A.G. Gancarski
Jacksonville designated a stretch of road Monday in honor of Dr. Eartha M.M. White; appropriate, given how she paved the way for so many.
Broad Street from Forsyth to Beaver Streets now has the honorary name — one that recognizes White’s unique contributions.
Running the first African-American nursing home… at the age of 89 years old.
The first African-American alcohol recovery program.
The first Head Start program in Jacksonville.
White, who anticipated the needs of who Jesus referred to as the “least among us,” was good at inventory also; she was the first African-American census taker in Florida.
She helped to establish the Mercy Hospital and Boys Improvement Club, in addition to the Eartha M.M. White Nursing Home and the Clara White Mission. She pushed for women’s suffrage and anti-lynching legislation.
There may be people in Jacksonville with as much of a legacy as White; but in terms of lasting impact, there are none who compare.
Jacksonville City Council approved a resolution naming the stretch of road after White, and central to the effort were three legislators — all of whom were on hand.
Councilman Reggie Gaffney noted that Ju’Coby Pittman — who currently runs the Clara White Mission, named after Eartha’s mother — reached out to him to sponsor legislation honoring Dr. White.
“When I looked at her resume … she was the first in so many things in Jacksonville,” Gaffney said. “It was an honor for me to be part of this.”
Gaffney noted that Pittman is carrying on Eartha White’s legacy today.
Councilman Reggie Brown noted that White had left “tall shoulders to stand on.” And Councilman Sam Newby lauded White as “probably one of our greatest citizens.”
Charles Moreland, representing the Mayor’s Office, described White’s many facets as a “philanthropist, an educator, a business woman, a visionary … a community servant, focused on giving back.”
