Florida Reflections: Conversation s on Florida's Contributions to the American Tale - \;As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of independence\, this stat ewide series invites audiences to look beyond familiar narratives and reco nsider Florida&rsquo\;s place in the American story. Led by historians\, s cholars\, artists\, and cultural practitioners\, the programs explore over looked Revolutionary histories\, the development of democracy in Florida\, Indigenous knowledge\, and the cultural traditions that carry memory acro ss generations. From Florida&rsquo\;s surprising role in the American Revo lution to reflections on civic responsibility and cultural expression toda y\, the series connects past and present in thoughtful and compelling ways . Together\, these programs encourage reflection on democracy\, identity\, and participation at a pivotal moment in the nation&rsquo\;s history.
\nMusic\, Memory\, and Seminole Life in Florida Throug h song and storytelling\, Seminole singer-songwriter Rita Youngman shares music rooted in Seminole history\, place\, and lived experience. Her work draws on stories passed down through generations while also engaging with contemporary Native American life in Florida. Performed in community and c ultural settings\, Youngman&rsquo\;s songwriting reflects deep connections to Florida&rsquo\;s landscapes and the enduring presence of Seminole voic es within them.
\nBio: Rita Youngman is a Seminole Tribe of Florida singer-songwriter and cultural storyteller from Lake Plac id\, Florida. She is the granddaughter of Toby and Rosa Johns from the Bri ghton Reservation and a member of the Bird Clan. Her original music draws on Seminole history\, culture\, and lived experience\, with songs such as &ldquo\;Egmont Key&rdquo\; and &ldquo\;Hush&rdquo\; reflecting tribal hist ory and stories passed down through elders. She has been performing and re cording original music for over a decade\, sharing her work at festivals\, community events\, and cultural programs across Florida.
\nAcknowledgement: Florida Reflections was developed by Flori
da Humanities and is part of By the People: Conversations Beyond 250&ndash
\;a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in
collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Fed
eration of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folkli
fe and Cultural Heritage. Funding is provided in part through the Thomas M
. &\; Irene B. Kirbo Charitable Foundation\, the Gulf Coast Community F
oundation and the Community Foundation for Brevard. Any views\, findings\,
conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessari
ly represent those of Florida Humanities or its partners.
Registration is required for this event\, and must be c ompleted two hours prior to the start time. A library card and PIN are req uired for registration. If you do not have a card\, click \;HERE \;to o btain one.
\nPursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act\, accom modations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Please allow 1&ndash\;2 business days to process. Last-minute requests will be a ccepted\, but may not be possible to fulfill. Please ask for Learning Serv ices at 255-2665 or email \;JPLPrograms@coj.net.
\nhttps://jaxpubli clibrary.libnet.info/event/16054251 URL;VALUE=URI:https://jaxpubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/16054251 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR