History as a Blueprint: Learning from the Past
As South Florida People of Color (SFPoC) celebrates its 10th anniversary, we reflect on history—not to mourn outdated systems but to learn from them and build better ones. History reveals the deep roots of systemic oppression, exemplified by figures like Woodrow Wilson. Wilson, a former U.S. president and president of Princeton University, was a clever leader whose policies were deeply racist, including his support for segregation in federal workplaces. His legacy reminds us how institutions have been designed to uphold inequity rather than dismantle it.
The solution is not to restore these systems but to create new ones that address the needs of all people. Indigenous communities have long modeled collective survival rooted in shared resources and mutual care—values we must embrace as we move forward.
Why Our Work Matters Today
America was built on racism, and Black people have always been a threat to the lie of white supremacy culture. The brilliance of Black culture continuously defines this country despite systems designed to keep communities insecure. Today, as the mask of denial has been stripped away—exposing truths many have long ignored—it’s clear that collective action is the only path forward.
What does this mean? It means rejecting individualism, which capitalism has weaponized to divide us into fear-based survival modes where each person looks out for themselves. Our survival has always been rooted in the collective—community is our immunity against injustice. At SFPoC, we foster radical democracy through solidarity, shared resources, and mutual aid.
Our Programming: 10 Years of Impact
Since our founding in Miami Shores in 2015, SFPoC has grown into a leading force for Equity and Inclusion (E&I) in South Florida. Through our award-winning programs, we’ve empowered individuals to confront systemic inequities while fostering connection and understanding:
The Award-winning "Awkward Dinner" Series:
These dinners provide brave spaces for candid conversations about race and identity, helping participants confront discomfort and deepen their understanding of systemic issues.
Unity360 Community Dialogues
Open conversations exploring race, gender, sexual orientation, and other identities build empathy and promote unity across differences.
Redline Historical Bus Tours:
Participants uncover the lasting impact of discriminatory practices on South Florida neighborhoods while gaining insight into ongoing changes shaping these communities today.
Unity360 Cultural Event Programming
Experiential programs tailored to meet unique community needs inspire meaningful engagement with Equity and Inclusion issues through storytelling and interactive activities.
The Unity360 Institute:
Comprehensive E&I programs equip organizations with tools to address systemic challenges and foster inclusive environments.
Through these initiatives, we’ve uplifted communities by educating individuals on past and present inequities, fostering an understanding of personal and systemic biases, and inspiring collective action to address systemic issues.
A Call to Action: Building Resilient Communities
As we look ahead to celebrating this milestone anniversary in Fall 2025, we invite you to join us in shaping an equitable future. The challenges we face today—from retrenchment against E&I efforts to economic inequities—require bold collective action. We must organize, find our people, fortify our communities, and educate ourselves about our rights. Allies cannot remain silent; visibility matters now more than ever.
Let’s resist systems designed to divide us by embracing solidarity economies rooted in truth, connection, and love. Together, we can build something new—a future where dignity is afforded to all and communities thrive through collaboration.