Blog Post: Miami-Dade Celebrates "Black History Month"

In February, communities throughout the U.S. celebrate the contribution and history of African Americans in the United States. Living in a communit rich in diversity, despite its short history, "Black History Month" celebrations are an eye-opening experience.  

Miami-Dade Transit’s (MDT) award-winning Black History Tours provide a unique experience for local residents to learn about diversity in our community through an inspiring tour that return highlights the rich cultural heritage of Miami ’s African American community. The free tours depart every Saturday in February beginning at 9 a.m. from the Stephen P. Clark Center , 111 NW 1 st St. , located in downtown Miami near Northwest Second Avenue.  The free tours, launched in 1994 as MDT’s contribution to Miami-Dade County 's annual celebration of Black History Month, remain a popular outing as well as an educational tool for the community. 

A couple of years back, I took the tour and visited several local jewels that I would have never found on my own including Overtown’s historic Lyric Theatre and the Dorsey House, home to Miami's first black millionaire; the E.W. F. Stirrup house and Charlotte Jane Cemetery in Coconut Grove; and Georgette's Tea Room in Brownsville, a respite for black celebrities in the 40s and 50s and where Billie Holiday kept a permanent residence. 

Trained MDT bus operators narrate the approximately 3 1/2-hour tour aboard air-conditioned Miami-Dade Transit buses. Of cours, reservations are required so call today and either reserve your tour (if you are a school, or employer interested in learning more about diversity in Miami). To schedule a tour, call 786-469-5028, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, click the Tours link at http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/blackhis.asp.