Ritz Theatre and LaVilla Museum
"To go to school in this area makes me feel cool thinking about how where I am right now, many black people lived and worked here because it felt right to them. For me, this feels like a great, comfortable place to learn and have fun. I can now say, “ 'I’m part of LaVilla’s Living Legacy!'” --Trey Amidon
"LaVilla’s Living Legacy sort of gave me a reality
check. I never thought segregation was so extreme! The stuff that went on was
shocking and disturbing. I look at people differently now, not for what color
they are, but what kind of people they are."
--Lauren Farmer
"LaVilla’s Living Legacy
has been an experience. You
can’t explain it in just a few words. From the movies to the field trips to the
teaching and learning. I’ve learned enormous amounts and experienced enormous
feelings, but it’s all been good."
--Katie Gellerstedt
"I never knew about the Children’s March. I appreciate the way they had courage and grace to stand up to the white man and go to jail. They were brave people. The children in the town took action, but I’m not sure I would have joined in." --Cliff Green
"LaVilla’s Living Legacy is a great idea. It teaches
students the history around our school’s area. I’ve learned many things about
Jacksonville’s history, but most memorable was the eagerness of the teens our
age wanting to make a change. For instance, they participated in the civil
rights struggles in Jacksonville. They went through so much to change the
future."
--Sarah Koehler