Liberia’s Historical Marker, Black Education, and Community Resilience

The article discusses the unveiling of a historical marker in Liberia, a key Black neighborhood in Hollywood, emphasizing its significance in Black history. It covers related achievements, such as an NAACP award for an animated series on Jackie Robinson, and highlights the Urgent Academy microschool in Overtown dedicated to fostering identity among students. Additionally, it examines societal efforts to promote Black joy amidst ongoing economic challenges faced by the community.

The recognition of Liberia, a historically significant Black neighborhood in Hollywood, was marked by the unveiling of a Florida state historical marker. Historians Emmanuel George and Kitty Oliver played pivotal roles in unearthing and preserving Liberia’s rich Black history, which spans over a century. Earl Beneby’s reflections on his childhood in Liberia highlight the neighborhood’s enduring importance for future generations, reinforcing that Liberia is intertwined with the broader narrative of Black history in Hollywood.

The Hollywood Historical Society dedicated three years to obtaining the historical marker for Liberia. At the unveiling event, society president Clive Taylor shared, “Established during segregation, Liberia became a self-sufficient neighborhood where Black residents who were excluded from other parts of the city built homes, businesses, and places of worship,” showcasing the community’s resilience and cultural legacy despite systemic barriers.

In related developments, the West Palm Beach studio recently received an NAACP Image award for the animated series “Peanut Headz: Black History Toonz,” which celebrates Jackie Robinson’s accomplishments. This series aims not only to highlight Robinson’s historic role in Major League Baseball but also to bring attention to lesser-known aspects of his life, according to artist Jason Fleurant.

In Overtown, Saliha Nelson founded the Urgent Academy, a Black microschool focused on creating a supportive learning environment for students. Nelson emphasizes the importance of understanding students’ backgrounds and histories while allowing them to express their culture. “We get to know our students very well,” she states, illustrating the school’s commitment to fostering identity and belonging.

The conversation about Black joy continues to resonate, as Carlton Mackey created the BlackMenSmile hashtag in response to overwhelming negative representations of Black men. The initiative aims to uplift positive images and narratives, providing a counterbalance to narratives that often emphasize sorrow and struggle.

Furthermore, a detailed report from national news outlet Axios reflects the economic status of Black Americans, revealing significant disparities in wealth ownership. Although Black individuals represent 12% of the population, they hold only 3.4% of the nation’s wealth while making strides in stock market investments, increasing holdings by 2.4% over seven years.

Notable events including The Cookout, hosted by Chef JJ Johnson and Angela Yee, underscore the contributions of Black women chefs in the culinary world. These chefs will discuss their experiences in a predominantly male industry during a prominent South Beach Wine and Food Festival event, highlighting their challenges and successes.

Lastly, the narrative surrounding the newsletter “The 44 Percent” reflects the historical context of Miami, providing insights into how the name was derived. More information can be found through the newsletter link. Its launch continues to cover vital topics concerning the Black community, history, and culture.

The article highlights the rich contributions of Black history through the recognition of Liberia, the importance of educational spaces like Urgent Academy, and the ongoing dialogue on Black joy. Significant achievements, such as the NAACP award for the animation on Jackie Robinson, emphasize cultural representation. Furthermore, discussions surrounding economic disparities and celebratory culinary events illustrate the vibrant and multifaceted experiences of the Black community today.

Original Source: www.miamiherald.com