Each week, in observance of Women’s History Month (March), the City of Jacksonville will highlight a woman who contributed to the history of Jacksonville.
Ninah May Holden Cummer: Ninah May Holden Cummer built the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens on her lawn, starting with two acres of gardens around her home and 60 pieces of art from her personal collection. She organized the Garden Club of Jacksonville in 1922, served as a valuable member of the Woman's Club of Jacksonville and was a strong advocate for women's suffrage.
Janet Johnson: Janet Johnson was the first African-American professor at Jacksonville University and founder of the school’s federally-funded Upward Bound program. Her husband, Earl Johnson Sr., was the Jacksonville City Council’s first African-American president and was an adviser to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Jessie Ball duPont: Jessie Ball duPont was the well-known Jacksonville native, teacher and philanthropist who founded the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. Today, the fund supports and strengthens many local nonprofit organizations.