Jerry Urso email
Jaxson guest writer Jerry Urso is a historian for the James Weldon Johnson Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. He is the Past President of the Alexander Darnes Research Chapter, Past President of Lux e Tenebris Research Society, and a member of the Jacksonville Historical Society and Florida Historical Society. He was a panelist for the Civil Rights Timeline for the city of Jacksonville and Lavilla historian for the Downtown Investment Authority.
Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Defending Black History Month”
A group of early 20th century segregation era Black business leaders on the steps of Old Stanton High School in LaVilla. | University of North Florida
2 days ago

THE JAXSON | Defending Black History Month

Black History Month predates contemporary political terminology and was conceived during the Jim Crow era as a scholarly initiative, not…

By Jerry Urso

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Andrew Patterson: LaVilla’s forgotten Civil Rights crusader”
A streetcar on West Monroe Street in the early 20th century. | Ritz Theater & Museum
October 8, 2025

THE JAXSON | Andrew Patterson: LaVilla’s forgotten Civil Rights crusader

Before Montgomery was the Civil Rights epicenter, a pastor on Ashley Street sat down on a Jacksonville streetcar, refused bail,…

By Jerry Urso

Featured image for “THE JAXSON | Jacksonville dentist E.A. Welters took tooth powder and justice to Chicago”
Dr. Edward Alexander Welters | Jerry Urso
June 10, 2025

THE JAXSON | Jacksonville dentist E.A. Welters took tooth powder and justice to Chicago

Dr. Walters created one of the earliest Black-owned antiseptic tooth powders in the U.S.…

By Jerry Urso