Redlining, a discriminatory practice dating back to the New Deal era, has left an indelible mark on the communities of Miami and Broward. Our Redline Bus Tours aim to bridge the educational gap, encourage dialogue, preserve the history and forge connections by delving into the complex historical realities shaped by these practices.
SFPoC started doing Redline Tours in 2018; this field trip took us to the neighborhoods that have struggled under the weight of historically discriminatory practices and witnessed changes that are occurring today due to South Florida’s rapid growth and climate gentrification.
During Black History Month and November 2023, we traverse Overtown, Liberty City, and Brownsville, unveiling the historical underpinnings of these neighborhoods. Guided by expert narration, our tour sheds light on the enduring inequities rooted in Redline practices dating back to the Roosevelt Administration's New Deal era in the 1930s. During a lunch stop at a local eatery, participants engage in a group dialogue to process and internalize the revelations of the tour, fostering a deeper connection to the region's history.
Our Goals:
Educational Empowerment
Disseminate in-depth knowledge about the historical context of Redlining.
Cultural, History & Preservation
Preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of affected communities.
Community Connection
Foster dialogue and understanding among diverse participants.
Sustainability & Customizable
Develop a sustainable model for ongoing Redline Tours in South Florida.
Tour Facilitation
Our Redline Bus Tours are meticulously curated experiences led by experienced facilitators. Facilitators engage participants with historical narratives, facilitate group discussions after the tour, and provide educational materials to deepen the understanding of the tour's significance. Additionally, these facilitated guided tours shed light on historical inequities, promoting deeper connections to the region's history and encouraging empathetic engagement.
Cities Explored
Tailoring the tours to specific cities ensures a comprehensive exploration of each area's historical significance, ultimately enriching our understanding of South Florida's past and inspiring a more enlightened future.
Liberty City
Explore the Segregation Wall, Millionaires Row, and the Exodus of the African American middle class.
Brownsville
Foster dialogue and understanding among diverse participants.
Overtown
Visit historic landmarks, including Greater Bethel AME Church, Lyric Theatre, and Black Police Precinct.
Other locations to tour
Coconut Grove, Little Haiti, Wynwood, Allapattah, Virginia Key Beach, etc.
This tour will shed light on the enduring legacy of redlining and its profound impact on communities in Miami, specifically Overtown, Liberty City, Brownsville, and other neighborhoods such as Wynwood and Allapattah. Redlining, a discriminatory practice originating from the 1930s, continued long after the Civil Rights Fair Housing Laws of the 1960s, persisting in more subtle forms even today.
Join us on this tour to understand the historical context, challenges, and ongoing legacy of redlining that continues to shape Miami's neighbourhoods and communities.
In the mid-20th century, Overtown became home to the Black Police Precinct and Courthouse, created to address racial injustices and segregation in law enforcement. Although the precinct was in operation for only 13 years, it was converted into a museum in 2009, preserving its historical significance for future generations.
Today, Overtown is experiencing a renaissance led by various agencies and community development organizations. Efforts are underway to revitalize the neighborhood while preserving its historic character. The Historic Overtown Folklife Village, a two-block area, is being developed to provide retail, cultural, and entertainment options. The village is a designated Main Street community, focusing on themes such as the African Diaspora and the "Harlem Renaissance," celebrating the Black experience through the arts.
Numerous historic sites and new constructions with a historic character are being developed, offering mixed-use facilities, flexible spaces, and green areas to create a safe and creative environment. Overtown is once again on the path to becoming a thriving tourist destination, with a focus on heritage and cultural preservation.
The Lyric Theater, a centerpiece of Overtown, reopened in 2000 after being closed for forty years. This historic venue now hosts literary, visual, and performing arts events for both tourists and residents. Overtown's rich history and vibrant future continue to unfold, making it a place where culture, resilience, and community spirit shine.
Brownsville/Historic Hampton House -
Featured in the Negro Travelers Guide the Green Book, for many years this architectural community jewel was the place that Muhammad Ali, Sam Cook, Jim Brown, Malcolm X stayed during trips to Miami, and where Martin Luther King honed his 'I have a Dream Speech.' On the guided tour from Overtown participants will see the heart of the community on a drive down Martin Luther King Boulevard.
The 1960s were also a tumultuous time in Miami with racial inequality and segregation laws being strictly enforced. While Muhammad Ali had his star-making win in Miami Beach on February 25, 1964, he was not allowed to spend the night in Miami Beach because of Jim Crow's segregation laws. Instead, he went to the Hampton House Motel in Brownsville, a story later shared on the big screen in "One Night In Miami," directed by Regina King. The Historic Hampton House was just outside of Miami's Brownsville neighborhood on the mainland, where Ali celebrated with his friend Malcolm X. It's said that he enjoyed a bowl of ice cream to mark his big win.
Despite facing challenges such as racial tensions and the encroachment of low-income housing, Brownsville has remained a neighborhood with character and pride. The Brownsville Neighborhood Civic Association has been dedicated to preserving the community's integrity by fighting for improvements in schools, lighting, streets, safety, cleanliness, recreational facilities, and more.