ATTENTION: Our Collective has reached the goal to fund the 1st Mural in 5 Points at Lomax & Park Street. 

Our second mural is in the process of it's launch for the Brooklyn Area of Jacksonville, FL

Our 3rd will mural will be Arlington with a 4th mural project in Riverside.

No amount is is to small. 100% of donations are tax deductible and will go directly to the mural projects.

We appreciate all of your support in helping us create an HISTORICAL LGBTQ+ Murals for OUR Jacksonville LGBTQ+ Community.

We Will Not Be Erased

Will Not Be Erased Community Task Force Launches Fundraising Campaign for Landmark LGBTQ+ Mural in Jacksonville's Historic Five Points 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Will Not Be Erased Community Task Force Launches Fundraising Campaign for Landmark LGBTQ+ Mural in Jacksonville's Historic Five Points & Beyond 

Community organizations unite to commission acclaimed Jacksonville artist Shawn Thurston for a transformational public art project celebrating history, resilience, and belonging.

JACKSONVILLE, FL — In a powerful demonstration of unity, compassion, and community pride, a Community Task Force representing neighborhood organizations, nonprofit agencies, businesses, artists, healthcare organizations, and LGBTQ+ advocates has come together to launch Will Not Be Erased—a community initiative dedicated to preserving LGBTQ+ history while investing in the future of Jacksonville's historic Five Points neighborhood.

The initiative's first project is an ambitious fundraising campaign to create a 1,700-square-foot public mural that will transform a prominent wall in the heart of Five Points into one of Northeast Florida's largest public affirmations of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Designed by acclaimed Jacksonville muralist Shawn Thurston, the mural will celebrate the neighborhood's rich artistic heritage while honoring the generations of LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders whose courage and resilience helped make Five Points a place where authenticity could flourish and acceptance could thrive.

More than a work of public art, the mural will preserve history, inspire future generations, and stand as a permanent reminder that Jacksonville's LGBTQ+ community has always been an essential part of the city's story—and will continue shaping its future.

"Art has the power to preserve stories, inspire hope, and bring people together," said Shawn Thurston. "I'm honored to create a mural that reflects the strength, diversity, and creativity of Jacksonville's LGBTQ+ community while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations."

Inspired by the colors and spirit of the Pride movement, Thurston's design blends vibrant color, flowing movement, and interconnected imagery to symbolize unity, resilience, and hope. The mural will become a landmark destination for residents and visitors alike while adding another significant work of public art to Jacksonville's growing cultural landscape.

"The Will Not Be Erased mural is more than a painting—it is a promise," said members of the Community Task Force. "It is a declaration that LGBTQ+ people have always been part of Jacksonville's history and will continue to be part of its future. Through this project, we honor those who came before us while creating a lasting legacy for generations yet to come."

Beyond beautifying Five Points, the project will strengthen cultural tourism, support neighborhood businesses, preserve local history, and create a welcoming gathering place for community celebrations, educational programming, and civic engagement and beyond.

The Community Task Force invites individuals, businesses, foundations, and community partners to become part of this historic initiative. Contributions will help fund artist fees, materials, installation, lighting, and long-term preservation, ensuring the mural remains an enduring symbol of visibility, acceptance, and pride.

Support the Project

Tax-deductible donations can be made at:

www.JaxLGBTChamber.org/Will-Not-Be-Erased

Every contribution helps transform this vision into permanent landmarks that celebrates Jacksonville's past while inspiring its future with murals through-out Jacksonville.

About Will Not Be Erased

Will Not Be Erased is a community initiative operating under the Jacksonville LGBTQ+ Chamber Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Guided by a Community Task Force, the initiative develops public art, educational programs, and cultural experiences that preserve LGBTQ+ history, celebrate diversity, and foster belonging throughout Northeast Florida.

The Community Task Force is committed to ensuring that the stories, contributions, and resilience of Jacksonville's LGBTQ+ community remain visible through projects that enrich neighborhoods, inspire dialogue, and strengthen community connections.

Community Task Force Partners

• Northeast Florida AIDS Memorial Project (AMP)
• Equality Florida
• Reza Ride
• Reza Health
• UnSpoken Treasure Society
• Transgender Awareness Project (T.A.P.S.)
• AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)
• JASMYN
• Jax Gay Magazine
• Yellow House
• Friends of the Quilt
• Jacksonville LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce & Foundation
• InCahoots Nightclub

Together, these organizations represent Jacksonville's civic, business, arts, healthcare, neighborhood, and LGBTQ+ communities. United by a shared vision, the Community Task Force is preserving history, supporting artists, fostering inclusion, and creating public spaces where everyone can feel seen, celebrated, and welcome.

About the Jacksonville LGBTQ+ Chamber Foundation

The Jacksonville LGBTQ+ Chamber Foundation is the charitable arm of the Jacksonville LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Through arts and culture, economic opportunity, education, leadership development, and community engagement, the Foundation works to build a stronger, more inclusive Northeast Florida while advancing initiatives that celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community.

Media Contact

Will Not Be Erased

A Community Initiative of the Jacksonville LGBTQ+ Chamber Foundation

Email: info@jaxlgbtchamber.org

Phone: (904) 452-8065

Donate:

www.JaxLGBTChamber.org/Will-Not-Be-Erased 

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One of the murals in Shaun Thurston’s portfolio, which is on display at Jacksonville’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

Local paint company, Paint Maven, began cleaning and other priming work on July 23 to prepare the surface for Thurston’s work. Thurston plans to begin on July 25 and anticipates the mural to be completed sometime during the next month. 

The project is on private property and is funded with private contributions, including from Riverside Avondale Preservation, AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida, Jax LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and the LGBTQ Alliance.

The community task force is comprised of representatives from the following local organizations:

• 5 Points Association

• AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida

• Equality Florida

• JASMYN

• Jax LGBT Chamber of Commerce

• Jax River City Pride