JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Thursday night, the people of Jacksonville came together to express love, unity, and solidarity by illuminating the Main Street Bridge in red, black, and green in celebration of the Juneteenth holiday.

In previous years, the Acosta Bridge has been lit up for different holidays and awareness days.

Yet, the previous year, Governor Ron DeSantis introduced his “freedom summer” plan, which resulted in the bridge being lit in red, white, and blue throughout the summer months.

In June 2024, local residents decided to take action themselves, lighting the Main Street Bridge in rainbow hues for Pride and, later a few weeks on, in celebration of Juneteenth.

Again for 19 minutes, the Main Street Bridge lit up Thursday in red, black and green — Pan African colors to signify the unity amongst people of African descent.

“I hope they see this as a symbol of unity, of hope, of freedom,” said Kelly Frazier, president of the Northside Coalition.

The Northside Coalition of Jacksonville held their second annual bridge lighting to commemorate the Juneteenth holiday.

June 19th, 1865, marks the day the last enslaved people in the United states learned they were free.

“It’s very important that we celebrate, but we also understand that we’re moving forward so we don’t go back,” said Frazier.

The annual event brought together families embracing their Black history.

“We’re celebrating by family, unity, it means everything,” said Cornella Richardson. “It shows that we can move forward and out of dark places and do things together.”

With glow sticks around necks and flashlights in hands, a message of love, unity and resilience was sent across the First Coast.

“It’s important especially with the time we are in right now, with seeing DEI being pushed back and all these initiatives that bring us together, it’s important to really be together,” said Wade Richards.

“I love the city and I love the bridges and I love that we’re able to utilize them to bring people together,” said Malcolm Carney.

Prior to the bridge lighting, the Northside Coalition provided resources for people to register to vote, a civic duty they say everyone should exercise.