February is Black History Month.
Growing up, this meant learning about various Black leaders, innovators, educators, lawmakers, writers, performers, artists, and athletes; and because I was raised by a teacher, it also meant an almost annual viewing of Eyes on the Prize. I love that there is a national emphasis on the historical and cultural contributions of Black Americans every year, and I believe that it is absolutely necessary. But I also feel like the celebration and appreciation of Black history and culture shouldn’t be relegated to the confines of the shortest month of the year. It should be recognized year-round and fully embraced as an integral part of our collective American story.
As I was looking for various Black history events taking place this year, I was encouraged and excited to see just how many family-friendly opportunities there were to engage and experience Black culture here in Miami! The Miami-Dade Public Library System is hosting quite a few programs and events, many of which we’ve included on our Miami Moms Blog events calendar.
Additionally, there are many recurring and ongoing cultural events, festivals, and exhibits that take place throughout the year that are open to everyone! Put them on your calendar and make plans to participate with your family. You’ll make wonderful memories and teach your children to embrace and steward the rich history and diversity of Miami’s Black community.
Permanent Exhibits
HistoryMiami is home to an excellent exhibit about the history of Miami’s Black community. Check it out on the 2nd floor of the North Building.
The Black Archives was founded in 1977 with the express purpose of preserving material reflecting the African-American experience in Miami-Dade County. You can check out their online database and book collection here.
The Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum houses memorabilia of the City of Miami’s first Black police officers. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-4pm, and admission is $10/person.
The Lyric Theater, built in 1913, was a venue for a myriad of performers including Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, Josephine Baker, Nat King Cole, and Billie Holiday. Now fully restored, the historic theater hosts many events and local community programs.
The Historic Hampton House played a prominent role in our city’s history. A de facto headquarters during the civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stayed there during his many visits to Miami. This local treasure has been recently restored and now serves as a venue for a variety of Black cultural events.
Weekly & Monthly Events
Caribbean Market Days are a great way to experience and enjoy Afro-Caribbean fashion, music, art, and cuisine every Saturday, from 10am-6pm.
Little Haiti Bus Tours also take place every Saturday, from 10am-1pm. These 2-hour tours depart from the Little Haiti Cultural Complex and are guided by knowledgeable guides who provide an in-depth experience of the textures, flavors, and sounds of Little Haiti. Tickets are $15-$25/person, and private tours are available upon request.
Sounds of Little Haiti is a free outdoor concert that takes place on the 3rd Friday of every month! It’s a great way to experience authentic Haitian culture right here in our community.
Free Gospel Sundays at the Adrienne Arsht is a wonderful concert series celebrating gospel music and highlighting Miami’s rich gospel scene.
Folklife Friday Open Air Market takes place on the 1st Friday of every month, from 11am-3pm, and features food, live music, arts and crafts, and more!
Special Events & Annual Festivals
AFRICOBRA–the Black artist collective that defined the Black Arts Movement of the 60s and 70s–is celebrating its 50th anniversary right here in Miami! This special exhibit, hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in North Miami, runs through April 7, 2019.
Jazz in the Gardens will be taking place March 9-10, 2019 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
Black Heritage Fest is an annual event that will be taking place on February 23, 2019, at Miami Carol City Park in Miami Gardens. From 10am-4pm, guests can enjoy African fashions, live music, dance, and food trucks, as well as face painting, rock climbing, and bounce houses for children. It’s a great way to support local artists and vendors, and it’s free!
Overtown Music & Arts Festival takes place every summer, and features live music from major artists, food, art from local vendors, and opportunities to learn about various community-based programs. Dates for 2019 are TBA.
For Further Reading
When my husband and I were dating, he gifted me with a copy of Black Miami in the Twentieth Century by Dr. Marvin Dunn. This book is a treasure and comes highly recommended for anyone wanting to understand the nuanced history of Black Miami. Meet Dr. Dunn as he hosts discussions about his newest book, A History of Florida: Through Black Eyes, on February 23rd at Pinecrest Library, and February 25th at South Dade Regional Library.
