At the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast in Jacksonville, Mayor Donna Deegan addressed residents, highlighting the need to address long-standing disparities and promote a community-driven future. The event brought together local leaders and residents to mark Dr. King’s legacy of justice and unity.
In her speech, Mayor Deegan acknowledged local individuals working to support and strengthen neighborhoods. She paid tribute to Dr. King, stating, “His love calmed the fearful, restored the weary, and strengthened those willing to stand for justice,” according to the City of Jacksonville. Mayor Deegan highlighted community members such as LaTrina Dowdell and Kamala Williams, who have focused on education and providing support to residents in need.
Mayor Deegan addressed historic practices that have contributed to neighborhood segregation, noting that some areas continue to face limited resources and lower life expectancies. She highlighted that communities previously marked as hazardous on redlined maps continue to experience significant challenges. The mayor also announced upcoming budget town halls aimed at directing investments to neighborhoods that have experienced long-term underinvestment…