Learning about and celebrating Black history means more to me than it ever has before. Especially now, as a parent, during a time when blatant, public efforts are being made to both erase and rewrite American history. Because yes: Black history IS American history.
Black History Month, founded by Carter G. Woodson in 1926, is a wonderful time to reflect and commemorate Black life, history, and culture. Dr. Jemar Tisby, a respected historian, author, and speaker wrote an opinion piece for CNN in February 2024 about how to get more out of Black History Month. As I reflected on his list of practical, tangible ways to personally and intentionally engage with Black History during the month of February, I thought about various opportunities to apply his suggestions in our local context.
Here are 5 ways to experience Miami’s Black History in February and beyond:
Visit a museum or local landmark.
Miami has an incredibly rich Black history. Long before the City of Miami was founded by Julia Tuttle in 1896, Black Bahamians settled in what is now Coconut Grove and provided almost half of the signatures needed for Miami to become incorporated. And that barely scratches the surface!
In his CNN article, Dr. Tisby recommends visiting a museum alone to allow yourself uninterrupted time to fully engage with all there is to learn from the exhibits and artifacts. Don’t know where to start? Add these local museums and landmarks to your list:
The Historic Hampton House
The Black Archives & Historic Lyric Theater
The Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum
Historic Virginia Key Beach
D.A. Dorsey House
E.W.F. Stirrup House
Historic Ward Rooming House
The Historic Georgette’s Tea Room House
The Saltwater Railroad & Cape Florida Lighthouse
And then, after you visit and learn on your own, share what you learned with others–especially children!
Reads books about Black history.
Books are a great way for people of all ages to learn more about Black history! Cierra compiled this extensive list of picture books including some of my personal book recommendations for both adults and children.
Make history come alive.
History is more than a written record. It’s lived experience! Ask friends, family members, or neighbors about historical events they remember. You can also attend lectures, listen to stories, or participate in local events and opportunities for community learning. Local educator, historian, author, and activist Dr. Marvin Dunn established the Miami Center for Racial Justice which hosts Teach the Truth tours for teens and adults.
When we take road trips, my husband and I make it a point to take our children to landmarks that were significant to the Civil Rights movement. So far, we’ve taken the kids to the site of Rosa Parks’ arrest and the start of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Edmund Pettus Bridge and Memorial in Selma, 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, and spent a few days visiting Dr. John Perkins in Jackson, MS. The Civil Rights Trail website is a great resource for planning visits to historic Civil Rights landmarks, organized by state. For a list of Black historical sites/landmarks in Florida, explore Florida’s Black Heritage Trail.
Access primary sources and documents.
When I was growing up, Eyes on the Prize was mandatory annual viewing when it aired on PBS. You can check it out on DVD from the Miami-Dade Public Library System. The Research Center at History Miami also houses an impressive collection of materials that document Miami’s history, including an online catalog and digital library.
Support Black-owned businesses.
Miami is home to many Black-owned businesses! Pledge to support or patronize at least one local Black-owned business each week. By doing so you’re not just stimulating the local economy–you’re uplifting a community and supporting a dream. Check out this business directory from the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, as well as our Black-Owned Restaurant Guide.
