Ax Handle Saturday – The Jacksonville Riot of 1960
*Note: This post contains edited material from an original post and video from Season One of The Contrast Project.
“Our hosts Tracy Rigdon & Shelton Hull discuss the anniversary of Ax Handle Saturday which occurred on August 27th 1960 at Hemming park in Jacksonville, FL. The incident was on the Front page of the New York Times but not the Florida Times Union.”
- Co-host Shelton Hull also wrote a story for FOLIO Weekly 2.0 Magazine, “Ax Handle Saturday- Sixty Years Later. ** https://issuu.com/folioweekly/docs/fo…
- See also: Of Ax Handles and Olive Branches-By Julie G. Delegal
In the annals of civil rights history, there are moments that stand out as stark reminders of the struggle for racial equality in America. Ax Handle Saturday, also known as the Jacksonville riot of 1960, is one such dark chapter. On August 27, 1960, in what is now James Weldon Johnson Park, Jacksonville, Florida, a horrifying racially motivated attack unfolded when as many as 200 white men violently targeted African Americans who were peacefully protesting against racial segregation. The name itself, “Ax Handle Saturday,” evokes a chilling image of the weapons used in this brutal assault. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of this tragic event, shedding light on the people, the place, and the profound impact it had on the civil rights movement.
The Roots of Discontent
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum across the United States, challenging the deeply entrenched racial segregation and discrimination that had persisted for generations. African Americans courageously initiated peaceful sit-in protests, aiming to dismantle segregation in public spaces, including *restaurants and other establishments. The sit-ins were an embodiment of their determination to secure equal rights and opportunities.
Word quickly spread to the Black community and Ashley Street about Youth Council members and Blacks beaten downtown. In a matter of minutes, it seemed, a “security force” of Blacks made their way to downtown Jacksonville to protect the Youth Council members and other Blacks downtown. Organized in part by the Boomerangs, the crowd moved from the Joseph Blodgett Homes project, and gathered support moving along Ashley Street. Leaving Ashley Street with substantially increased numbers, Blacks headed downtown.
When whites attacked Blacks that day, no law enforcement officials or law enforcement vehicles were visible anywhere in the downtown area. But as scores of Blacks later made their way to downtown Jacksonville to protect other Blacks and defend themselves where necessary, Jacksonville Police Department vehicles and Duval County Sheriff Department cars seemingly came from everywhere. They closed off downtown Jacksonville. The situation had quickly changed from no police or sheriff’s officers to scores of law enforcement officials everywhere.
It was never about a hot dog and a Coke!
Rodney L. Hurst, Sr.
2010
Hemming Park: A Flashpoint of Violence
Hemming Park, now known as known as James Weldon Johnson Park (JWJ Park), located in downtown Jacksonville, was meant to be a symbol of communal gathering and harmony. However, on that fateful day in August 1960, it transformed into a flashpoint of violence and hatred. White supremacists and segregationists, armed with ax handles and fueled by racial animosity, descended upon the park to brutally attack African American protestors engaged in sit-ins.
The Horror of Ax Handle Saturday
The events of Ax Handle Saturday were nothing short of horrifying. A group of white men, armed with ax handles, targeted African American protestors who were advocating for racial equality through nonviolent means. The attackers unleashed a wave of violence, striking fear into the hearts of those fighting for their basic civil rights. The images of this gruesome attack serve as a stark reminder of the lengths to which some would go to maintain racial oppression.
Ax Handle Saturday remains a chilling chapter in Jacksonville’s history, a testament to the lengths to which individuals will go to perpetuate racial oppression. This event reminds us of the courage of civil rights activists and the enduring significance of their struggles. By understanding and acknowledging the past, we can collectively work towards a more inclusive and equitable society, ensuring that the lessons of Ax Handle Saturday are never forgotten.
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