Jacksonville, FL – On Saturday, March 22, over 200 community members gathered to protest the genocide carried out by Israel after it violated the ceasefire on March 18. Community members protested in the town center, on one of Jacksonville’s busiest streets, to demand an end to U.S. aid to Israel and call for the Jacksonville Port Authority to end its contracts with two shipping companies, Maersk and ZIM.

The shipping giant Maersk is among the wealthiest in the world. While they recently denied shipping arms to Israel, records show they have shipped millions of dollars’ worth of military cargo since the attack on Gaza began in 2023. ZIM is Israel’s largest and oldest shipping company, a direct supporter and facilitator of the occupation and genocide in Palestine.

The Jacksonville Port Authority has refused to answer organizers’ calls to end their complicity in the genocide since the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network (JPSN) took up their Genocide Out of Jaxport campaign last October. A leading Palestinian JPSN organizer said, “After the people of Gaza were finally able to poke their head above water for a fragile gasp of air, they are again drowning in the blood that is Zionism. At the same time, we are witnessing a new level of destruction and settler violence in the West Bank. We must not slow down our fight, we must continue to reach people from different areas of Jacksonville and bridge the connection of our suffering!”

On April 5, JPSN plans to take their action directly to Jacksonville’s Dames Point Terminal, where Maersk and ZIM operate, as part of the national week of action for Palestinian Land Day called by the Anti War Action Network (AWAN). Speaking to the crowd, Ryan Delaney of AWAN’s steering committee said, “If you take one thing home with your today, let it be this: if that port in your own backyard stops shipping with Maersk and ZIM, that disrupts the killing of Palestinians from being killed. If we can stop them, we can save lives, and we can stop them, because when we fight, we win!”

The action was called by Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network, and answered by a broad coalition of organizations, including American Muslims for Palestine, Jacksonville Community Action Committee, Students for a Democratic Society, Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance, and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #JaxPSN

Jacksonville, FL – After hearing about the abduction of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate from Columbia University who was a legal permanent resident, organizations in Jacksonville sprung to action. The Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network, the Jacksonville Immigrants’ Rights Alliance, and the Jacksonville chapter of Students for a Democratic Society coalesced forces to rally on the morning of Saturday, March 15, with chants of “Free Mahmoud Khalil!” echoing through Jacksonville’s downtown.

Over 150 community members from all walks of life covered the steps of the Federal Building, with signs demanding Khalil’s immediate release, an end to the political repression and the targeting of our movements, as well as a call to action to defend immigrant communities in the face of a mass deportation campaign. Speakers made clear connections to the central force behind each of the attacks our communities are currently experiencing; the ruling class that seeks to sow division amongst the multi-national working class.

A member of the Jacksonville Immigrants’ Rights Alliance rallied the crowd around the fight against anti-immigrant legislation being advanced at the city level, “Legislation like 2025-0138 and 2025-0147 seeks to criminalize immigrants, deny essential services to families, and divert critical resources toward punitive measures like mobile fingerprinting devices for law enforcement. These bills are unjust, inhumane, and counterproductive. Denying services to children based on their immigration status is cruel and contradicts the values of compassion and fairness that we hold dear – We say no to these racist laws and no to the criminalization of our communities.”

An organizer with the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network urged that these attacks were nothing more than attempts to repress our broad movements, stating, “Rasmea Odeh, a Palestinian revolutionary who gained U.S. citizenship after surviving Zionist torture, was deported in 2017 in order to stoke fear and send shockwaves through our communities. And just as our movements fought back heroically against the state’s repressive attempts then, we will do the same now!”

Follow @unidosjax, @jaxpsn, and @jax_sds for updates.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #Palestine #AntiWarMovement

Jacksonville, FL – This year’s International Women’s Day was celebrated March 8 by a crowd of nearly 100 people on a day to honor revolutionary and working women, filled with speakers, performances, crafts and good food. Members of the Jacksonville community joined together to remember the struggle of women who have come and fought before us, and to stand with the women continuing that struggle now.

The jam-packed program featured speakers representing a coalition of organizations that emphasized the vital role of women in every movement for change. There were poetry readings, a musical performance, and a Plena performance from members of the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance, a Puerto Rican dance and music style historically used as a form of resistance.

The crowd was reminded to stand with the women of Palestine as they resist, in all forms, the occupation of their land.

“Today we recognize and honor Palestinian women for their resilience and the integral part they play in the resistance. We recognize the key role they played historically and still do to this day,” said a member of the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network.

Speaking on incarceration and its effects on Black revolutionary movement, a member of the Jacksonville Community Action Committee noted, “What many do not know is that women leaders of these movements, who were not only integral, but also pivotal to the successes of these movements, were political prisoners as well.”

As the event closed out, attendees chanted, “El pueblo unido jamás será vencido,” along with a recitation of the Assata Shakur chant. While we honor and remember all revolutionary leaders and political prisoners, this International Women’s Day we hold close to us the women who have built movements for change and those continuing that fight, for women hold up half the sky!

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #WomensMovement #InternationalWomensDay

Jacksonville, FL – The Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance (JIRA) was founded to advocate for immigrant rights and fight against the capitalist-backed policies that target and criminalize Jacksonville’s immigrant communities.

Since its inception, JIRA has fought to end collaboration between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), halt the use of local jails for ICE detention, and protect undocumented individuals from repression.

In the face of the reactionary agenda championed by figures like President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, whose rhetoric and policies have emboldened anti-immigrant sentiment nationwide, local legislators feel empowered to introduce similar oppressive policies such as those now being proposed in Jacksonville, making JIRA’s work more critical than ever.

Mariscos El Pacifico protest

JIRA held its first major event on February 9, at Mariscos El Pacifico, a restaurant in the heart of Jacksonville’s immigrant community, in response to and collaboration with locals who held their own rally at Mariscos El Pacifico almost a week before. More than 100 people gathered in a display of working-class unity, waving signs and flags, chanting, and drawing honks of support from passing vehicles. The protest brought together activists, families, students, and labor unionists to demand an end to deportations and the state’s persecution of our immigrant neighbors.

Maria Garcia, a representative of JIRA, delivered a powerful speech, declaring, “Immigrants are our neighbors. They are sewn into the fabric of our city. And we must keep showing up to reject these backwards policies. We have a responsibility to protect our neighbors!” Her words resonated with the crowd, which responded with chants of “El pueblo unido jamás será vencido” (“The people united will never be defeated!”) and “From Palestine to Mexico, all these walls have got to go.”

Monica Martinez, a representative of JIRA, a public school teacher and first-generation Venezuelan immigrant, spoke about the impact these policies have had on students: “Este último mes, ha sido un mes fuerte para mis estudiantes inmigrantes y americanos. Es evidente de que hay mucha preocupación en las escuelas de todas partes. Desde los adultos, a los estudiantes, y también los padres. Hay mucha inseguridad, cuando las escuelas deben de ser un espacio de aprendizaje y seguridad para nuestros niños. Los niños se merecen ir a recibir sus estudios sin miedo de que ICE vaya a detenerlos para deportar a sus familias.”

“Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act”

On February 25, ordinances 2025-0147 and 2025-0138 were introduced by Jacksonville City Councilmen Kevin Carrico and Rory Diamond. These ordinances, collectively referred to as the “Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act,” are a full-on assault of immigrant communities in Jacksonville. They propose criminalizing undocumented immigrants, allocating over $76,000 to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) for 25 mobile fingerprinting devices, and further limiting undocumented individuals’ access to city resources. This legislation echoes the reactionary agenda of Trump and DeSantis, who have long sought to criminalize and dehumanize immigrants while expanding the powers of law enforcement.

While the ruling class claims these ordinances are meant to enhance “community safety,” JIRA and other people’s organizations have exposed them for what they truly are: an escalation of terror against immigrants. The proposed legislation grants JSO unchecked authority to collaborate with ICE, conduct pre-arrest fingerprinting based on “suspicion,” and engage in racial profiling at will. These measures do nothing but deepen distrust between law enforcement and the people, discouraging victims and witnesses from reporting crimes or seeking assistance.

The people fight back: JIRA mobilizes at city hall

JIRA’s efforts to oppose these ordinances culminated in a powerful mobilization at the Jacksonville city council meeting on February 25. Community members packed city hall, delivering denunciations of Council Member Kevin Carrico’s proposed “Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act.”

Speakers also called out the city council for its continued prioritization of funding the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and its billion-dollar jail project, which disproportionately targets and incarcerates oppressed communities. The crowd demanded an end to policies that funnel resources into policing and incarceration while neglecting the needs of working-class residents.

In the face of this grassroots uprising, Council Member Rory Diamond resorted to lies, falsely claiming on local news that the protesters were “paid” participants. This attempt to delegitimize the voices of the people only galvanized JIRA and its allies, who responded with even louder resistance. Diamond’s dismissive rhetoric underscored the disconnect between the city’s leadership and the communities they claim to serve, further exposing the anti-democratic nature of the proposed legislation.

The protest saw participation from a broad coalition of local organizations, including the Jacksonville Community Action Committee, the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network, and the Jacksonville Students for a Democratic Society. Parents, children, elders, students, and labor leaders stood shoulder to shoulder, demonstrating the overwhelming opposition to these racist policies.

Ongoing community presence

JIRA will maintain a continuous presence in the community, organizing mass actions against corrupt politicians and law enforcement agencies while fostering unity among the people. Community members can expect rallies, general body meetings, and community events designed to build solidarity and power. JIRA encourages all Jacksonville residents to stand up, fight back, and take part in building a better society – one where all people are treated with dignity, regardless of immigration status.

For more information about JIRA and its ongoing fight for justice, contact unidosjax@gmail.com.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #ImmigrantRights #JIRA

Jacksonville, FL – Around three dozen community members gathered in front of Jacksonville City Hall on Tuesday late afternoon to say no to a projected billion-dollar proposal to build a new jail and incarcerate more Jacksonville residents.

Organized by the Jacksonville Community Action Committee and attended by other organizations such as the newly formed Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance, the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network, Take Em Down Jacksonville, Jax Queer Coalition, Red Alliance for Justice, Metro Gardens Neighborhood Association, Jacksonville DSA, along with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

Attendees heard chants of “No new jail” along with chants of “Money for jobs and education, not for mass incarceration.”

“We are here to say no to shady backroom deals with developers,” said Monica Gold, an organizer with the JCAC. “Conditions in the jail should be fixed now, not spending a potential billion dollars on a new jail to lock more people up while schools are being shut down!”

The current Duval County Jail is designed to host 2189 inmates but currently holds at least 2600 inmates, according to reports. Its horrible conditions are well known, with many inmates dying due to negligence and poor healthcare services.

The talk about moving the jail has been a major topic pushed by the city council and the mayor’s office the past year. The current jail is located in downtown near the Saint John’s River, a spot developer have been eyeing to build unaffordable high rise appartments.

Many have spoken out against attempts to build the jail on Jacksonville’s Northside of town, the home of a large Black community.

“Our communities are constantly told there is no resources for after-school programs, infrastructure and other social services yet the city can find a billion for a new jail? Just tells you what they think of us and our communities,” said JCAC organizer Xavier Green. “We demand a real People’s Budget, people over profit, community over cages.”

After the rally, many went inside to city council where they spoke out against a new jail proposal.

The JCAC and coalition partners have vowed to keep organizing around this issue until the proposal is stopped.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #InJusticeSystem #JCAC

The protest, organized by the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance (JIRA), brought together a diverse coalition of activists, families, students and labor unionists to demand an end to deportations and the persecution of immigrant neighbors.

The event highlighted growing concerns over the close collaboration between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, as well as the erosion of sanctuary protections in schools and places of worship. Protesters also voiced their support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and criticized President Donald Trump's executive orders, which have fueled anti-immigrant policies and fear within the community.

The protest was a vibrant display of unity, with attendees waving signs and flags, chanting, and drawing honks of support from passing cars, trucks and buses. Many vehicles displayed small flags representing countries in Central and South America, symbolizing the cultural ties that bind Jacksonville's immigrant community.

Maria Garcia, a representative of the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance, delivered a powerful speech, declaring, “Immigrants are our neighbors. They are sown into the fabric of our city. And we must keep showing up to reject these backwards policies. We have a responsibility to protect our neighbors!” Her words resonated with the crowd, which responded with chants of “El pueblo unido jamás será vencido” (“The people united will never be defeated!”) and “From Palestine to Mexico, all these walls have got to go.”

Monica Martinez, also a representative of JIRA, a public school teacher and first generation Venezuelan immigrant, stated, “Este último mes, ha sido un mes fuerte para mis estudiantes inmigrantes y americanos. Es evidente de que hay mucha preocupación en las escuelas de todas partes. Desde los adultos, a los estudiantes, y también los padres. Hay mucha inseguridad, cuando las escuelas deben de ser un espacio de aprendizaje y seguridad para nuestros niños. Los niños se merecen ir a recibir sus estudios sin miedo de que ICE vaya a detenerlos para deportar a sus familias.” Martinez explained the harmful impact that these policies have had on her immigrant students and families.

The protest also saw participation from other local organizations, including the Jacksonville Community Action Committee, the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network, and the University of North Florida's Students for a Democratic Society. The diverse turnout reflected the broad coalition of support for immigrant rights, with working people, parents, children, elders and students standing shoulder to shoulder and demanding an end to the deportations, for legalization for all, the termination of attacks against immigrants, and the protection of DACA.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #ImmigrantRights #JCAC #JPSN #SDS #JIRA

Jacksonville, FL – On January 20, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a broad coalition of 20 organizations united to bring out over 150 people to the Duval County Courthouse to protest Trump’s agenda. Hearing from speakers representing various struggles, the people of Jacksonville affirm their fight for national liberation movements, workers, immigrants, LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights and more.

With a backdrop of the American flag, the Jacksonville community stood committed to making Trump’s America ungovernable; “We are here to honor Dr. King’s dream by being Trump’s nightmare,” said a member of the Jacksonville Community Action Committee.

The crowd also heard from organizations such as the Freedom Road Socialist Organization and Students for a Democratic Society. To combat Trump’s racist, reactionary agenda over these next four years, these organizations stressed the necessity of uniting various people’s movements. Passersby could hear the crowd chanting, “The people united, will never be defeated!”

A second Trump term promises an escalation of discrimination and repression of Arab communities, reminiscent of the 2017 Muslim ban. Far from an anti-war administration, the impunity provided to Israel by the U.S will not lessen.

“The last 15 months of genocide in Gaza and the persistence of resistance has given new life to people’s movements all around the globe, signaling a decline of imperial powers and a broadening of political consciousness. We must use this moment not to relax our fight for Palestinian liberation, but to escalate it,” said Ryan Delaney from the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network.

A general theme heard throughout the evening was of perseverance; that the people must not despair and instead get organized. It was emphasized that over the next four years, the people in Jacksonville will not falter in the struggle against Trump's agenda.

#JacksonvilleFL #Jax #JCAC #Trump #Inauguration #JPSN #FreePalestine #MLK #MLKday #FRSO #SDS

Jacksonville, FL – On Friday evening, December 6, the air was electric as the inaugural Southern Regional Organizing Conference (SROC) of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARPR) kicked off with a rally outside Café Resistance. Over 200 attendees gathered to connect, reflect and prepare for the intensive days ahead.

Florida State Representative Angie Nixon welcomed attendees to the venue, which serves as a hub for activists and community-building in Jacksonville. In light of the recent Trump victory, Nixon remarked that it is up to us to, “keep up the fight. We gotta get back to the basics: Grassroots organizing.”

“When I say people, you say power!” Monique Sampson, a conference organizer and member of the NAARPR National Desk began, “We are here to organize and resist. They say the South is too far gone. This weekend shows that it is a lie! We are here to fight. This weekend is about struggle. It is about justice and continuing to fight. Because when we dare to struggle, we dare to win!”

Organizers and participants expressed enthusiasm about the weekend’s agenda, which is set to address critical issues such as community control of the police, political repression, and liberation struggles across the Deep South. Many noted the significance of convening in Jacksonville, a historic Black city marked by both resilience and repression.

In his speech, NAARPR Co-Chair Michael Sampson highlighted the need to struggle against undemocratic and racist state laws like Florida’s HB-1 and Texas's HB-9, two measures that will criminalize protests and block police accountability. Sampson emphasized, “We are going to keep pushing for real political power. All the harsh repression we have faced in Florida; they are trying to snuff out our voice and harm our movement. Our presence and organizing here is a message and a clear shot across the bow: they cannot stop us.”

Frank Chapman, the executive director of the Alliance, told the crowd, “When we were born 51 years ago, all of our first major cases came out of the South. Wilmington 10, Atlanta 6, Joann Little. Today, the National Alliance continues to press the legacy of fighting repression in the South. The SROC is about building the people’s power. The South has always been a battleground for the Black liberation movement, and we are here to take the struggle to a new level.”

The evening’s rally set a powerful tone for the weekend. The night buzzed with conversations about the transformative potential of the strategizing sessions and discussions to come.

As the rally concluded, NAARPR Co-Chair Sydney Loving addressed the crowd, grounding the event in its historical significance. She led attendees in a unified chant: “It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win!”

“Our job is not to tell people they are oppressed,” Loving continued. “The people feel it – we feel it heavily in the South. Our job as organizers is to show our communities that we can step into our power together and do something about it. We can and always will fight back.”

The night ended with the crowd chanting, “The South got something to say!”

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #OppressedNationalities #AfricanAmerican #USSouth #NAARPR #SROC #Feature

Jacksonville, FL – On Saturday, November 16, people of conscience in Jacksonville rallied in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Over 100 protesters demanded an arms embargo on Israel, chanting “Israel bombs, USA pays!” Protesters also had local demands for the Jacksonville Port Authority-JAXPORT to cut ties with the shipping and logistics company Maersk, as long as that company continues to ship weapons and weapons components used by Israel. 

Speakers emphasized that the people's movements would remain steadfast in the fight for the self-determination of the Palestinian people. “Our fire is still lit, and we won't stop until Gaza is free,” said a member of the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network. 

Onlookers and passing drivers showed their support by joining chants, honking and cheering the protesters on. With signs reading, “We want genocide out of JAXPORT,” the crowd chanted, “Mask off Maersk, mask off Maersk!”

Community leaders made it clear that the fight for a liberated Palestine is a part of the fight against U.S. imperialism - that only the people can save us, and that the power of the people is much greater than the ruling class. Ryan Delaney from the Freedom Road Socialist Organization emphasized, “When we see moments of revolution, of people taking their futures into their hands, we see that as the right side of history, and we see that as the road to freedom.” 

As the U.S. Senate is days away from voting on a bill that would block $20 billion of weapons to Israel, protesters in Jacksonville maintain that the people's movements are at the helm of this fight, and they won't stop until they win.

#JacksonvilleFL #JAXPORT #FreePalestine #JaxPSN #MaskOffMaersk

Jacksonville, FL – On November 7, Jacksonville community organizers gathered at the courthouse to denounce the recent election of Donald Trump as the 47th resident, following his victory.

More than 250 people joined the protest, chanting, “When Trump says get back, we say fight back!” Speakers addressed the flaws in the U.S. electoral system, with Michael Sampson, of the Jacksonville Community Action Committee, stating “it doesn’t matter which party is in power, we have to demand a People’s agenda.”

Jpess Machin of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization noted, “Kamala and Trump unfortunately have more similarities than differences. They are both pro-Israel, pro-NATO, pro-sanctions on Cuba and Venezuela, pro-police, and more.” Machin went on to critique the Biden administration’s billions in funding for Israel, which has fueled imperialist violence in Palestine.

The election in Florida also brought key ballot measures for Florida voters, including Amendment 4, defending the right to abortion, and Amendment 3, proposing the legalization of recreational marijuana. Both received majority support – 57% for Amendment 4 and nearly 56% for Amendment 3 – but Florida’s undemocratic 60% threshold for ballot measures blocked their passage. Maria Garcia, member of the Jacksonville Community Action Committee, called this a “shame,” saying, “Governor Ron DeSantis spent over $50 million of taxpayer money trying defeat abortion rights, yet Amendment 4 got more votes than he got last election!”

Event organizers called on attendees to join an organization and contribute to the struggle against capitalism and imperialism, emphasizing that the fight for justice, human rights, and liberation would continue, regardless of the electoral outcome. Many groups attended the protest, including the Jacksonville Community Action Committee, Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network, UNF Students for a Democratic Society, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, and Take Em Down Jax. The demands of the protest were endorsed by multiple organizations including Black Lives Matter.

These demands were end of police brutality; no to mass deportations and legalization for all; standing up for LGBTQ rights; free Palestine and stopping U.S. aid to the Israeli war machine; stopping the attacks on reproductive freedom, and standing with student rights to free speech.

Organizers reaffirmed that the people united will never be defeated and committed to ongoing resistance against Trump’s agenda.

#JacksonvilleFL #PeoplesStruggles #Trump #FRSO #JCAC #JPSN #UNFSDS #TakeEmDownJax

Jacksonville, FL – Alrededor de 55 trabajadores de servicios de alimentos y miembros del Local 2941 de AFSCME se manifestaron frente a las oficinas de la empresa Chartwells el lunes en Jacksonville, expresando su descontento contra lo que describen como salarios de pobreza, falta crónica de personal y falta de respeto por parte de la gerencia.

“Como líder de cafetería, frecuentemente tengo que hacer el trabajo de tres empleados debido a la falta de personal y salarios decentes,” dijo Annette Taylor, vicepresidenta del Local 2941 y trabajadora de Chartwells por casi 30 años. “Y nadie de la alta gerencia tiene el respeto, o incluso intenta ayudar en parte a hacer llegar la comida a los niños a los que necesitamos llevársela”.

Chartwells, un contratista de servicios de alimentos privatizado con más de 1000 trabajadores en escuelas en todo el condado de Duval, actualmente ofrece salarios a partir de $13 por hora, el salario mínimo estatal. Los miembros exigen mejores salarios iniciales, con buenos aumentos salariales durante los próximos tres años. Según los trabajadores, el mes pasado, más de tres docenas de trabajadores asistieron la sesión de negociaciones cuando la empresa propuso recortar sus licencias por enfermedad. Los trabajadores dicen que su movilización tuvo éxito al lograr que la empresa retrocediera esa propuesta.

Los trabajadores encabezaron cánticos de “Chartwells Chartwells, no pueden esconderse, podemos ver su lado codicioso” junto con “¿Qué queremos? ¡Un buen contrato! ¿Cuándo lo queremos? ¡Ahora!”.

Las próximas negociaciones están programadas para el 30 y 31 de octubre, y el contrato actual expirará al final del 31.

Los miembros han discutido una posible votación para autorizar una huelga si no se logra llegar a un acuerdo.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #Labor #AFSCME

Jacksonville, FL – Around 55 food service workers and members of AFSCME Local 2941 rallied in front of Chartwells company offices on Monday in Jacksonville, speaking out against what workers described as poverty wages, chronic understaffing and a lack of respect from management.

“As a cafeteria lead, I often have to do the work of three staff members due to a lack of employees and decent wages,” said Annette Taylor, vice president of Local 2941 and near 30-year Chartwells worker. “And no one from upper management has the respect, or even tries to help in part of getting the food out to the children that we need to get it out to.”

Chartwells, a privatized food service contractor with over 1000 workers in schools across Duval County, currently starts wages at $13 per hour, the state minimum wage. Members are demanding better starting wages, with good pay increases over the next three years. According to workers, just last month, over three dozen workers showed up to negotiations session when the company proposed cutting their sick leave. Workers say their mobilization was successful at getting the company to back off that proposal.

Workers led chants of “Chartwells Chartwells, you can’t hide, we can see your greedy side!” along with “What do we want? A good contract! When do we want it? Now!”

The next negotiations are scheduled for October 30 and 31 with the current contract set to expire at the end of the 31.

Members have discussed a potential strike authorization vote if an agreement isn’t able to be reached.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #Labor #AFSCME

Jacksonville, FL – On Saturday afternoon, October 19, the steps of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) became a platform for calls for justice as over 80 people rallied to honor Dejuane “Woo” Hayden, a 30-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by police officer Bradley Griffitts. Organized by the Jacksonville Community Action Committee (JCAC), the event drew family, friends, and community members demanding accountability and answers.

Protesters carrying signs reading “Justice for Dejuane” and “Community control of the police,” chanted in unison, demanding transparency in the investigation surrounding Hayden's death. The atmosphere was a mix of grief and determination as those closest to Hayden shared emotional testimonies about his life and the impact of his loss. “You can’t get a life back, and we just want some accountability,” said Hayden’s friend.

The incident took place last week, when officers accused Hayden of committing gang-related activities. The JCAC, family, and friends argue that at the time of the shooting, Hayden was attempting to run away and did not pose an immediate danger to the officers or the public. Community members expressed that shooting an unarmed man in the back as he runs away is not justified, highlighting the historical use of murderous tactics by JSO.

“They keep saying ‘gang member,’” Hayden’s brother said about JSO. “As soon as they see two, three people, they label it as gang members. We’re just a bunch of kids.”

The JSO has stated that officer Griffitts has been placed on paid administrative leave while the shooting is investigated.

Organizers from the JCAC emphasized that the rally was not just about Hayden's death but part of a broader movement to address systemic issues within law enforcement.

At the rally, the JCAC presented a four-point list of demands aimed at addressing what they view as persistent issues with the JSO and broader systemic problems in law enforcement. The demands focus on immediate action and long-term reforms to improve public safety and accountability.

The JCAC is calling for the immediate disbandment of the JSO Gang Unit, which they say disproportionately targets Black and brown communities and contributes to over-policing. Advocates argue that the unit's practices often involve aggressive tactics that escalate situations, leading to unjustified arrests and murder. According to JCAC organizers, dismantling the JSO Gang Unit would be a step toward ending the criminalization of communities of color and redirecting resources toward community-centered approaches to public safety.

One of the central demands is the firing and indictment of Officer Bradley Griffitts, who was identified as the officer involved in the shooting of Dejuane Hayden. The JCAC shed light on Griffitts’ history of complaints and uses of force, murdering two individuals in six years, warranting his immediate dismissal and prosecution. The organization is urging local officials to take decisive action to hold him accountable, citing the need for justice in the wake of Hayden’s death and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The JCAC is advocating for the creation of a Public Safety Committee, which would serve as an independent oversight body to review police conduct and address community concerns. The goal is to foster greater transparency and community involvement in decisions regarding public safety, providing a platform for civilians to have a say in police policies and practices.

Finally, the JCAC demands stronger measures for police accountability, including the mandatory release of body camera footage in cases of police shootings, a reduction in qualified immunity protections for officers, and stricter disciplinary policies for misconduct. The organization is pushing for reforms that would not only hold individual officers accountable but also address systemic problems within the department.

For Hayden’s family and friends, the path to justice remains long and uncertain, but the community vowed to keep fighting. “My little brother was a good person,” Hayden’s brother said. “Long live Woo,” the crowd chanted.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #InJusticeSystem #PoliceCrimes #JCAC

Jacksonville, FL – On Saturday, October 5, around 150 protesters congregated outside of Jacksonville’s port authority (Jaxport), as part of the Palestinian Youth Movement’s International Day of Action, to demand that the port cut all ties with Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping and logistics companies. Jaxport has had a contract with the shipping behemoth since 2015.

“The people of Gaza have been bombarded by U.S.-made weapons, [made from] weapons components that are transported into these ports that we stand in front of today – and to that we say ‘shame,’” declared Sara from The Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network in the opening talk.

“Like many other corporations, Maersk feeds off the endless budget of U.S. imperialism,” emphasized a speaker from Freedom Road Socialist Organization, “the U.S. empire spans across the globe and has long relied on domination in the Middle East, with Israel as its gateway for foreign investment, resource control and oppression. Israel also seeks their own empire and it’s our money, our tax dollars, being used to fund this violence – let us be very clear that they cannot sustain their empire without us.”

Early into the protest, rain descended on the crowd, but, despite the onslaught, the ralliers prevailed.

“Victory goes not to those who inflict the most but those who can endure the most,” a member of the Teamsters called to the drenched protesters, “The demands of the Palestinian trade union movement are not ambiguous, it’s not that we don’t know what they want – they want an end to these arms shipments.”

The sentiments of many of the speakers, that we cannot let this constant flow of death continue, were echoed in the fearful response from Jaxport. It had police blockade the entrance before the event even began, with squadrons waiting out of sight behind it.

Maersk has transported over $300 million in weapons components on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense. Divestment from Maersk would be a direct blow on the supply chain that fuels the genocide of Palestinians.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #AntiWarMovement #Palestine #WeaponsIndustry #Maersk #FRSO #JPSN

Fight Back News Service is circulating this call from the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression inviting organizers in the South to attend a regional organizing conference.

This December 6th-8th, the National Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression (NAARPR) is convening our inaugural Southern Regional Organizing Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. This conference will bring together progressive forces in the South fighting for Black liberation, Indigenous rights and land sovereignty. We are fighting back against police crimes and political repression to free all those unjustly incarcerated as well as defending all progressive movements fighting for a just society. NAARPR, which arose out of the movement to Free Angela Davis, was refounded in 2019 with well over two dozen branches and affiliate organizations nationwide. Since the 2020 George Floyd uprisings, NAARPR has seen a growth in new organizing struggles in cities across the country; specifically, in the Black Belt Region of the Deep South, the historic homelands of Africans trafficked to North America, where the majority of their descendants still live today.

This conference will be taking place in Jacksonville, Florida. As we have seen the past few years, Florida has been home to some of the harshest forms of political repression happening today. This includes the passage of anti-protest laws such as HB1, attempted repression of the Tampa 5 and others fighting against racism, right wing government attempts seeking to ban the teaching of Black history in education, bigoted laws targeting reproductive rights, immigrants, the LGBTQIA+ community. In spite of all this, NAARPR branches and affiliate organizations, notably those in Jacksonville, Tampa, Tallahassee, New Orleans, Atlanta, the District of Columbia, Dallas, and Charleston have made great gains in fighting back and building the people’s struggle. These branches join in the struggle and fight for the movement’s right to demand: community control of the police, land sovereignty, labor rights, universal housing, reproductive freedom, quality health care and education; reparations; and environmental justice.

Our work across the South today is a continuation of a longstanding liberation struggle being waged by Black and Indigenous people. Since the first Africans were trafficked here to provide free slave labor on stolen Indigenous land, we have struggled for our freedom. As a national mass defense organization, we fight for self-determination and political power, a right that has been denied to Black people in the South since Reconstruction. NAARPR branches nationwide understand the significance of international solidarity with oppressed people across the globe. We have extended our unequivocal support to the Palestinian people’s struggle and the liberation of all oppressed nations. We acknowledge that our liberation is inextricably connected.

The NAARPR Southern Regional Organizing Conference is a chance to hear about and learn from the work of organizers from across the South against the backdrop of this history. We call on all those nationwide to converge and join us. We know the South is ground zero for the repressive forces that are sure to touch the rest of the country. By uniting our movements, we become invincible. Join us this December because—THE SOUTH GOT SOMETHING TO SAY!

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #South #NAARPR #SROC #PoliceCrimes #OppressedNationalities #AfricanAmerican

Jacksonville, FL – On Saturday, August 24, the Jacksonville Community Action Committee (JCAC) held its annual Black August event, remembering the tradition of what Black August means to the struggle for Black liberation, along with spotlighting various struggles happening in the community. Around 70 community members attended the event, which took place at Cafe Resistance off Soutel Road, one of the centers of the Black community in Jacksonville.

Presenters spoke about what Black liberation means to them, along with hearing a brief political education about the fight for Black self-determination in the deep South. Along with political education, various speakers from different community grassroots organization spoke, including Anthony Brown with the Red Alliance for Justice, who spoke about the need to fight redlining and the need to fight for Black ownership of our communities.

Natassia Woods, the mother of La’Keian Woods, spoke about, the fight for justice for her son, who was brutalized by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office cops last year. She spoke about why groups like the JCAC are important, because if it wasn’t for family and the community fighting, her son would still be in prison facing bogus charges. Due to efforts by JCAC alongside the family, the trumped-charges against La’Keian Woods were dropped.

The event also had performers from poets to dance performers delight the audience with a showcase of their arts. At the end of the event, JCAC honored longtime community activist Wells Todd with Take Em Down Jacksonville, who has been in the struggle for well over 40 years. Wells Todd spoke about, the need to fight for Black liberation and the only way we can get Black liberation is if we abolish imperialism.

The JCAC hosts also spoke about the need to continue to fight for community control of the police through a Public Safety Committee, along with fighting for a People’s Budget that prioritizes city money going to the community, not just for more cops.

The community members who attended event enjoyed food and drinks and heard about upcoming events. For more information on the JCAC, visit jaxtakesaction.org or Jax Takes Action on social media.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #OppressedNationalities #AfricanAmerican #InjusticeSystem #JCAC

Jacksonville, FL – On Monday, July 29, around 75 attendees gathered at Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Park in Jacksonville for a vigil honoring the life of Sonya Massey.

Speakers pointed out how tragically common it is for police to kill people in the communities they claim to protect and serve. The need for a Public Safety Committee in Jacksonville was a common sentiment from community members who spoke at the vigil.

“It is unacceptable that Black people have to live in fear of being harassed and killed by police even when they are the ones who called them,” said event co-organizer Kiana Blaylock. Community members chanted, “Say her name – Sonya Massey.”

Organized by the Jacksonville Community Action Committee, speakers from multiple community organizations, including the Transgender Awareness Project, Northside Coalition of Jacksonville, Take Em Down Jax, UNF Students for a Democratic Society and the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity network reflected on the loss of Sonya Massey.

After a moment of silence, event organizers encouraged vigil attendees to get involved for the fight for civilian oversight through a Public Safety Committee in Jacksonville.

#JacksonvilleFL #Jax #JCAC #UNF #UNFSDS #SDS #SonyaMassey

Jacksonville, FL – The Jacksonville community joined together for a vigil on Tuesday, June 11, to honor the life of 36-year-old Justin Knight. The community joined Knight 's family and friends around the newly rebuilt Friendship Fountain in downtown Jacksonville. Loved ones, along with community members, shared about Knight's life while also demanding answers about his death.

Justin Knight's death raises the ever present concern about the lack of accountability for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO). On March 30, Knight was arrested for allegedly trespassing. He was booked into the county jail at 1:40 a.m., and at 4:20 a.m. he was admitted to UF Health (Shands) Hospital by JSO. Justin was unconscious at the time he was admitted and was immediately placed on life support.

It took JSO almost two days to notify Knight's family that he was on life support, and once they were notified, their visitations were limited until Knight was bonded out. On April 1, Knight was bonded out, and his family discovered his body was badly bruised. While JSO claims that Knight was revived both at the jail and at the ER, his medical records indicate he had multiple organ failures upon arrival at UF Health Hospital. Knight did not regain consciousness, and he died on April 6.

Knight's loved ones are seeking answers from JSO about how an alleged trespassing charge led to the loss of a man's life. Community members at the vigil echoed the family's sentiments and expressed that if JSO is not held accountable for their treatment of Justin Knight, they will simply continue this harm on others.

Maria Garcia of the Jacksonville Community Action Committee said, “They will do what they did to Justin to other people's children. Justin was someone's son. He was somebody's father, somebody's brother. He was a valued and cherished member of the community. And he was taken away senselessly because JSO acts and behaves like they are above the law.”

The Jacksonville community is demanding answers from Sheriff T.K. Waters. Local community groups urge concerned citizens to contact the sheriff asking for answers surrounding the death of Justin Knight. The family, along with the community, plan to continue their demand for justice until JSO is held accountable for their behavior.

The JCAC has called for the creation of Public Safety Committee to have civilian oversight of JSO for cases such as this.

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #InJusticeSystem #PoliceBrutality #KillerCops #JSO #JCAC

Jacksonville, FL – Over 100 teachers and community members rallied at the Duval County School Board office over mass layoffs and school closures. The rally comes after Duval County Public Schools has threatened to lay off 11% of its workforce and shutter over a dozen schools.

“We need to save neighborhood schools. We say no to school closures and no to massive layoffs,” says Monica Gold, an organizer with Duval CORE.

After the rally, people went into to the school board meeting to oppose school closures and mass layoffs.

#JacksonvilleFL #PeoplesStruggles #PublicSchools

Jacksonville, FL – More than 200 community members rallied alongside Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network (JPSN) to protest the visit of Vice President Harris, May 1, who had come to campaign the same day the Republican-led state began enforcing the six-week abortion ban.

The Democratic party is using this ban as an opportunity to shore up support for Democratic candidates that will appear on the November ballot alongside Florida Amendment 4, which would codify reproductive rights in the state's constitution.

“We won't allow Harris to coopt the hard work of grassroots organizers,” said Sara Mahmoud of JPSN. “The Biden-Harris administration has no leg to stand on in coming to our city to virtue signal support for reproductive rights when they are the butchers of Gaza, where miscarriages have tripled since October and the U.S.-backed siege has forced Palestinians to use tent fabric to substitute menstrual products.”

JPSN organizers led the crowd in chants against the vice president and her guests as they arrived at the speaking venue, along with segments of political education. At one point, a Christian faith leader who was among Harris' invited guests approached the crowd, exclaiming “I wanted to come get a picture with you all. Because I want everyone to know we support you!”

“I need everyone here to understand,” shouted Ryan Delaney of JPSN and FRSO through a bullhorn, “that we are stronger together. We are here making an impact because we are organized. We must be strong because our strength is the strength of the Palestinian people. When we strike a powerful blow against the empire, it brings those in Gaza hope to keep going, which is why you see them writing messages of gratitude to the Columbia students on the tents in their refugee camps. It's our duty to be as strong as we can be for their sake, and to do that we must organize!”

The Harris campaign fled the venue from the opposite end of the building. JPSN says they will continue to fight for a free Palestine no matter who wins in November or how long it takes.

#JacksonvilleFL #AntiWarMovement #International #MiddleEast #Palestine #JPSN #FRSO #Biden #Harris