Why Durkeeville? A Legacy of Greatness, A Future of Empowerment
At Old Sole LLC, our work walks in rhythm with legacy. We don’t just make fashion—we tell stories. And the story we chose to begin with is rooted in Durkeeville, a historic Black neighborhood in the heart of Jacksonville, Florida.
Durkeeville is a sacred place. It holds history in its soil, soul in its sidewalks. It is the birthplace of musicians, educators, pastors, and athletes. It’s where community thrived against the odds, where Black excellence rose in the face of systemic barriers. In many ways, it’s a symbol of what we’ve always been—and what we can still become.
Honoring Legacy with Purpose
Durkeeville’s legacy is often overlooked, yet its impact is undeniable. Named after businessman Richard L. Brown Durkee, the neighborhood became a sanctuary during segregation—home to generations of Black families striving and thriving. Icons like James Weldon Johnson, the co-writer of Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, came from this soil. The Jacksonville Red Caps, a Negro League baseball team, played on the field at James P. Small Park, just blocks from where the future of the community continues to unfold today.
But for me, this isn’t just history—it’s deeply personal. I chose to highlight Durkeeville because it’s the origin point of a much larger mission: to reclaim, celebrate, and elevate the narratives of our people.
Why Durkeeville?
As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, educator, and creative, I understand the connection between the body, the mind, and the spirit. And as someone who’s mentored, taught, and served in the Black community, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when people don’t know their story.
One of the greatest issues we face is a disconnect from our personal and collective histories. Too many of us were never taught that we come from royalty, inventors, artists, revolutionaries, and scholars. Instead, we’re fed narratives of struggle without highlighting the strength. That lack of knowledge leads to learned helplessness—a sense that we aren’t powerful, that we aren’t enough, that our communities can’t change.
That’s why Durkeeville matters. Because this neighborhood proves otherwise.
- It’s proof of Black excellence.
- It’s a living monument to resilience and brilliance.
- And most importantly, it’s a starting point for renewal—a local renaissance that I believe can inspire similar movements across the country.
Educating to Empower
Through storytelling, design, and intention, the Durkeeville Soleman Collection is about more than clothes. It’s about education as empowerment.
When we teach our youth that they come from greatness—when they know the names, places, and stories of those who built before them—they begin to walk differently. With pride. With power. With purpose.
If we can infuse our fashion with history, our products with pride, and our communities with knowledge, we can shift culture. Not just in Jacksonville—but everywhere.
This is how we move from subjectivity to sovereignty.
This is how we rebuild community—not from the top down, but from the ground up. From the soles of our feet to the soul of our stories.
The Walk Ahead
Old Sole was born to bring innovation to footwear—but more importantly, to bring honor to our history. The Durkeeville collection is just the beginning. Our goal is to reignite cultural memory, deepen pride, and transform the way we view ourselves—one story, one step, one soul at a time.
Durkeeville is the blueprint. And we’re walking it forward.
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Dr. Dominique Shane Tull
Founder, Old Sole LLC
Doctor of Physical Therapy | Creative Director | Son of the City