Profiles in Black Miami

16/02/2024

06/02/2024

The Johnsons of Overtown- Part 1. How one family in segregated Miami overcame the odds and contributed to their community.

04/12/2023

Ira P. Davis Street Naming Ceremony

10/11/2023

Ira Phillip Davis and The Little White House

09/11/2023

Street Naming For Miami Civil Rights Leader Dr. Ira P Davis

The City of Miami and Miami Dade County will honor a Black Miami Community leader with a street named after him on Friday, November 17th at 10 am.
Northwest 16th Street between Northwest 2nd Avenue to Northwest 3rd Avenue will be named the Dr. Ira P Davis street.

Dr. Ira Phillip Davis was a central figure to most of the civil rights advancements of the black community from the time that he arrived in the late 30s to the time of his death in 1970.

Dr. Ira P. Davis was born in Jacksonville in 1896. He lived in northern Florida where he attended Florida A &M College. It was during this time that he was drafted into the army and served in the medical corps in France during WWI.

He served 11 months in the army and later entered Howard University School of Dentistry where he graduated in 1929.

In 1936 he moved to Miami where he set up his dental office in Overtown at 1036 NW 2nd Avenue. It is there that he met his future wife Louise Stirrup, the daughter of Miami pioneer E. W. F. Stirrup.

The time that Dr. Davis spent in the army allowed him to qualify as a veteran in the armed forces. In January 1937 he helped to establish the John Griffen Post for Colored Veterans of the World Wars which later became a colored unit of the American Legions (1946). At this time he was appointed as the state’s 1st Black District Commander.

It was in this organization that Dr. Davis fought for housing rights for black veterans and other black citizens. It was also this organization that became the catalyst that he would use to fight for other rights for black people in Miami.

Dr. Davis and a coalition of others such as Annie Coleman founder of the Friendship Garden and Civic Association.

Lawson E. Thomas, an attorney who later became the first black judge in the South after Reconstruction.

Reverend Culmer of Saint Agnes Episcopal Church and Captain James E. Scott were some of the individuals that would meet at the Dr. Davis home in Overtown also known as the ‘Little White House’ to improve the lives of people in the community.

They are responsible for the establishment of the first Negro police force,
police precinct, courthouse and judge in the south.

Davis also played a role in the establishment of the Virginia Key Beach being assigned as a beach for Black people at a time when Blacks had no place to swim and enjoy the outdoors.

Davis was also central to upgrading the housing standards for people in Miami ensuring that all homes were equipped with running water, flushable toilets and at least one sink.

Davis also spearheaded the campaign to integrate the Orange Bowl and brought the Orange Blossom Classic to Miami.

Davis also worked to desegregate the golf courses. In 1955 Davis was instrumental in bringing the Ray Mitchell North-South Golf Tournament to Miami.
The four day tournament brought numerous celebrities and other tourists into Miami . Miami saw an infusion of cash into the city as a result.

Ira P Davis educational, professional and military experience enabled him to contribute and impact the Black community in significant and multiple areas. His aid was sought by not only local leaders but national leaders as well.

Davis died on May 22, 1970. He was 74 years old. His only living children, Carol Henley Byrd and Iral Porter currently reside in Miami.

The designation ceremony will take place at the Historic Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum at 10 am. It is located at 480 NW 11th Street in Miami’s Overtown.

The producers and researchers of Profiles in Black Miami, AnnMarie Henry, Christine Malcolm and Keith Moore are honored to have coordinated with the Dr. Enid Pinkney of the Curtis Foundation to unveiled these revelations that led to the upcoming activities.

For more information please contact: AnnMarie Henry at 305-505-9817.

13/09/2023

Have you been missing our Miami Incorporators presentation. Here’s one more opportunity to attend. Profiles In Black Miami will be presenting via Zoom on September 22. Here’s the link https://mdpls.zoom.us/j/81851919855?pwd=YXprcUFrNVhSV3ladHBDU2lCd2tZZz09

11/09/2023

Full circle moment 127 years later. On July 28th 1896 more than 344 men gathered in a pool hall in the Fort Dallas area- now what known as downtown Miami to vote to incorporate the city of Miami.

According to Isidore Cohen, an early pioneer who was there, ‘a da**ie named Lightbourne gave the best speech at that meeting.

Now 127 years later the great grandson of Isidore Cohen, James Weintraub meets the great great granddaughter of Alexander C. Lightbourne, Allison Lightbourne Jones.

11/09/2023

Thanks to all who came out to the Coral Gables Library to see Profiles in Black Miami talk about some of the men who incorporated the city of Miami on July 28th, 1896. Thanks to the Miami Dade Public Library for inviting us to make this presentation.

04/09/2023

PROFILES IN BLACK MIAMI: LABOR DAY

On this Labor Day, it's crucial to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Black workers who toiled for years without the backing of labor unions until 1925. Down here in South Florida, we proudly boast a prominent labor union, the International Longshoremen’s Association, Local 1416, which has proudly stood for 87 years and continues to thrive. Here's a quick overview, sourced from the union's own records.

"The International Longshoremen’s Association, Local #1416 was chartered on April 7, 1936. Since its inception the union has provided Long Shore Labor for the Miami-Dade County Port of Miami. Local #1416 union hall is located in the heart of the Historical Overtown District in Miami, Florida and continues to employ laborers (also known as Longshoremen) throughout the Miami area. Long Shore Laborers load and unload trains and ships from all over the world; including Freighters and Cruise ships with abundant passenger counts. Miami is often referred to as the Cruise Capital of the World."( ILA #1416)

The mural was painted by Overtown native Reginald O'Neal.

23/07/2023

Thanks to all who came out to the North Dade Regional Library to hear Profiles in Black Miami feature some of the men who incorporated the City of Miami.

19/07/2023

07/07/2023

📣 Calling all history enthusiasts! 📚

Discover the untold story of The City of Miami's incorporation! Have you ever wondered about the men who voted to incorporate The City of Miami? Did you know that black men played a pivotal role in making this historical event a reality?

Join us for an immersive journey with Profiles In Black Miami. Delve into the lives of remarkable individuals who shaped The City of Miami. Gain a deep understanding of their contributions and the impact they made.

📅 Date: July 22, 2023
⏰ Time: 4:00 pm
🏛️ Venue: North Dade Regional Library: 2455 Northwest 183rd Street Miami Gardens, FL 33056

Don't miss this captivating event, brought to you by the Miami-Dade County Public Library’s: Special Collections and Archives Division: Voices From Florida series. Uncover valuable information about both the white and black incorporators who left an indelible mark on Miami's history.

Mark your calendars and be a part of history in the making! 🌟

04/07/2023

Today, we remember Reverend Samuel Albert Sampson, a true pioneer in the history of Miami and Coconut Grove, who passed away 74 years ago on July 4, 1949. Reverend Sampson is the founder of Macedonia Baptist, the very first black Baptist church in Miami and Coconut Grove.

In 1887, a new church was built on property donated by Ralph Munroe, with the remarkable condition that it be open to all citizens of the city, regardless of race. This groundbreaking act of inclusivity allowed residents from both races to come together and worship as one. Initially known as Union Chapel, this historic church is now recognized as Plymouth Congregational Church.

However, a number of black worshippers, predominantly Bahamians seeking a church that honored their religious traditions, expressed discontent with Union Chapel. Consequently, in 1895, Reverend Sampson and 55 black members of Union Chapel withdrew to establish their own church, known as the Fifty-six Baptist Church (now Macedonia). Services were initially held at Mrs. Edith Albury's home until the church relocated to its original location, made possible by the land granted by Count Jean D'Houdevilla.

In 1896, Reverend Sampson's wife, Margaret Rattary Sampson, gave birth to their first child, Dr. Irene G. Pratt, who holds the distinction of being the first black infant born in Dade County. Reverend Sampson devoted five years of service to the church before returning to the Bahamas with his wife and seven children. He served as the superintendent of 36 churches across various islands in the Bahamas and established the Samsonite School, a private educational institution. In 1912, Reverend Sampson returned to South Florida and established Mt. Olivette Baptist Church in Overtown. In addition to his church work, Reverend Sampson also founded the Citizens Industrial Insurance Co. and was an active member of various groups, including the Masonic Lodge, the ODD Fellows, and the Good Samaritans.

Reverend Samuel Albert Sampson, an inspiring leader who left an indelible mark on Miami and Coconut Grove's history.

07/06/2023

It is an honor to be recognized by your professional peers......and very humbling

29/05/2023

Highlights From Lightbourne Street Naming Ceremony. We are also on YouTube. Like, comment and subscribe. https://youtu.be/hKii8tuNF_0

26/05/2023

Uncovering The Zeigler Lightbourne Legacy - Extended Version. Profiles In Black Miami has a new YouTube channel. Please like, comment and subscribe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pauz-Bzv78Q

08/02/2023

Address Correction

22/01/2023

The Rockland Palace. We are also on YouTube!!! Like, comment and subscribe! https://youtu.be/rGEBvh-wHgw