Empowering Communities from Within
LISC Jacksonville believes in the power of placekeeping: by investing in the individuals, businesses, and organizations who call their community home, we empower them to create their own future that honors their neighborhood’s past and present. Our approach celebrates the heritage, stories, and essence of neighborhoods and empowers residents to shape their futures while honoring their past and present.
What Is Creative Placekeeping?
Drawing inspiration from LISC’s philosophy on creative placemaking – a process of fortifying communities through social, physical and economic transformations through arts and culture – creative placekeeping actively engages with community needs to safeguard the integrity of neighborhoods. Rather than imposing changes, we foster organic growth by empowering locals. Through strategic investments and collaborative partnerships, we enable communities to drive their own narrative and preserve their cultural heritage.
Creative Placekeeping Programs
Our initiatives are rooted in enhancing social, environmental, and economic resilience. Through our Creative Placekeeping programs, LISC Jacksonville seeks to connect community members to the nature and parks around them while also preserving sacred sites across Northeast Florida. By safeguarding the historical significance of communities, fostering stewardship, and amplifying community voices, we strive to positively impact public decision-making.
Thrive Outside Jacksonville: Connecting People to Nature
Ribault Sportsman Association
In collaboration with Sol Margin Fishing and Conservation Foundation and New Town Success Zone, LISC Jacksonville provides ecological experiences to young men, nurturing their understanding of native landscapes, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship.
Overlooked People and Erased Places: Identifying and Preserving Sacred Sites
Operation Final Honors: Unmarked African American Burial Grounds
Partnering with local organizations, we identify and preserve unmarked African American burial grounds across Northeast Florida. LISC Jacksonville’s efforts assist families of deceased military veterans in receiving and installing headstones from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, honoring their service.
Cpl. William Johnson Project
Working with Jacksonville University, we are working to commemorate Cpl. William Johnson, a former enslaved man who bravely fled slavery and enlisted in the 33rd United States Colored Troops in 1863. Through a commemorative program and headstone replacement, we honor his sacrifice for freedom.
Nassau County’s Gullah-Geechee Burial Grounds
Supporting the Gullah-Geechee Nation, we are striving to preserve, access, and maintain sacred burial sites threatened by large-scale development in Nassau County. Similarly, in 2022, LISC Jacksonville and partners engaged in a mapping project to answer the question, “How can Geospatial technology benefit communities who are uncertain of the land they own?”
Moncrief Cemetery District
Collaborating with the University of Florida and the City of Jacksonville, LISC Jacksonville is supporting the development of landscape design strategies to preserve the Moncrief Cemetery District, reclaiming the narrative and honoring its significance in the community’s history.
Resilient Ribault: Improving Access & Sustainability of Natural Resources
Regenerate Ribault & Trout River
Partnering with St. Johns Riverkeeper, the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and the City of Jacksonville, LISC Jacksonville is working to increase access, activation, and utilization of Ribault River and its connected parks. Our efforts focus on sustainability and flood mitigation while educating and supporting local residents.
Oral History Program
In collaboration with UNF Africana Studies, we work to capture and amplify unheard descendant voices from the Ribault River area, preserving the essence of their history and relationship with nature, and encourage residents to share their experiences.