Cuppa Jax - Lynn Jones, Jacksonville Free Press

Cost $15 -- Breakfast provided by Fresh Fork

Wednesday, April 9

8 a.m.- 9 a.m.

Riverplace Tower Skyline Room

About the Jacksonville Free Press

Founded in 1986 by Rita Carter Perry, the Jacksonville Free Press is a weekly newspaper dedicated to serving the African-American community in Jacksonville, Florida. As Florida's first female founding publisher, Perry established the paper to provide a platform for news and stories often overlooked by mainstream media. The Free Press covers a wide array of topics, including local and national news, entertainment, and issues pertinent to the African diaspora. The newspaper has played a pivotal role in advocating for social justice and highlighting the achievements and challenges within the Black community. ​

About Lynn Jones

Lynn Jones is a seasoned broadcast journalist with over 30 years of experience. As the Associate Editor and Sales Team Manager for the Jacksonville Free Press, she oversees the publication of content that impacts the African diaspora, spanning local, national, entertainment, and travel news. Her production experience includes hosting and producing "The Lynn & Friends Show," a television program that enjoyed a successful 10-year run with over 100 episodes, featuring interviews with local, national, and international dignitaries and celebrities. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Lynn holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications. She is actively involved in community initiatives, serving as a community scientist for the University of Florida's CARES 2 Team, focusing on prostate cancer and health disparities in the African-American community. Additionally, she is a member of the Northeast Florida National Association of Black Journalists (NEFLNABJ), a 2018 graduate of Leadership Jacksonville, and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.​

The Importance of African-American Media

African-American media outlets like the Jacksonville Free Press play a crucial role in providing authentic representation and coverage of issues pertinent to Black communities. Historically, the Black press has served as a platform for cultural and political expression, offering perspectives often marginalized in mainstream media. These outlets have been instrumental in reporting on social justice movements, health disparities, and voting access, thereby fostering community empowerment and advocacy. In contemporary times, Black media continues to address systemic issues, educate the public, and celebrate Black culture and achievements, underscoring their enduring significance in the media landscape. ​Lynn Jones's extensive experience and dedication to journalism make her a vital voice in this landscape, advocating for accurate and comprehensive coverage of African-American communities.

We meet at Riverplace Tower, also known as the Ameris Bank building. This is a walkable location along the Southbank Riverwalk and also convenient to the First Coast Flyer and the Skyway Riverplace Station.

There is limited free street parking, and paid parking is also available in a neighboring surface lot and garage.

Entering from the Riverwalk: take the stairs or elevator next to Village Bread Company up to the Skyline Room.

Entering from Riverplace Blvd: take the escalators and walk toward the back of the building, behind the Ameris Bank offices.

Entering from the garage: make a right at the first bank of elevators and another right into the hallway between the Ameris Bank offices.

Entering from the driveway between Riverplace Tower and the Doubletree: Walk down the hallway to the left, and make another left toward Village Bread Cafe. Take the elevator or stairs near Village Bread Cafe to the meeting space.

Cuppa Jax holds gatherings for neighborhood and community leaders that are open to everyone in Jacksonville. Join us on Wednesday mornings in the Skyline Room in the Riverplace Tower on the Southbank to discuss important issues facing our city.

Scheduled speakers will talk for 10-15 minutes. The rest of the time is spent with Q&A and discussion of relevant issues brought up by participants. We also encourage attendees to make community announcements at the beginning of the program.

No membership fee. Unlike many other discussion forums in Jacksonville, there is no membership fee to attend or participate in Cuppa Jax. We do ask attendees to cover the cost of coffee and breakfast provided by Village Bread Cafe. If you cannot attend due to the cost of the event, please email [email protected] and we will be glad to cover your ticket.

Topical and timely. We are seeking local thought leaders who can discuss and educate about important community issues to speak at future dates. We don’t accept offers to speak about or pitch organizations. Cuppa Jax is non-partisan, and does not endorse candidates or issues. An offer to speak does not constitute an endorsement. It is simply an opportunity for the community to have a meaningful discussion.

Host or Publisher Cuppa Jax