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The official history of Greater Fort Lauderdale may seem relatively short, since the city of Fort Lauderdale was incorporated in 1911, but the celebration of Black History Month encompasses a lot of accomplishments in a short period of time. Despite the entrenchment of segregation where black residents were proscribed to areas west of the tracks, a steady influx arrived from North and South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, other parts of Florida, and the Bahamas, drawn by the possibilities of work on farms, in fishing industries, or in service occupations. They established businesses which stretched through the heart of Fort Lauderdale, principally along Sistrunk Boulevard, and dotted Hollywood’s Liberia section near the popular Oakwood Mall. They developed a vibrant, alternative nightlife where name black performers entertained in racially-segregated white establishments on the beach and then had to come “over town” to spend the night in black motels, but they performed for black residents often for free.
Blacks may have been confined to frolicking on a segregated beach, which is now John Lloyd State Park, and they may have only been able to go there on holidays, but they formed a network of chambers of commerce and fraternal organizations within their communities. Efforts led by prominent residents such as millionaire John H. Hill and philanthropist Harry G. Sweeting helped to provide recreational activities and charitable support. Physicians such as Dr. James Sistrunk and Dr. Von D. Mizell ran the only hospital for blacks and fought for the improvement of medical care. Educational leaders such as Dr. Joseph Ely reinforced strong cultural values and, although the county’s black students were served by only two black schools, they produced graduates who went on to excel in sports, education, the arts, and other professions. The Old Dillard Museum is an historical landmark which honors the first school for blacks in Fort Lauderdale, and their achievements.
Prominent entertainment celebrities and sports stars not only make appearances here, but many have also made Fort Lauderdale their home. In addition, the artistic contributions of celebrated black artists such as actress Esther Rolle, whose family roots remain in Broward County, and the unpublished manuscripts and letters of author Alex Haley, are preserved in local historical archives to remind us of the impact that black people have made.
The multicultural aspect of Greater Fort Lauderdale is also evident in events which highlight the African Diaspora year-round. For Black History Month this year the exhibit, “Africa in the Americas: From Slavery to Freedom” will open Feb. 24 at the African American research Library and Cultural Center to honor three landmark events: the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Britain and the U.S., the 60th anniversary of the publication of venerable scholar Dr. John Hope Franklin’s groundbreaking book, From Slavery to Freedom, and the 50th anniversary of Ghana’s independence from Britain. The Le Ballet Ivoire Spectacular from the Ivory Coast is in residency performing theatrical salutes to black artists; a production on the life of Moms Mabley, a pioneer black comedian, will be featured in March. Yes, there is history to preserve in Greater Fort Lauderdale - and at the same time, new history is being made.
-Kitty Oliver
Blacks may have been confined to frolicking on a segregated beach, which is now John Lloyd State Park, and they may have only been able to go there on holidays, but they formed a network of chambers of commerce and fraternal organizations within their communities. Efforts led by prominent residents such as millionaire John H. Hill and philanthropist Harry G. Sweeting helped to provide recreational activities and charitable support. Physicians such as Dr. James Sistrunk and Dr. Von D. Mizell ran the only hospital for blacks and fought for the improvement of medical care. Educational leaders such as Dr. Joseph Ely reinforced strong cultural values and, although the county’s black students were served by only two black schools, they produced graduates who went on to excel in sports, education, the arts, and other professions. The Old Dillard Museum is an historical landmark which honors the first school for blacks in Fort Lauderdale, and their achievements.
Prominent entertainment celebrities and sports stars not only make appearances here, but many have also made Fort Lauderdale their home. In addition, the artistic contributions of celebrated black artists such as actress Esther Rolle, whose family roots remain in Broward County, and the unpublished manuscripts and letters of author Alex Haley, are preserved in local historical archives to remind us of the impact that black people have made.
The multicultural aspect of Greater Fort Lauderdale is also evident in events which highlight the African Diaspora year-round. For Black History Month this year the exhibit, “Africa in the Americas: From Slavery to Freedom” will open Feb. 24 at the African American research Library and Cultural Center to honor three landmark events: the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Britain and the U.S., the 60th anniversary of the publication of venerable scholar Dr. John Hope Franklin’s groundbreaking book, From Slavery to Freedom, and the 50th anniversary of Ghana’s independence from Britain. The Le Ballet Ivoire Spectacular from the Ivory Coast is in residency performing theatrical salutes to black artists; a production on the life of Moms Mabley, a pioneer black comedian, will be featured in March. Yes, there is history to preserve in Greater Fort Lauderdale - and at the same time, new history is being made.
-Kitty Oliver
posted by GuestBlogger-GFL at 3:31 PM
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