“Put your talents to work to improve the quality of life for all in our city,” Brown said during an inaugural event aimed to unite the faith-based community.

“We have a challenge,” he told the more than 500 attendees of the Inaugural Mayor Brown Interfaith Celebration breakfast at the Osborn Center.

Brown said the purpose of the event was to “better connect how we can work together to build solidarity” in assisting the less fortunate.

More than a dozen members of area religious houses spent a few minutes each speaking on topics ranging from Brown’s leadership to a vision for a better Jacksonville through unity, tolerance, faith and hope.

“Continue to push for greatness, never settle, always do more because Jacksonville needs our help,” Brown said.

William H. Gray III, a former congressman and former United Negro College Fund president, was the keynote speaker of the event.

Later Friday, Brown announced a public-private partnership to assist military veterans.

The “Jobs for Veterans” program through the City will connect veterans with educational opportunities and job leads at employers.

The City has established a website with information at www.coj.net/jobsforvets for veterans and employers to learn more.

The partnership is at no cost to the City and is built on existing web infrastructure in partnership with the Jacksonville Military Veterans Coalition, according to a news release.

“In today’s economy, companies need confidence and a strong work ethic. They could use that never-give-up attitude and sense of ingenuity that so many of our returning veterans can offer,” Brown said in the release.

dchapman@baileypub.com

356-2466