Miami-Dade County Chairwoman Audrey M. Edmonson celebrated Black History Month with a reception for community residents and leaders at the Historic Lyric Theater in Overtown on Feb. 1, helping to kick-off the Black Archives Black History Month events.
The Lyric Theatre closed in the 1960s but was saved by the Black Archives History and Research Foundation when it was purchased in 1988. It was restore through a voter-approved General Obligation Bond.
"The Lyric Theater is a very important part our heritage. After opening in 1913 as the most important Black-owned playhouse in the South, the Lyric became a symbol of Miami's vibrant Black culture and the epicenter of ‘Little Broadway’ …the Lyric was in danger of becoming a forgotten relic," Edmonson told the audience. "The Lyric Theater is now back on the cultural map and once again a source of tremendous pride in Overtown.
So kudos to the Black Archives and its founder, Dr. Dorothy Jenkins Fields, for all you've done, and all you continue to do to preserve our past and secure our future as a thriving cultural community."
T. Willard Fair, president of the Urban League joined Edmonson while she admired a display at the Lyric Theater featuring famous Black entertainers.
Black History Month was created in 1926 because it coincided with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on Feb. 12 and of Frederick Douglass on Feb. 14. 93 years later, we still celebrate Black History Month.
Here are some events that are happening:
• Black Hollywood- A Special Destination Feb. 8; African-American Research Library and Cultural Center; 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. A special red carpet event celebrating the films of 1970s Black Hollywood. For more details visit https://bit.ly/2CQwMNF
• 112 in concert, reception, block party Feb. 8, North Miami Public Library, 6 – 8 p.m. Welcoming reception and art opening, kicks off monthlong activities, that include a concert with 112 and a block party. Visit for more details. http://www.northmiamifl.gov/northmiamifl/celebrate/
• Black History Month Heritage and Neighborhood Tour Feb. 9; The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Cultural Arts Complex; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The tour will highlight historic sites in Overtown, Miami Gardens, North Miami, and Brownsville/Liberty City along with access to Art of Black Miami exhibits including AfriCOBRA and Elizabeth Catlett and the Hampton Arts Traditions
• Motown Revue Feb. 9; Julius Littman Theater, 8 p.m. Local students will perform hits from Motown artists such as Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder
• A Conversation with Dr. Michael Eric Dyson Feb. 9, Miramar Cultural Center, 8 p.m. A Conversation with Dr. Michael Eric Dyson: The Truth About Race Relations in America, which will be moderated by a local South Floridian anchorman, Calvin Hughes of WPLG Channel 10
• Cultural and Comedy Nite Feb. 16; St Mary Armenian Apostolic Church; 6 –11 p.m. Samuel's Call Inc holds its annual Cultural & Comedy Nite, showcasing African culture; comedy that tells its story through rib cracking jokes, its food, music, fashion and cultural performances.
• Black History Breakfast Lecture Feb. 17; New Birth Baptist Church; 8:15 – 9:25 a.m. Join us for a community breakfast lecture as we embark on the discovery of black profiles in courage in honor of Black History. For more details visit https://bit.ly/2DGCYJK
• Annual NAACP Black History Dinner and Talent Show Feb. 18; Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex; 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. The event will celebrate the talent of middle or high school students as they preform on stage https://bit.ly/2t2uGG1
• Black Heritage Festival, Historically Made: HBCU edition Feb. 23; Miami Carol City Park; noon – 4 p.m. Miami-Dade County Commissioner, Barbara J. Jordan and the City of Miami Gardens Mayor, Oliver Gilbert will be hosting the 6th Annual Black Heritage Festival, commemorating the many influences and great achievements of Blacks. For more details visit https://bit.ly/2Bc7uJF
• Florida Highwaymen paint live Feb. 23 and 24; The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum and the Arts Garage, Delray Beach; 1 p.m. The Florida Highwaymen Renaissance, RL Lewis, Isaac Knight, Curtis Arnette and Willy Regan
