HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Commissioner Russell-Letters of SupportNational Black Child Development Institute- Miami Affiliate
330651 Miami, Florida, 33233
Contact: 786.804.9746
miami@affiliates.nbcdi.org
May 8, 2022
The Honorable Mayor Francis Suarez
Miami City Commission
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
Dear Mayor Suarez and City Commissioners:
Re: Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove — Letter of support
As the President of The National Black Child Development Institute — Miami Affiliate (NBCDI-
Miami Affiliate), and a native of Coconut Grove, since my birth in 1965. Please accept this letter
of support designating the area encompassing the Village West Island District & Charles Avenue
Neighborhood Conservation District 2 as "Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove."
For more than 50 years, the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) has been at the
forefront of engaging leaders, policymakers, professionals, and parents around critical and timely
issues that directly impact Black children and their families. Over the years, NBCDI's mission has
benefited millions of children and their families. As a leading organization working on behalf of
Black children, our future is about growth and sustainability, forging new boundaries, and
promoting strengths -based programs and policies that lift up our children in the context of their
families, communities, and cultures.
Geroge Santayana said, "Those that do not learn history are doomed to repeat it." The Bahamians
were some of the first settlers in Coconut Grove and helped create the city as we know it today.
The Little Bahamas historic area is the cultural heart of the South Florida Bahamian community.
The Bahamian community has enriched Miami -Dade County's multi -ethnic character as a whole.
If you require more information about the NBCDI — Miami Affiliate, please contact us via email:
miaini(a:aftiliates.nbcdi.org or phone at (786) 804-9746
Sincerely,
Countess Balogun, MPA
NBCDI — Miami Affiliate President
National Black Child Development Institute — Miami Affiliation
2 D 3 "7 Su brrl i & r rvu ss i s K, eu 5sL - LJI kr of Support-
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) 2F- (o
on 1J1g12022-, City Clerk
RESOLUTION
Coconut Grove Village West
Homeowners and Tenants Association
SUPPORTS THE CITY OF MIAMI'S PROPOSAL
TO DESIGNATE COCONUT GROVE VILLAGE WEST AS "Little Bahamas"
WHEREAS, natives of the Bahamas began migrating to the United States of America in the
late 1800's in record numbers and settled in the coastal regions of the state of Florida, in a
trend that spanned a half -century;
WHEREAS, many Bahamians took up homestead in Coconut Grove, , residing in wood -frame
homes, gained employment as housekeepers and groundskeepers at local white -owned homes,
hotels and commercial establishments, owned and operated businesses in the Evangelist Street
corridor that catered to the residents, held worshipped services at several venues and started
local chapters of fraternal organizations/lodges;
WHEREAS, Bahamians established a kinship with the individuals from North and Central
Florida, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina, who relocated to Coconut Grove beginning in the
early 20th century, who were mandated by law to reside in designated segregated
communities;
WHEREAS, the names of Bahamian settlers appear on the charter that incorporated the City
of Miami on July 28, 1896, and the proud Bahamian legacy continues to thrive in Miami, Miami -
Dade County and beyond;
WHEREAS, Coconut Grove, established in 1873 and once held its own city status, was
annexed to the City of Miami by special election on September 2, 1925, during a period
when individuals were continually migrating from the Bahamas and the American
South;
WHEREAS, Bahamians established a kinship with continuously arriving individuals from North
and Central Florida, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina, who were mandated by law to reside
in designated segregated communities among other persons of African/Negro descent; and
WHEREAS, the Miami City Commission wishes to designate the area described as West
Coconut Grove and Coconut Grove Village West as Little Bahamas, in recognition of the
historical and cultural significance of the area.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) RE-4,
on 1/14120v, City Clerk
NOW THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED that on June 21, 2022, the Executive Board of
the Coconut Grove Village West Homeowners and Tenants Association (HOATA) voted to
support the proposed Resolution by the City Commission of the City of Miami, as presented by
U.S. Congresswomen Frederica J. Wilson, whereby the Village West Community of Coconut
Grove would be designated at as "Little Bahamas" on the following conditions:
1) That upon acceptance, 3-5 concerned community stakeholders in Coconut Grove
Village West will be identified to be involved in the strategic planning for the
Little Bahamas concept;
2) That upon acceptance, 3-5 concerned community stakeholders in Coconut Grove
Village West will be identified to be made fully aware of the marketing plan(s) for
the primary corridors of Grand Avenue and Douglas Road, local businesses and
community landmarks;
3) That a generous monetary benefit be included in the redesign and development
of the newly named community of "Little Bahamas" to address establishment of
small businesses, job/employment options; along with skills and business training
initiatives; and
4) That the proposed museum accurately and equitably displays, in the various fine
and visual art forms, the contributions of all Bahamian and African -American
settlers and residents in the area who enhanced its historical and cultural
significance.
Done this 13th day of July in the year of our Lord 2022.
Humbly submitted,
Coconut Grove Village West Homeowners & Tenants Association
P.O. Box 331963 • Miami, FL 33133
,'ayudd ?Alan#. m
Clarice Cooper Linda Williams Reynold Martin
President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) R.E. (o
on 'i IQ 2022, City Clerk
June 1, 2022
The Honorable Mayor Francis Suarez
Miami City Commission
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
Dear Mayor Suarez and City Commissioners:
As a native born at 3767 Percival Ave in Coconut Grove and a member of several organizations, I
am pleased to provide this letter of support for a City of Miami Resolution designating the area
encompassing the Village West Island District & Charles Avenue Neighborhood Conservation District 2 as
"Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove." Our members have provided input regarding this request and have
long-standing relationships and ties to the Coconut Grove community.
The Little Bahamas historic area is the cultural heart of the South Florida Bahamian community.
The Bahamian community has enriched Miami -Dade County's multi -ethnic character as a whole. In fact,
on July 28, 1896 Bahamians represented one third of the registered signatories needed for the
incorporation of the City of Miami, resulting in its incorporation. Coconut Grove was built by Bahamians
and is the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood of Miami. Bahamians built some of Miami's most
treasured landmarks, served as community and political leaders, and established some of the first
businesses, many of which thrive to this day.
The areas of Little Havana and Little Haiti have been recognized for their cultural heritage and
importance to the community, and likewise so should Little Bahamas. Therefore, we urge you to support
the Resolution.
Sincerely,
71eddie Ilowcf, Ed D.
Dr. Freddie Young,
VP TGHI,
Education Chair, NAACP
COMMITTEE ON
EDUCATION AND LABOR
CHAIRWOMAN, SUBCOMMITTEE ON
HIGHER EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE INVESTMENT
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EARLY CHILDHOOD. ELEMENTARY,
AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
COMMITTEE ON
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRA STR L JCTT IR E
SLBCOMMITTE'E ON HIGHWAYS AND TRANSIT
SUBCOMMITTEE ON WATER RESOURCES
AND ENVIRONMENT
SUBCOMMITTEE ON RAILROADS, P1PEIJNES.
AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
FREDERICA S. WILSON
CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES
24T4 DISrRLCT, FLORIDA
June 7, 2022
The Honorable Mayor Francis Suarez
Miami City Commission
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
Dear Mayor Suarez and City Commissioners,
DEMOCRATIC STEERING AND POIJCI COMMITTEE
REPRESENTATIVE. REGION VHII
L.T.S. COMMISSION ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF
BLACK MEN AND BOYS
FOUNDER AND CHAIR
CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS
SECRETARY
FLORIDA PORTS CAUCUS
FOUNDER AND CHAIR
CAUCUS ON THE U.S. COMMISSION ON THE
SOCIAL STATUS of BLACK MEN AND BOYS
FOUNDER AND CHAIR
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) RE- C.
on 1 IMI2022-, City Clerk
I am pleased to provide this letter of support for resolution RE. 12 (12039), designating the area encompassing the
Village West Island District and the Charles Avenue Neighborhood Conservation District as the `little Bahamas of
Coconut Gnu. "As one of the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhoods in Miami, this area has well-known historical
ties to the Bahamian people and serves as the cultural heart of the South Florida Bahamian community. Since the 19th
century, Bahamians have played an essential role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the
registered signatories on the date of the city's incorporation. As some of the city's first settlers, Bahamians have served
as civic and political leaders and established some of the first businesses, remaining active members of this dynamic
community.
Throughout South Florida, and particularly in Miami's Coconut Grove —a place where Bahamian influence is
prominent— Bahamian settlers have played a central role in erecting some of our most treasured landmarks and infusing
the area with their many historical contributions. When the unforgiving heat, difficult soil, and thick growth drove
others away, skilled Bahamian settlers well -versed in coastal living were the ones who thrived on the shores of Biscayne
Bay. Today, much of that history remains unknown and the early stories of the city's settlement are in danger of being
erased.
During my time in Congress and as a proud Bahamian American, I've fought to ensure that the contributions and
acomplishments of the Bahamian people are rightfully memorialized in our city's history. From helping local activist
fight to preserve the historic row houses to advocating for the return of the 39te annual Goombay Festival that celebrates
the richness and diversity of the Grove's Bahamian -rooted community heritage, my dedication and passion to conserve
this cultural heritage is ingrained in my family's history and that of countless founding families of Bahamian settlers in
Miami. Through my discussions with key stakeholders such as Monty Trainer, President of the Coconut Grove Arts
Festival, Cornelia "Corky" Dozier, Director of the Miami Coconut Grove Playhouse Theatre, Dr. Freddie Young, a
prominent activist and former administrator of Miami -Dade County Schools, and former Miami -Dade Commissioner
and member of the Recreation and Culture Committee, Raquel Regalado, it is clear that this neighborhood's Bahamian
foundation has earned the honor of recognition.
WASHINGTON, DC OEmce
2445 R N:BLIRN HOB
WASHI:NGTON, DC 20515
(202) 225-4506
(202) 226-0777 (FAX)
Hou. w oD
2600 HoIJ.YWCK)L) BOULEVARD
OLD LIBRARY. IST ELOOR
HourwooD, FL 33020
(954) 921-3682
MIAMI GARDENS
18425 NW 2ND AVENUE, SLATE 355
MIAMI GARDENS, FL 33169
(305) 690-5905
(305) 690-5951 (FAK)
WEST PARK
WEST PARK CITY HALL
1965 SOLrrH STATE ROAD 7
Wi r PARK, FL 33023
(954) 989-2688
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While Miami has always been a city of immigrants, the proud cultural Bahamian heritage of these founding settlers lacks
the distinction it deserves. Other culturally significant neighborhoods in Miami -Dade County such as Little Havana,
Little Haiti, and Chinatown have been recognized for their international heritage and community importance, each a
beacon of cultural history flourishing with tourism. With partnerships between the City of Miami and the Thelma
Gibson Health Initiative, plans are already underway to build an approximately $8 million Bahamian Museum of Arts
and Culture that will help this community become a historical focal point and boost millions in tourism revenue. It is
time that we bestow this long -overdue recognition to the proposed `Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove" neighborhood. And
what better time than during the month of June as we celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month. I wholeheartedly
urge you to support this resolution.
Thank you to Commissioner Ken Russell for sponsoring this resolution and to Thelma Gibson and the Coconut Grove
Ministerial Alliance for all of your support and partnership throughout the process of making this designation a reality.
I appreciate your consideration of my request. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
JAthAto Jib zikx.i
Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson
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