece of the American Pie.

Today's Cultural Growth

Learning Tolerance

Many of the long-term residents noticed cultural changes at work that affected them in several ways. The media began recognizing the many holidays, which are celebrated by people of different cultures. Suddenly, different types of restaurants opened and many residents decided to sample the cuisine from other cultures. Then, many schools started teaching tolerance and helping students learn about other races and their history in America.

Cultural Harmony

The River City has become known for its love of the cultural arts. Many residents enjoy the art on display, musical shows, and different other cultural shows. For many years now, the residents of Jacksonville have experienced the diverse culture that the city represents. Most residents are from diverse backgrounds and have learned to live in harmony with each other. Even the area hospitals and businesses are trying to relate to their customers or employees of different ethnic backgrounds.

Looking Forward

As Jacksonville learns to handle the exploding diverse population; each resident will notice more changes. Everyone will enjoy the profits that will come from the steady stream of tourism. Some tourist may even decide to call Jacksonville home, after learning of its diverse culture (Jacksonville Tourist Guide, 2007). Either way, many residents will notice more cultural changes that will ultimately benefit them too.

However, there are still a few residents that are resisting the cultural changes and speaking out against it. Only time will be able to heal the wounds, created by the racism felt in the city's past. Some residents did not believe the same way others did. So, many residents began their own community churches, in order to practice their beliefs. Soon, each neighborhood was filled with people of different religions. Everyone learned how to tolerate and indulge in the different cultures of other residents.

Conclusion

For many decades, the city officials have learned to respect the diverse cultures and ethnic background of each resident. Over time, the city has taken pride, in the way it handles those residents from other cultures (CCGJ, 2007). Right now, Jacksonville has something special for everyone; no matter what ethnic background him or her maybe from. In fact, most residents are looking forward to the changes that are taking place in Jacksonville. According to the (MOCA, 2007), Jacksonville has many family-oriented activities for each culture living in the River City.

The many different diverse communities are bringing many new attractions and religions to the First Coast. The city's economy is rapidly growing each year, as more families move into each community. However, the population explosion brought more neighbor to neighbor crimes to the First coast. The sheriff and local officials are studying the best ways to stop the criminals from hurting others. Therefore, people of any culture, would be proud to call Jacksonville their home (JCCI).

References

CCGJ (2007) Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville

Retrieved on January 11, 2007

http://culturalcouncil.org/

CityTown Information (2006) Jacksonville, Florida

Retrieved online on January 9, 2007

http://www.citytowninfo.com/places/florida/jacksonville

Jacksonville Tourist Guide (2005) Jacksonville Tourist Guide

Retrieved January 11, 2007

http://www.jacksonvillecitytourist.com/jacksonville-history.html

Museum of Contemporary Arts (2007) MOCA Jacksonville

Retrieved online on January 11, 2007

http://www.mocajacksonville.org/

Infoplease (2007) Jacksonville, Fla.: History

Retrieved on January 10, 2007

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108536.html

Jacksonville Community Council Inc. (2007) An Introduction to the History of Race Relations

Retrieved online on January 9, 2007

http://www.jcci.org/projects/reports/HistoryofRaceRelations.aspx

America's Most Livable City (2007) A Jacksonville Overview

Retrieved online on January 12, 2007

http://www.mostlivable.org/cities/jacksonville/home.html

Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce (2007) Diversity and Inclusion

Retrieved online on January 12, 2007

http://www.myjaxchamber.com/general.asp?id=469