SFPoC – South Florida People of Color

Celebrating 10 Years of Amplifying Voices

Today, April 5th, marks South Florida People of Color’s (SFPoC) 10th anniversary! Since our founding in 2015, we’ve worked to amplify diverse voices, foster equity and inclusion, and create brave spaces for dialogue and growth. Through award-winning programs like Awkward Dinners, Unity360 Community Dialogues, and Redline Historical Bus Tours, we’ve empowered communities to confront systemic inequities and build connections across differences.

As we reflect on the past decade, we also look ahead to the future. Later this fall, we will host a special celebration to honor this milestone and reaffirm our commitment to shaping resilient communities rooted in truth, connection, and love.

Visit our website to read more about our journey and why our work matters now more than ever. Together, we can continue building an equitable future for all.

Step into history. Spark real dialogue. Build community.

Join us for a one-of-a-kind evening featuring the Emmy Award-winning documentary Crossing Overtown—an unflinching look at Miami’s Black history and the ongoing quest for justice and understanding.

Why You Should Attend

VIP Reception (7:00 PM): Enjoy food, wine, beer, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Network with changemakers and meet special guests including Producer/Director Scott Barnett, Chief Delrish Moss, Johanna Vega, and Dr. Marvin Dunn.
Exclusive Access: Receive thought-provoking prompts to guide your viewing and set the stage for deeper, meaningful connections.
Film Screening (7:45 PM): Discover untold stories that resonate across South Florida and beyond—a film that challenges, enlightens, and inspires.
Interactive Awkward Discussion & Dessert Reception: Guided by expert facilitators, join our signature, award-winning “Awkward Discussion” (inspired by SFPoC’s celebrated Awkward Dinner series) for honest, sometimes uncomfortable, but always transformative dialogue. Dive deeper, connect personally with the evening’s themes, and enjoy dessert and drinks with fellow participants.
Intimate, Impactful Experience: Space is limited for the VIP experience to ensure rich conversation and genuine connection.

Proceeds benefit the Broward County Film Society and South Florida People of Color.

Transforming South Florida – Be Part of Our Impact!

Why Your Support Matters Now
Despite political headwinds, our commitment to equity remains unwavering. We've demonstrated resilience and adaptability, continuing to deliver innovative programming that creates lasting change.

Since 2015, South Florida People of Color has created brave spaces where understanding grows, and real change happens. In 2024, we’ve touched over 20,000+ lives through groundbreaking programs that inspire transformation, like our Awkward Dinners and Unity360 Dialogues.

The Underdog Effect: Why SFPoC’s Arts and Culture Impact Deserves to Be Seen

Every year, South Florida People of Color (SFPoC) submits grant applications alongside Miami’s most celebrated arts and culture organizations. Every year, we’re told “no.” But what if the real story is the one that doesn’t fit the mold?

SFPoC is more than an arts group, a DEI consultancy, or a history club—we are an arts and culture organization in the fullest sense. Our work blends artistic expression, historical storytelling, and facilitated dialogue to honor the diverse cultures of South Florida. We don’t just present art—we create cultural experiences that heal, connect, and empower communities. This holistic approach is essential for building equity, resilience, and true community transformation.

Real Impact, Real Voices

Our programs—like the award-winning Awkward Dinners, Unity360 Dialogues, and Redline Historical Bus Tours—aren’t passive events; they’re immersive, challenging, and deeply personal. This is where arts and culture meet action, and where communities are transformed—not just entertained.

Here’s what our community says:

“Educational, Enlightening, Entertaining.”
“I had such a great time and truly felt embraced by the community, even as someone from out of town. Black love is powerful, inviting, and transcendent.”
“Great event—needs to be more events like this in South Florida.”
“Interesting facts mixed with personal stories make this essential learning and the best way to do that.”
“Everyone should take this tour who lives in Miami!”

Why Are We Overlooked?

Despite these powerful outcomes, SFPoC is often passed over for funding. Why? Because our work doesn’t fit neatly into a single category. We’re not just putting on concerts or displaying art. We’re using arts and culture as bridges to honest conversation, self-examination, and community healing. Our events are where people learn not only about others, but about themselves—where they confront bias, celebrate culture, and build new connections that last long after the event ends.

The Power of the Underdog

Being the underdog means we have to work harder to be understood—but it also means we’re doing something different, something essential. We don’t measure success by ticket sales or gallery attendance. We measure it in changed minds, new friendships, and the courage to have difficult conversations.

A Call to See Us Clearly

SFPoC’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and impact that goes beyond the surface. We invite funders, community leaders, and neighbors to experience our arts and culture programming firsthand. Come to an event, listen to our participants, and see the transformation for yourself. Don’t just support what’s familiar—support what’s necessary.

Because sometimes, the most powerful change comes from the underdog.

Written by Roni Bennett, Executive Director, South Florida People of Color

Connecting the Dots: Emancipation, Resistance, and the Unfinished Business of Freedom

The arc of Black liberation doesn’t run in a straight line—it loops, bends, and bleeds. From May to July, we cross a battlefield of anniversaries—Haitian Flag Day, Malcolm X’s centennial, Florida’s Emancipation Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, and the 13th Amendment. These are not feel-good moments for social media clout. They are radical reminders: freedom is fragile, incomplete, and always under attack.

The Power of Speech: A New Year's Reflection on Creating Change

As we welcomed 2025, I stood in a stranger's home, surrounded by family and friends, reflecting on the wisdom shared by the host during a midnight sermon. Their message centered on Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." These words, resonating deeply with me, evoked memories of Dr. Tameka Bradley Hobbs’ powerful speech at a South Florida People of Color (SFPoC) event years ago. Both moments left an indelible mark, shaping my understanding of the profound responsibility we carry through our words.

In his first two weeks as president, Donald Trump has signed a flurry of executive orders, some aimed at rolling back civil rights advancements and purging the federal government of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, more commonly known as DEI.

“The Biden Administration forced illegal and immoral discrimination programs, going by the name ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ (DEI), into virtually all aspects of the Federal Government, in areas ranging from airline safety to the military,” Trump’s Jan. 20 Executive Order states.

By Raisa Habersham

February 01, 2025 4:30 AM

Revealing America's True Face: Systemic Oppression and the Illusion of Innocence

In light of recent events, this article challenges the notion that America is innocent or exceptional. It traces the deep-seated roots of systemic oppression—from the Doctrine of Discovery to today’s inequalities in immigration, justice, and gender equity. To achieve genuine unity and liberation, Americans must confront the uncomfortable truth about the systems that sustain racial, economic, and gender-based oppression. Only through acknowledging this history can we begin dismantling it and striving toward a society grounded in justice and equity for all.

A candid conversation about diversity and inclusivity in Miami

Shaun Swanger, Swire Properties’ Senior Vice President of People and Operations, and Roni Bennett, Executive Director of South Florida People of Color, sat down for a candid conversation about diversity and inclusivity in Miami and Swire Properties’ work with South Florida People of Color. For the last 4 years, Swire has partnered with this nonprofit organization that is bridging differences through education and facilitating meaningful dialogue to foster equity and a sense of community in South Florida.

The 20th of May: The History and Heritage of Florida’s Emancipation Day Digital History Project is an online portal documenting nearly 160 years of the history and culture celebrating the 20th of May, Florida’s Emancipation Day.

The 20th of May, Florida’s historic emancipation celebration, has been observed in many Florida communities with the majority of the state’s Black population since 1865. In fact, in St. Augustine and Key West, because of the presence of the U.S. Army during the U.S. Civil War, Black people celebrated emancipation as early as 1863....

We are committed to creating a transformative experience that fosters healing and advances a society built on equity and inclusivity.

We curate enriching and educational community programs that celebrate diverse perspectives and empower individuals with different identities to connect and collaborate. Through the exploration of history, arts, and culture, we aim to foster meaningful dialogues that pave the way for healing, genuine inclusiveness, and a sense of belonging.

We firmly believe that sustainable transformation starts with nurturing relationships, addressing conflicts, implementing strategies to dismantle oppression, and actively advocating for change.

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