The history of Miami-Dade County is a collective narrative of freedom and perseverance that has resulted in one of the most culturally diverse and world-renowned regions in the country.
In an effort to preserve and bring that rich history to life, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Dennis C. Moss has created the “South Dade Black History Bank.” The Black History Bank is a digital resource that allows residents to record audio or video sessions with community elders and historians who can help save the precious history that we lose every time one of our seniors pass away.
“This project is of utmost importance,” Commissioner Moss said. “When we mourn the loss of an elder, we mourn the loss of a connection to our past. They take with them the history of struggle, resilience and pride that has served us well for hundreds of years.
“These are the stories of self-determination that inspired the founders of historic communities in South Dade like Richmond Heights, West Perrine, Goulds, Naranja, Homestead and Florida City, just to name a few,” he added.
Commissioner Moss kicked off this project in February by inviting churches to video or audio tape seniors and members of their congregations who have valuable black history to share, and to forward those files to the Black History Bank. This history will be stored and made available at the South Dade Black History Center to be located in the future Larcenia Bullard Plaza in Richmond Heights.
