James Weldon Johnson Park officially designated as part of African American Civil Rights Network

Jacksonville, Fl — UPDATE: On the 60th anniversary of Ax Handle Saturday, the US Department of the Interior has officially designated newly-named James Weldon Johnson Park as part of the African American Civil Rights Network.

ORIGINAL STORY: As Jacksonville marks the 60th anniversary of Ax Handle Saturday, Representative Al Lawson is pushing to designate James Weldon Johnson Park in Downtown as part of the National Park Service’s African American Civil Rights Network.

Lawson has introduced H.Res.1088, and has 26 co-sponsors including Florida Representatives Donna Shalala, Alcee Hastings, Val Demmings, Darren Soto and Kathy Castor.

The site is at the center of the August 27, 1960 racist attack on a group of peaceful protesters who were fighting for integration and equality. The attackers were armed with ax handles and baseball bats.

“Designating James Weldon Johnson Park as part of the National Park Service’s African American Civil Rights Network will pay homage to Jacksonville’s early history in America’s civil rights movement,” Rep. Lawson said. “This national designation would honor local foot soldiers who stood up for justice and those who continue to fight for equality.

The historic demonstration was led by then-NAACP President Rutledge Pearson and several local youth activists. Rep. Lawson honored Pearson in 2018 by renaming the U.S. Post Office on Kings Road in Jacksonville after the civil rights leader.

LISTEN: Rep. Al Lawson discusses his effort to recognize James Weldon Johnson Park

Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden has released a statement on Ax Handle Saturday, saying:

“Sixty years ago today, a group of young leaders from the Jacksonville Youth Council NAACP staged a sit-in at segregated lunch counters in Jacksonville, Florida, where they were met by an angry white mob wielding ax handles and baseball bats. This tragic event, now known as Ax Handle Saturday, leaves a lasting mark on Jacksonville, as both a testament to the progress that has been made and a reminder that we must always stand up for what’s right. Today, we continue their fight against injustice and for equality – for Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and far too many more. These tragic murders, and brutal acts of excessive violence against individuals like Jacob Blake, have stirred Americans to speak out and demand change. We’re in a battle for the soul of our nation and the American people deserve leaders who will meet this moment, speak truth to power, and above all else – act. As your president, I promise to do just that.”

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