Forward Thinking: Mixon Town, a Historic African American Community

# The Past, Present, and Future of Mixon Town

The Jacksonville neighborhood of Mixon Town (originally known as West Lewisville) was first established in the late 1880s. From its founding, the neighborhood attracted African Americans locally and from out of state and was the location of industry and small businesses. Like many neighborhoods, it has gone through a number of changes. Despite this, current and former residents have continued to stay in contact across the decades and are working toward shaping the future of Mixon Town. 

Forward Thinking (Panel Discussion): Mixon Town

Join us from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, at the Main Library to discuss the experience of current and former residents, the challenges of historic preservation (including the placement of historic markers), and plans for the future of Mixon Town with moderator Ennis Davis and panelists Spencer Fletcher, James and Pat Henry and Desiree' "Dee" Powell. An audience Q&A will follow the 40-minute panel discussion.

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One of the lasting features of the neighborhood is one-story bungalow-style homes like the ones still standing in Oneida Bungalow Court. Many residents left Mixon Town for other areas in the city following desegregation, environmental issues, and demolitions to expand Jacksonville’s freeways throughout the 1960s. Today, sites such as the Oneida Bungalow Court are being restored and nonprofits such as the North Riverside CDC are supporting the interests of residents. 

# About Our Guest Speakers

Moderator Ennis Davis is a certified senior planner who holds a degree in Architecture from Florida A&M University. A mayoral appointee to the Northeast Florida Regional Transportation Commission, he has served with various organizations committed to improving urban communities, including the American Planning Association and the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. He is the author of several award-winning books including: Reclaiming Jacksonville, Cohen Brothers: The Big Store and Images of Modern America: Jacksonville. He is also co-owner of The Jaxson and Modern Cities.

Panelist Desiree’ “Dee” Powell is an Arlington, Texas native where she graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with her Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies and Master's in City & Regional Planning. She is the founder and urban planning lead at her firm, DRBTS (Do Right By The Streets), which focuses on place- keeping as a tool to implement temporary-to-permanent activation projects in communities of color driven towards economic mobility and community sustainability. DRBTS also specializes in breaking down the complexities of urban planning elements (land use, zoning, etc.) within communities of color for empowerment and education.

Her inspiration for this work comes from the beauty of Black culture through music, places, streetwear, sneakers, activism, and Black migration.

Panelists James and Patricia "Pat" Henry are community organizers and former Mixon Town residents. James Henry is the chair of Northside Ministerial Alliance and Patricia Henry is the secretary of the same organization. You can listen to Mr. and Mrs. Henry talk about their experiences in Mixon Town in Digital Collections. 

Panelist Spencer Fletcher is involved with historic renovation and preservation in Jacksonville. He is working to restore Oneida Bungalow Court in Mixon Town. This area was recently added to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation's 11 to Save.