HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-25-0215City of Miami
Resolution R-25-0215
Legislation
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number: 17627 Final Action Date: 6/17/2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION RESCINDING
RESOLUTION NO. R-24-0133, ADOPTED ON APRIL 11, 2024, PROPOSING
THE NAMING OF THE UNDERDECK PROJECT AS THE "REVEREND
EDWARD T. GRAHAM GREENWAY" AND REPLACING IT WITH A
RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE NAMING OF THE UNDERDECK PROJECT
AS THE "REVEREND EDWARD T. GRAHAM HERITAGE TRAIL" IN HONOR
OF HIS EXTRAORDINARY LEGACY AND ENDURING IMPACT ON THE CITY
OF MIAMI; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS, ALL IN FORMS
ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, WITH FDOT FOR SAID PURPOSE;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
SPONSOR(S): Commissioner Christine King
WHEREAS, the Interstate 395 ("1-395") Underdeck Project, also known as the Signature
Bridge ("Project"), is a monumental 33-acre public open space designed to serve as a multi-
purpose greenway, connecting the Historic Overtown neighborhood to Biscayne Bay, enhancing
community connectivity and providing a multitude of outdoor amenities; and
WHEREAS, the Project represents a significant partnership between the Florida
Department of Transportation ("FDOT") and the City of Miami ("City"), embodying the design
themes of activity, connection, authenticity, and greenery, and is set to include an amphitheater,
event lawn, community plaza, children's play area, dog play area, multi -use court, and water
feature, thereby fostering a diverse range of public events and cultural activities; and
WHEREAS, the Underdeck Project is envisioned to be a vibrant and inclusive space,
promoting community engagement, cultural expression, and environmental sustainability, with
the anticipated completion by late 2027 and a projected cost of $840 million, to improve safety,
mobility, and sustainability for residents and visitors alike; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Edward T. Graham was a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope
for the Miami community, arriving in 1943 and quickly becoming a staunch advocate for civil
rights and social justice, leading the first "wade -in" in the United States to protest against
segregated beaches; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham, as a licensed minister at Mt. Zion Baptist Church and
the first Executive Director of the Urban League of Miami, tirelessly worked towards the
upliftment of the Black community, playing key roles in desegregating Miami's lunch counters,
golf courses, buses, the police department, beaches, and Miami Beach hotels, and facilitating
the relocation of Florida Memorial College to Miami; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham's commitment to public service and governance led him
to become the first Black male commissioner of the City of Miami in 1970, and subsequently, in
1972, he further distinguished himself as the second Black male commissioner to serve on the
City of Miami Page 1 of 3 File ID: 17627 (Revision:) Printed On: 8/25/2025
File ID: 17627 Enactment Number: R-25-0215
Miami -Dade County Commission, marking significant milestones in the history of Miami -Dade
County's political landscape and representing crucial steps toward inclusive and representative
governance; and
WHEREAS, during his service on the City Commission, Reverend Graham held the
position of Vice Mayor, underscoring his deep commitment to public service and the
advancement of equitable representation in municipal government; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham's leadership extended well beyond city government, as
he was appointed Executive Director of the United Service Organization (USO) in Miami during
World War II, founded the Negro Service Council (which later became the Urban League of
Greater Miami) and served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Florida Memorial College,
where he played a pivotal role in relocating the institution to Miami to better serve the local
community; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham's dedication to justice and service was not confined to
local or state matters, as he also served on the national stage as a member of the Executive
Committee of the National Council of Churches, where he championed civil rights and promoted
social progress within both faith -based and civic institutions; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Graham, a beacon of hope and change for the Miami community,
personally endured the loss of his home due to the construction of 1-395, a development that
decimated the Overtown neighborhood and adversely impacted many of its residents; and
WHEREAS, on April 11, 2024, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. R-24-0133
proposing the naming of the Underdeck Project as the "Reverend Edward T. Graham
Greenway," in recognition of Reverend Graham's extraordinary leadership and lasting impact on
civil rights and community empowerment in the City of Miami; and
WHEREAS, after discussions with the Florida Department of Transportation ("FDOT")
the City Commission desires to rescind Resolution No. R-24-0133, and to replace it with this
Resolution proposing the naming of the Underdeck Project as the "Reverend Edward T.
Graham Heritage Trail" to better reflect the historical and commemorative purpose of the
designation, emphasizing the importance of preserving and sharing the legacy of Reverend
Graham and the community he served; and
WHEREAS, the designation "Heritage Trail" more accurately characterizes the project's
intent to serve as a living memorial, highlighting the cultural legacy, spatial history, and
resilience of the Overtown community and the personal sacrifices made by Reverend Graham
and countless others displaced by the original construction of Interstate 395;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble of this Resolution are
adopted by reference thereto and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. Resolution No. R-24-0133 is hereby rescinded in its entirety.
Section 3. The City Commission hereby proposes the naming of the Underdeck Project
as the "Reverend Edward T. Graham Heritage Trail" in honor of his extraordinary legacy and
enduring impact in our City.
City of Miami Page 2 of 3 File ID: 17627 (Revision:) Printed on: 8/25/2025
File ID: 17627 Enactment Number: R-25-0215
Section 4. The City Manager is authorized' to negotiate and execute any and all
necessary documents, all in forms acceptable to the City Attorney, with the FDOT for said
purpose.
Section 5. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
g III, C y`attorey / 5/13/2025
1 The herein authorization is further subject to compliance with all legal requirements that may be
imposed, including, but not limited to, those prescribed by applicable City Charter and City Code
provisions.
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