More and more often we are contacted by allies of the LGBT Community who are eager to add their voice to the growing chorus for equality in Jacksonville.  Together, we continue to share a desire for the passage of a comprehensive Human Rights Ordinance in our city.

A little more about each of the people you see in the image above (from left to right, top to bottom):

Glorious Johnson, Educator
Glorious is a native of Jacksonville, FL and has always called it home. She taught many years in the Duval County School System. This was a fantastic opportunity for her to help the children of the Jacksonville community learn and grow. For over 35 years, she taught children and adults reading, writing, mathematics, and science in her home.  When she left teaching, she received a very treasured award: an Honorary Life Membership from the Florida Parent/Teacher Association.  Glorious believes that everyone should have the right to live and work and be who they are.

Jason Tetlak, Artist/Designer
Jason has spent most of my life studying art and design, and currently works at a non-profit that focuses on bringing a variety of quality cultural experiences to town.  He has also had the opportunity to teach elementary school students in the Duval Public School System.  Jason and his family live in Murray Hill and enjoy spending time in the area’s many parks and playgrounds, and love discovering new local restaurants. He believes that as allies we have the obligation to ascertain that our LGBT community has equal rights and equal opportunity to make Jacksonville a better place for all.  Find out WHY!

Niki  Brunson, Business Owner/Urban Core
As a small business owner in the urban core, Niki has been featured in the Folio Weekly for her standout restaurant.  She explains why she is thankful to call Jacksonville home and believes that all human beings are born with rights.  The city is responsible for protecting those rights for all its citizens. View her statement HERE!

James Eddy, Community Activist
Originally from West Virginia, James moved to Jacksonville after graduated from highs school.  He has worked for the Jacksonville Zoo for over 14-years.  He actively volunteers for many organizations, including being a member of the Jacksonville Coalition for Equality since 2012.  As a member of the LGBT Community, James is eager to see Jacksonville pass a fully comprehensive Human Rights Ordinance to protect all of its citizens’ rights for equal opportunity under the law.  He is also the first openly gay candidate to run for City Council in this year’s election.  Congratulations, James!

Mark Kerrin, Adjunct Professor
Mark is an Adjunct Professor at Edward Waters College teaching Emergency Management, Forensic, Terrorism & Homeland Security. He was also Rosa Parks National Security Director for nearly 12-years.  He has authored several books dedicated to the knowledge that he received from Parks. This gave him a view into the need for universal human rights through her eyes and Mark believes, in the 21st-Century, it is time for Jacksonville to pass a comprehensive Human Rights Ordinance. View his statement NOW!