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The South Dade Black History Center Advisory Board, one of the 11 boards under the Office of Community Advocacy, honored the late Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek with an exhibit that captured the spirit of her life, legacy, and impact on the South Dade Community. The event took place on Mar. 31 at the Larcenia J. Bullard Plaza.
The ceremony opened with the lighting of a candle in honor of the late Rep. Meek. Many in the community attended the event, including her daughter, Lucia Davis-Raiford; grandson, Ryan Adolphe; Sen. Dwight Bullard, and Walter T. Richardson, chair of the Public Health Trust. Davis-Raiford, also is the president and CEO of the Carrie Meek Foundation.
“This exhibit is one of a number of activities at the center to recognize the legacy of African American leaders,” said former County Commissioner Dennis C. Moss, who along with director Diara Zeigler, are leading the effort at the South Dade Black History Center.
Congresswoman Meek, who served in public office as a member of the Florida House from 1979 to 1983, created hospice care legislation in 1979 that still serves as the nation’s model of Medicare funding for hospice care.
Congresswoman Meek was the first African American female elected to the Florida State Senate in 1982 and served from 1983 to 1993. In 1992, Meek declared her candidacy for Congress and served from 1993 to 2003. She represented what is now the 24th Congressional district. For decades she fought for the underserved and one of her many passions was making higher education affordable and accessible.
Months after arriving to Capitol Hill, Meek notably faced the recovery after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Meek is heralded for actively helping to secure hundreds of millions in recovery dollars to rebuild South Miami-Dade County in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew.
Her district at the time included the Black communities in South Dade that were severely impacted by the destructive and catastrophic category 5 storm. Congresswoman Meek successfully focused her attention on community issues and spent most of her adulthood working tirelessly serving her communities.
“People of African descent began living in Miami-Dade County in the late 1800s. Their ancestors were from other parts of the United States, as well as nations across the world including the Bahamas, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, the West Indies, other Caribbean islands, and nations in Africa, and Central and South America,” said Commissioner Moss.
“Black people helped the county develop into the thriving metropolis it is today and, among other things, made significant contributions to its infrastructure and cultural, political, and social landscapes. I am thrilled to have this center to preserve our history, and be able to have events like this one, which would not be possible without the backing of supporters like Commissioner Kionne McGhee and others.”
The South Dade Black History Center Advisory Board at the Larcenia J. Bullard Plaza was created by an ordinance sponsored by Commissioner Kionne McGhee. The board operates as a catalyst for civic events, showcasing the history of South Miami-Dade County’s Black communities, serving as an art and cultural center; and providing the community with retail and commercial rental spaces.
For more information, contact South Dade Black History Center Advisory Board Program director Diara Zeigler at sdblackhistory@miamidade.gov.
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