Ten African American Women Trailblazers in Jacksonville

Winona Cargile Alexander

Founding member of Delta Sigma Theta and only Jacksonville resident to be an original member of a Black Greek Letter organization. Alexander was a long time member of the Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter.

Chandra “Cheese” Cheesborough

Jacksonville Olympian and 1st woman to ever win 3 gold medals in track and field. Entering Jean Ribault High School as a 10th-grader in 1975, really at the dawn of high school girls’ sports, Cheeseborough became the nation’s best prep sprinter and won the first 2 of 7 Florida state titles in the 100, 200 and long jump.

Dr. Johnetta B. Cole

Dr. Johnetta B. Cole was the first African American woman to become president of Spelman College. (2002 – 2007). She is an anthropologist, educator and museum director.

Barbara Darby

First African American female President of the North Campus of Florida State College of Jacksonville.

Presiding Elder, Elizabeth Yates

First female Presiding Elder of the 11th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, Florida.