HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-25-0430City of Miami
Resolution R-25-0430
Legislation
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number: 18262 Final Action Date: 10/9/2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION PURSUANT TO
SECTION 54-137 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS
AMENDED ("CITY CODE"), CO -DESIGNATING PERCIVAL AVENUE
BETWEEN SOUTHWEST 37 AVENUE (DOUGLAS ROAD) AND PLAZA
STREET AS "DRS. DAZELLE AND GEORGE SIMPSON WAY" IN HONOR OF
DRS. DAZELLE AND GEORGE SIMPSON'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITY
OF MIAMI; DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY
ACTION TO EFFECTUATE THE CO -DESIGNATION; AND FURTHER
DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS
RESOLUTION TO THE HEREIN DESIGNATED OFFICIALS.
SPONSOR(S): Commissioner Damian Pardo, Commissioner Christine King
WHEREAS, Drs. Dazelle and George Simpson (the "Simpsons") were pioneers in the
medical field, making medical care more accessible for those in the Black community; and
WHEREAS, the Simpsons met at Meharry Medical School and married in their senior
year of medical school; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dazelle Simpson, the granddaughter of E.W.F. Stirrup, was born in
Miami on August 28, 1924, growing up in the Stirrup House and living her entire life in Coconut
Grove; and
WHEREAS, Dr. George Simpson was born in New York City on September 24, 1925,
and raised in Harlem; and
WHEREAS, at a young age both Simpsons decided that they would pursue careers in
the medical field; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Dazelle Simpson graduated valedictorian from Dade County Training
School for Coloreds (later known as George Washington Carver High School) in Coconut
Grove, leading her to attend Fisk University, where she graduated magna cum laude, and
ultimately attending Meharry Medical College, where she graduated with "Highest Honors"; and
WHEREAS, Dr. George Simpson graduated from the prestigious Townsand Harris High
School for high achieving students at the age of 16 where he also played football, leading him to
attend New York City College and ultimately attending Meharry Medical College; and
WHEREAS, in 1953 after completing a residency in pediatrics Dr. Dazelle Simpson
returned to Miami where for 42 years she treated countless children in Liberty City and
Overtown, becoming the first Board Certified Black pediatrician in the State of Florida, the first
woman and first black member of the University of Miami School of Medicine Admissions
Committee and the first black President of the Greater Miami Pediatric Society; and
City of Miami Page 1 of 2 File ID: 18262 (Revision:) Printed On: 10/22/2025
File ID: 18262 Enactment Number: R-25-0430
WHEREAS, after graduating from medical school, Dr. George Simpson interned as a
surgical resident and completed 2 years of military service as a 1st Lt. with the Surgical Service
of the U.S. Army at Fort Dix Army Hospital; and
WHEREAS, in 1958 Dr. George Simpson joined his wife in Miami, establishing his
private practice in general surgery, where he made his mark in the practice of medicine,
teaching and community development, becoming the first Board Certified African American
general surgeon in the State of Florida, the first African American to perform major surgery at
Jackson Memorial Hospital, first African American on the teaching staff in General Surgery at
Jackson Memorial Hospital, and a founding member of the first physician's union -- Jackson
Memorial SEIU; and
WHEREAS, the Simpsons were a trailblazing duo, active in the Civil Rights Movement,
dedicating themselves to caring for the residents of their community until their death; and
WHEREAS, the Simpsons championed the accessibility of healthcare in the Black
community, and their legacy carries on in the community they selflessly served; and
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 Miami City Commission hereby co -designates Percival Avenue between
Southwest 37th Avenue (Douglas Road) and Plaza Street as "Drs. Dazelle and George Simpson
Way" in honor of his dedicated service and lasting impact on the community.
Section 3. The City Manager is directed to take all necessary steps to effectuate this co -
designation, including the installation of appropriate signage.
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 7; 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 5. If any section, clause, or provision of this resolution is declared invalid, the
remainder shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 6. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
ng III, C y ttor' ey 9/30/2025
City of Miami
Page 2 of 2 File ID: 18262 (Revision:) Printed on: 10/22/2025