by Dawn Curling, We Make The Shirt
904 Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a celebration of who we are, where we’re from, and the resilient, thriving communities that make Jacksonville unique. For those of us doing business on A. Philip Randolph Boulevard and throughout the Historic Eastside, 904 Day is a chance to not only show pride in our city but to spotlight the heart of Jacksonville’s last intact African American community.
This corridor – lined with Black-owned businesses that feed us, clothe us, and care for us – is more than a place to shop or grab a bite. It’s a cultural destination. It’s where stories live, traditions thrive, and legacy is being made every day.
From Avenue Grill, where you can grab some of the best Southern comfort food in the city, to We Make the Shirt, where culture meets custom apparel, the businesses along this stretch aren’t just serving products, they’re building futures. They’re employing local residents, mentoring youth, and bringing much-needed visibility and vibrancy to a neighborhood that’s rich in heritage but often left out of major development conversations.
Man Cave Barbershop provides more than clean cuts—they’re a space for connection and conversation. Racquel’s Cakes and More brings sweetness to every celebration, while Brotherhood and The Hangout serve as community hubs where locals come together in fellowship. Whether you’re grabbing flavorful wings at Skyline Wings and Things, enjoying homestyle meals at Food for the Soul, or trusting Spotrite Cleaners to keep you fresh, every one of these businesses contributes to a larger movement of empowerment, ownership, and cultural preservation.
Places like Hair Architect remind us that beauty is a part of our identity, while each storefront reminds the world that the Historic Eastside is not only still here—it’s thriving.
Supporting local on 904 Day means more than spending a few dollars. It’s an act of solidarity. It’s a decision to invest in Black excellence, in community-rooted dreams, and in the historic legacy of a neighborhood that has long been the soul of Jacksonville.
For me, supporting local means making sure our dollars stay in our neighborhoods. It means seeing our youth grow up knowing they can own something, build something, and be celebrated for it. It means showing up not just on 904 Day – but every day – with intention and pride.
So when September 4th rolls around, come out and walk the corridor. Shop with us. Eat with us. Laugh with us. This is our culture. This is our history. This is Jacksonville.And on 904 Day, we celebrate us.