Miami’s historic Black Overtown will get makeover | See Pics

Dr. Nelson Adams III remembers when his grandparents’ house in Miami’s historic Black neighborhood of Overtown was razed to make method for a freeway within the Sixties, forcing hundreds to relocate from the world, recognized then because the “Harlem of the South” for its vibrant music and theater scene.

Miami was one in every of quite a few Black cities throughout the nation the place interstate highways have been constructed, disrupting communities. Adams is hopeful the brand new Signature Bridge now being constructed over the world, together with a deliberate park beneath referred to as the Underdeck, will assist to rework and reconnect the neighborhood.The $818 million Florida Department of Transportation mission with larger, thinner columns will substitute the unique bridge crossing Overtown, opening up darkish, underutilized area to each a park and a Heritage Trail, and connecting the neighborhood to Biscayne Bay. Portions of the brand new Signature Bridge go up, Friday, May 14, 2021, within the Overtown neighborhood in Miami. At left is the unique Interstate 395 bridge constructed within the 1960’s which compelled out hundreds of residents. (AP)Referring to the unique bridge as a catastrophe that destroyed a thriving neighborhood, Adams, chairman emeritus of the St. John Community Development Corporation, stated: “Righting a wrong is something that is aspirational, but we can try to do right today. “The Signature Bridge project coincides with a revitalization of the neighborhood that is underway. Community leaders are working to ensure that Overtown’s Black history and culture are preserved in the process. The Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Association is active in spearheading development, and at the same time working to preserve affordable housing and increase Black home ownership. People arrive at the Red Rooster restaurant owned by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in the Overtown neighborhood in Miami. (AP)Derek Fleming, managing partner of the new Red Rooster Overtown restaurant with celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, sees the history of Overtown as “one of the most forgotten and one of the most important histories of Miami.”The Red Rooster was as soon as the Clyde Killens Pool Hall, frequented by musicians corresponding to Count Basie, Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin. Fleming’s hope is to unify the neighborhood, including: “There needs to be a replenishment of the existing culture, not a replacement.” Columns for the brand new Signature Bridge are in place with the Miami skyline within the background, Friday, April 9, 2021, within the Overtown neighborhood of Miami. (AP)