Overtown, Miami, Florida

Overtown is located just northwest of downtown Miami, Florida, United States. Overtown is bounded by NW 5th Street to the South, NW 20th Street to the North, the FEC Corridor and NW 1st Avenue to the East, and NW 7th Avenue to the West. It is adjacent to the neighborhoods of Allapattah, Spring Garden, Wynwood, Park West and is directly north of Downtown. The neighborhood is bisected east-west by Interstate 95 (I-95) and north-south by Interstate 395. At its peak, Overtown was home to more than 40,000 residents. As of 2000, it had a population of approximately 10,029, of which more than 74.77% are African American or black.cite web |url=http://www.miamigov.com/Planning/pages/services/Census.asp |title=Demographics of Overtown Miami, FL. |publisher=miamigov.com |accessdate=2008-06-11]

Longtime residents of the neighborhood are affectionately known to each other as "Towners" and they represent themselves and the neighborhood by the popular phrase, "Towners For Life!"

Demographics

As of 2000,cite web |url=http://www.miamigov.com/Planning/pages/services/Census.asp |title=Demographics of Overtown Miami, FL |publisher=miamigov.com |accessdate=2008-06-11] Overtown had a population of 10,029 residents, with 3,646 households, and 2,128 families residing in the city. The median household income was $13,211.99. The racial makeup of the neighborhood was 19.90% Hispanic or Latino of any race, 74.77% Black or African American, 3.27% White (non-Hispanic), and 2.05% Other races (non-Hispanic).

History

Overtown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Miami. In 1896 the City of Miami was incorporated when Henry Flagler, who was building the railroad, needed a place for workers to live. Because segregation and Jim Crow laws prevented Blacks from living within any area they desired, the land west of the railroad tracks was designated as “Colored Town.” This was the beginning of a unique Black community that is now known as Overtown.

Despite segregation, Colored Town grew into a vibrant community. The people attracted for jobs made schools, businesses and churches flourish. Blacks created everything for themselves. In 1904 the City of Miami directory listed numerous businesses that included hotels, grocery and furniture stores, markets, barbershops, theaters, and nightclubs. Manufacturing was limited to the production of “soda water” at the Cola Nip Bottling company, owned and operated by two black men, Osbourne Jenkins and William Sampson.

Tourists of all races and locals alike enjoyed the vibrant life of the area. Overtown was a place known for its nightly entertainment, exotic restaurants and active churches. Celebrities such as Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, Josephine Baker, Billy Holiday, Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin and many other artists performed year round at the Sir John Hotel, Mary Elizabeth Hotel, the Lyric Theater and other Overtown establishments. In addition, many prominent Blacks such as W. E. B. Du Bois, Zora Neale Hurston, Joe Louis and Jackie Robinson stayed in Overtown when vacationing in Miami.

Over the years Overtown lost its magic. Many of its core middle class and more successful residents moved out of the area to newer housing as Jim Crow laws were overturned and Blacks had more choices for where they could live. In the 1960s, two interstates were constructed through the heart of the neighborhood, which displaced many residents. In the 1970s, urban renewal programs called for demolition of older housing in Overtown. Although intended for improvement, these programs displaced even more residents. In the 1980s, civil disturbances rocked the neighborhood. Many buildings were destroyed and abandoned, or fell into disrepair.

Overtown became and still is one of the poorest neighborhoods in Miami. Since 2000 the Overtown Renaissance, a movement to restore the neighborhood, has begun. Over the next five years, middle-class housing will continue to be built in the area, as the downtown Miami area presses on Overtown.

Landmarks

Overtown is home to several historic churches and landmarks, including Greater Bethel AME, Mt. Zion, St. John Baptist, and St. Agnes Episcopal. Mt. Olivette Missionary Baptist Church is also known as Nassau Missionary Baptist because of its Bahamian roots. Some of the neighborhood historic landmarks are the Dorsey House, reconstructed home of the first black millionaire in Miami D.A.Dorsey; Old Black Police Precinct, home of the only black courthouse and police station in Miami; and L.E. Thomas Building, home of the first black magistrate in Miami.

The Lyric Theater

." The Lyric Theater served as a symbol of black economic influence, as well as a social gathering place free of discrimination. It was a source of pride and culture within Overtown.

The theater anchored the district known as "Little Broadway," an area alive with hotels, restaurants and nightclubs frequented by both black and white tourists and residents. Clyde Killens, a local resident and entertainment promoter, was primarily responsible for bringing black entertainers -- who could perform in the clubs on Miami Beach but not stay in the hotels -- to Overtown, the Lyric Theater and "Little Broadway." Little Broadway's roster of stars was spectacular, featuring such performers as Count Basie, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, the Ink Spots, B.B. King, Patti LaBelle, Ella Fitzgerald, Redd Foxx and Mary Wells.

Patterns of entertainment changed at the same time as Overtown's population and businesses began to decline in the 1960's. The Lyric Theater closed and has remained shuttered for four decades.

The Future

Development pressure is increasing on Overtown, with promises of new housing and retail projects that will bring middle-class residents to downtown's historically black neighborhood. Even as developers maneuver to remake the area, Overtown's population continues to be the poorest of Miami's neighborhoods.

Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning, through his foundation, opened the Overtown Youth Center in 2002. The center provides out of school educational and cultural opportunites to neighborhood kids and has already begun graduating formerly at risk children through the program and off to college. It is considered one of the most successful charitable efforts by a professional athlete in all of America. Mourning is currently planning a second facility in the city of Miami Gardens.

Education

*Miami-Dade County Public Schools serves Overtown.
*Booker T. Washington High School serves Overtown.

References