Commissioner Arriola suggested, during the Friday, June 5, 2020 City Commission meeting, that the City of Miami Beach acknowledge the value of the African American community to Miami Beach on Friday, June 19, 2020, which is 155 anniversary of Juneteenth, with special programming.

Juneteenth is an American holiday to reflect and remember that on June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved African Americans in Texas were told, by Union troops, the American Civil War had ended along with enslaving people in America.    

Celebrations of Juneteenth date back to 1866 and have transitioned into focusing on the current struggle America has with race and civil rights. Juneteenth is celebrated in many major cities in the US and is recognized as a state holiday in 47 of the 50 states.

Given the recent demonstrations in the country, Juneteenth may be an auspices date for Miami Beach to knowledge and celebrate the importance of the African American community to the history, present and future of Miami Beach.

The Administration has prepared a few concepts that could respectfully and meaningfully celebrate African American life in Miami Beach and be a force for change including:

1. Moment of Silence/Tree of Life Program - to acknowledge the current concerns about race and to work to heal the community collectively, the Administration suggests a moment of silence program and the planting of a tree (Rainbow Eucalyptus) in Pride Park. The tree would represent the life of the African American community in Miami Beach, symbolize that with the growth of the tree, so will the community and as tree roots dig deep so will the impact and contributions of the community. The tree will have a plague and serve to be a place of reflection, celebration and meditation. This dedication would be held the morning of Friday, June 19, 2020.

2. Miami Beach Business Districts Historical Moments - to celebrate and educate the Miami Beach community, businesses and tourists on achievements, historical moments, etc.

• Create pole banners illustrating the history of African American life in Miami Beach (e.g. Cassius Clay, Josephine Baker, the Supremes, Dana Dorsey, etc.)

• Display the banners periodically on Washington Avenue, Lincoln Road and other notable locations when appropriate and available.
• This would be developed over the summer.

3. Promoting conversations on racism, diversity and unity.

• Create programming for Miami Beach community on recruiting, nurturing, supporting and promoting talented Black employees.
  • Develop Human Resources programs to create a pathway for diversifying leadership
• Invite Miami Beach leadership, grantees and stakeholders to engage in conversations on ending racism and embedding unity.

4. Promote Being A Voice of Change – Partner with a nonprofit to promote Voter Registration for Miami Beach employees and residents.

The Miami Beach community is a melting pot of diverse communities that individually and collectively made and make it the beautiful and welcoming city it is now. These suggested programs are only the start of the process...as is starting something special on Juneteenth.