HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-22-0050City of Miami
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Resolution: R-22-0050
File Number: 11382
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
Final Action Date: 2/10/2022
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CO -DESIGNATING
NORTHWEST 18TH STREET FROM NORTHWEST MIAMI COURT TO
NORTHWEST 2ND AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA AS "PURVIS YOUNG STREET"
PURSUANT TO SECTION 54-137 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AS AMENDED; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO
TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE HEREIN DESIGNATED
OFFICIALS.
SPONSOR(S): Commissioner Christine King
WHEREAS, Mr. Purvis Young ("Young") was born on February 2, 1942 in the Liberty
City neighborhood located within the City of Miami ("City"); and
WHEREAS, Young was introduced to the arts as a youth by his uncle, Irvin Young; and
WHEREAS, while spending three (3) years in a penitentiary, Young regained his interest
in art and ultimately decided to leave behind a life of crime to pursue life as an artist; and
WHEREAS, with little formal education, Young developed his craft by studying art books
and drawing before his release from incarceration in 1964; and
WHEREAS, in 1971, Young moved to the Overtown neighborhood within the City; and
WHEREAS, for many years, Young produced thousands of small drawings; and
WHEREAS, after being inspired by mural movements in Chicago and Detroit, Young's
work became more large-scale; and
WHEREAS, Young became attracted to a vacant alley named Goodbread Alley, named
after Jamaican bakeries that once occupied the street, and began living there; and
WHEREAS, Young created paintings on discarded plywood and nailed them to
Goodbread Alley's storefronts, which quickly became a tourist attraction, creating an artistic
market and culture in Overtown; and
WHEREAS, Young and his artwork gained widespread recognition leading to the 1999
purchase of his entire current collection, comprising of almost 3,000 pieces, by the notable art
collecting Rubell family; and
WHEREAS, Young became an outspoken activist who addressed political, social, and
racial issues through his art; and
WHEREAS, within Young's vibrant, colorful, and symbolic works, one can find themes of
freedom, unity, and life; and
City of Miami Page 1 of 2 File ID: 11382 (Revision:) Printed On: 212312022
File ID: 11382 Enactment Number: R-22-0050
WHEREAS, two (2) of Young's early works, murals painted at the Culmer Library and
Northside Metrorail Station, still stand today; and
WHEREAS, Young's legacy is not limited to the City; and
WHEREAS, Young has been recognized by the Smithsonian and his work can be found
in museums all over the United States; and
WHEREAS, after battling health issues for many years, Young passed away on April 20,
2010 leaving behind a legacy that remains engrained in the City's rich culture and history; and
WHEREAS, the City would like to honor Young by co -designating Northwest 18th Street
from Northwest Miami Court to Northwest 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida as "Purvis Young Street;"
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are
adopted by reference and incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. The City Commission co -designates that portion within the City's limits of
Northwest 18th Street from Northwest Miami Court to Northwest 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida as
"Purvis Young Street "
Section 3. The City Clerk is directed to transmit a certified copy of this Resolution to the
Departments of Police, Fire -Rescue, and Solid Waste; the Miami -Dade County Department of
Transportation and Public Works; the Miami -Dade County Commissioner of District 3; the
United States Postal Service; and, if a State of Florida road, to the Florida Department of
Transportation, District Six, for sign installation within the newly designated roadway.
Section 4. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
1
i ft6ria i ndez, CiFy Attor iey 2/1/2022
City of Miami Page 2 of 2 File ID: 11382 (Revision:) Printed on: 212312022