Rosa Park's Birthday
2028-02-04 | FL
Rosa Louise McCauley Parks (February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005)

Rosa Parks was an American activist in the civil rights movement best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The United States Congress has called her “the first lady of civil rights” and “the mother of the freedom movement”.

On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Parks rejected bus driver James F. Blake’s order to relinquish her seat in the “colored section” to a white passenger, after the whites-only section was filled. Parks was not the first person to resist bus segregation, but the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) believed that she was the best candidate for seeing through a court challenge after her arrest for civil disobedience in violating Alabama segregation laws. Parks’ prominence in the community and her willingness to become a controversial figure inspired the Black community to boycott the Montgomery buses for over a year, the first major direct action campaign of the post-war civil rights movement. This year-long boycott resulted in the desegregation of buses in Montgomery, Alabama on December 20, 1956. Rosa Parks remained a civil rights activist until her passing. When she passed away in 2005, she became the first female American who was not an elected official to lie in honor in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol.
Image: Rosa Parks in a beauty salon in Miami, 1986. Courtesy of the Library of Congress

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
2028-01-18 | FL
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Did you know…Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made frequent trips to Miami throughout his life, and even delivered an early version of his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the Hampton House in 1960?

On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law, designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The legislation to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first introduced just four days after his assassination on April 4, 1968. Still, it would take 15 years of persistence by civil rights activists for the holiday to be approved by the federal government and an additional 17 years for it to be recognized in all 50 states. Today, it is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities.

In 1977, Miami became the first city in the United States to organize a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade. The parade, which has been taking place for over 40 years occurs along Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd in Liberty City.

Image: Float representing the city of Opa-Locka parades down Martin Luther King Boulevard on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19, 1987. Joe Raedle, photographer. Courtesy of HistoryMiami Museum.

Patriot Day
2027-09-11 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
Patriot Day

On September 11, 2001, our nation experienced a heartbreaking tragedy. On this day, four coordinated terrorist attacks were carried out by al-Qaeda, an Islamist extremist group.

Nineteen terrorists from al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes, deliberately crashing two of the planes into the upper floors of the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center complex and a third plane into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The Twin Towers ultimately collapsed because of the damage sustained from the impacts and the resulting fires. After learning about the other attacks, passengers on the fourth hijacked plane, Flight 93, fought back, and the plane was crashed into an empty field in western Pennsylvania about 20 minutes by air from Washington, D.C.
The attacks killed 2,977 people from 93 nations: 2,753 people were killed in New York; 184 people were killed at the Pentagon; and 40 people were killed on Flight 93. The attacks of September 11 will never be forgotten. The victims, as well as the heroes who responded when called upon, remain in our hearts and minds forever.

The image shown here is of members of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Florida Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team, who were present at Ground Zero. In 2011, they were presented with a piece of a steel beam from the World Trade Center collapse. This, along with images of MDFR employees working at the World Trade Center after the attacks are on display in the front lobby of MDFR Headquarters at 9300 NW 41 Street.
Image courtesy of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue

Anniversary | National Negro Business League
2027-08-23 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
Booker T. Washington creates the National Negro Business League

The Negro Business League was founded by Booker T. Washington on August 23, 1900 to promote the interests of Black businesses all over the country.

The League, created initially in Boston, Massachusetts, included small business owners, doctors, farmers, craftsmen, and other professionals.
Booker T. Washington felt that there was a need for African Americans to build an economic network and allow that to be a catalyst for change and social improvement. The League also helped these businesses with merchandising and advertising problems, promoting them in Black newspapers and magazines.

Image: Letter from the Negro Business League to the City of Miami Chief of Police and the Director of Public Safety. In this letter, they petition for Civil Service status for the Black policemen of Miami. Black Police Precinct & Courthouse Museum archives.

AN AFTERNOON WITH GARY TYLER
2025-12-07 13:30 (America/New_York) | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
Join Books & Books at the Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum for a discussion of Gary Tyler’s memoir Stitching Freedom.
In 1975, after being wrongfully charged with the killing of a white teenager and found guilty by an all-white jury, Gary Tyler was sent to Angola prison to die. He was only seventeen years old at the time, making him the youngest prisoner on death row in the United States. After more than four decades in prison, Gary Tyler was released in 2016. Despite massive evidence of his innocence, he was never exonerated. His case has become a symbol of the systemic racial inequalities in the U.S. criminal legal system.
Gary Tyler will be in conversation with museum director Terrence Cribbs-Lorrant, to talk about how he not only survived, but triumphed over this injustice. He will pay tribute to other incarcerated individuals who became his guardians and mentors and talk about discovering himself as an artist.
Reserve your Free Spot and Join Us
About the Book:
In the tradition of books by Albert Woodfox and Angela Davis, this gripping memoir of a wrongful conviction and time spent on death row in Angola prison shows how incarcerated people care for each other and fight for justice
In 1975, seventeen-year-old Gary Tyler was sent to Angola prison to die. A year earlier, he had been wrongfully charged with the killing of a white teenager and found guilty by an all-white jury, making Gary the youngest prisoner on death row in the United States
Following his conviction, Amnesty International and investigative reporters documented the brutal treatment, fabricated evidence, recanted testimony, and repeated injustices that led to his sentencing. Three times Gary was recommended for a pardon; three times Louisiana governors refused to accept the political risk. After more than four decades in prison, Tyler was released in 2016—but he was never exonerated.
This is not a story of mistaken identity or circumstantial evidence, but one of systemic injustice from an institution hard-wired into a legacy of slavery—in effect, this was a legal lynching. While detailing the injustice, Gary’s memoir is also a remarkable story of pride, forgiveness, community, and triumph. With insight and heart, he shows how he learned to reject bitterness and fight for freedom, helped by activists such as Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace on the inside and relentless support from a mass movement on the outside. Stitching Freedom is the page-turning narrative with which Gary reclaims his power.
About the Author:
Gary Tyler is an artist and a spokesperson for justice. As a teenager, he was framed for shooting a white teen in Louisiana and sentenced to death by an all-white jury. He spent more than four decades at Angola Prison, where he galvanized a movement that grew to have national and international support. In prison, Gary became a freedom fighter, a mentor, head of the Drama Club, a hospice volunteer and a quilt artist. Upon his release, he got involved in the fight to end the death penalty. His work is in the National Museum of African-American History and Culture in D.C and the Historic New Orleans Collection. Last year, Gary was awarded a Right of Return Fellowship and the 2024 Frieze LA Impact Prize, recognizing artists who use their talents to address social justice issues. He holds an honorary doctorate of fine arts from MassArt. Stitching Freedom is his first book.

About the Moderator:
Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant, known as the performing artist VesSouL, is a humanities/cultural curator with a special approach to performing arts. He serves as the Museum Director for the City of Miami Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum. Terrance is the creative conductor behind #BlackCollectorsGallery, inspiring Black people to collect and share Black art. Since 2005, Terrance has been pushing the motto You Make The Change. com, a motivational tool promoting personal accountability to see/experience the positive change you want to see. He is also increasing awareness of tokenized (black) art/ NFT within the black/brown community. His research and exhibit “The Red Line Letter: Our Eyes Are Open” was featured in the museum’s 2018 Soul Art Basel. Terrance’s written work, “The Rite to Riot,” is being reviewed for publication and was part of the National Organizations of Black Law Enforcement (N.O.B.L.E.) 2019 Conference.
Get the Book

Everyday People Exhibit
2025-12-03 10:00 - 2026-03-02 17:00 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
The Everyday People Exhibit Is Coming to Miami! And we’re excited to host Part I & II right here in Overtown Soul Basel

VIP Art BaselOvertown Soul Basel
Museum Membership: Enthusiast, Advocate, Patron

RSVP

Everyday People Opening Reception
2025-12-02 14:00 - 17:00 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
The Everyday People Exhibit Is Coming to Miami! And we’re excited to host Part I & II right here in Overtown Soul Basel

Opening Reception:
December 2nd 2:00pm-5:00pm TICKETS REQUIREDVIP Art BaselOvertown Soul Basel
Museum Membership: Enthusiast, Advocate, Patron

RSVP

Give Miami Day
2025-11-20 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
Your contribution on Give Miami Day is instrumental in helping us preserve and celebrate the rich history of local law enforcement in our community.
Thanks to your generosity, we’re able to enhance our exhibits, expand our educational programs, and reach more community members with our mission. Every dollar you donate will make a significant impact, and we are incredibly grateful for your partnership. For the Black Police Precinct & Courthose Museum, this day is our most crucial fundraising opportunity of the year, and your continued support is essential. The funds raised enable us to honor the legacy of Miami’s Black officers and educate future generations about their contributions.
Please mark your calendar and consider supporting the museum. Together, we can ensure that the stories and achievements of our local law enforcement history are preserved for years to come. We look forward to your participation in this year’s Give Miami Day and are grateful for your unwavering support.

Visit Our Donation Page

Lt. Archie McKay Pre-Celebration of 100th Birthday
2025-11-14 11:00 - 14:00 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
City of Miami Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum to Honor 100-Year-Old World War II Veteran and Retired Lieutenant Archie McKay
Community Fundraiser to Celebrate “We Too Sing America” – a Reflection of Black Service, Sacrifice and Pride as the Nation Approaches its 250th Anniversary
The City of Miami Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum proudly announces a Centennial Celebration and Community Day in honor of Lieutenant Archie McKay, a decorated World War II veteran and one of the last living officers from the historic “Negro-Only” Precinct. The event will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 480 NW 11th Street, Miami, FL 33136, and will serve as a community-wide fundraiser under this year’s unifying theme:
“We Too Sing America.”
This annual theme—echoing the powerful words of poet Langston Hughes—centers the Museum’s 2025–2026 fundraising and programming efforts as the nation prepares to commemorate 250 years of the United States of America in 2026. The campaign seeks to uplift untold stories of patriotism, resilience, and cultural contribution that have long been omitted from America’s official narrative.
“Through the life of Lt. Archie McKay, we hear the steady drumbeat of a people who have always loved, defended, and improved this country—even when it refused to love them back,” said Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant, Museum Director. “We Too Sing America is not just our theme—it is our declaration that the African American story is central to the American story.”
Lt. McKay’s journey exemplifies that truth. Born in an era of segregation, he graduated from Booker T. Washington Senior High School in 1948, and just five days after his 18th birthday, he enlisted to serve his country in World War II. Upon returning home, he accepted a friendly dare from his peers to join the police force—an act of courage that would make history. In 1958, McKay joined the Miami Police Department at a time when Black officers were not permitted to attend the police academy, instead relying on their own intellect, discipline, and lived experience to serve with distinction.
Assigned to the Negro Precinct from until 1964, Lt. McKay served during the height of segregation until the federal government required the integration of all federal buildings. During his tenure, he became Miami’s first Black detective, revered for his ability to bridge the divide between law enforcement and the community. His service not only solved cases but restored faith within neighborhoods too often overlooked or marginalized.
Now approaching his 100th birthday on November 15, 2025, Lt. McKay stands as one of only three living officers who served at the original precinct—an enduring symbol of honor, discipline, and humanity.
The Centennial Celebration will feature reflections from civic leaders, musical tributes, and a special performance by the Booker T. Washington Senior High School Band, performing both the school’s Alma Mater and the historic “Toronado Flight” song in tribute to their esteemed alumnus.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Museum’s “We Too Sing America” Fund, supporting historical preservation, youth engagement, and the creation of new educational exhibits leading up to the U.S. Semiquincentennial (250th Anniversary) in 2026.

Founders Day Weekend
2025-09-05 08:00 - 2025-09-07 17:00 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States

BARS Exhibited [BEing] Panel Discussion
2025-05-30 17:30 - 20:30 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
Join us for a panel discussion relating to our latest exhibition, BARS Exhibited [BEing].
Speakers to be announced.

This Woman's Work: The Power of a Woman's Touch
2025-03-14 11:00 - 14:00 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
The Black Police Precinct & Courthouse Museum proudly announces the second installment of This Woman’s Work: The Power of a Woman’s Touch, an exhibition celebrating the trailblazing Black women in the judiciary space. The exhibition, featuring 100 plates by Chief Anita Najiy, will open with a special luncheon on March 14 to honor these women and their contributions to law enforcement and the legal system.
Curated by Chief Anita Najiy, the first female Assistant Chief of the City of Miami Police Department, this exhibit is a profound artistic initiative that highlights the impact of Black women in shaping judiciary and law enforcement practices. Using a blend of glass, mixed media print, and fabric, Chief Najiy captures the powerful imagery of these women, bringing their stories to life in a way that underscores their enduring influence.
The museum will host a luncheon unveiling on March 14, where attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the exhibit, hear from distinguished speakers, and reflect on the legacies of these pioneering women.
Speakers include:

Trina Harris – CEO, Touching Miami with Love
Stephanie Daniels – Former Director, Miami-Dade County Police Department
Sybrina Fulton – Founder, Trayvon Martin Foundation

Opening Reception | Grief Not Guilty: Reclaiming My Time
2024-12-05 16:00 - 17:00 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
The Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum is honored to invite you to the opening reception of the powerful exhibition, Grief Not Guilty: Reclaiming My Time.
Event Schedule:

1:00 PM – VIP Ticketed Event*Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and spirits sponsored by Black Art Guide (B.A.G.) in an exclusive setting.
2:30 PM – Artist & Panel Conversation**Featuring artist Gary Tyler, represented by Library Street Collective. Join us for an engaging discussion with the artist and panelists as they explore the themes of the exhibit.
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Exhibit Opening to the PublicExperience this thought-provoking exhibition as it opens to the public

* Click here to get your VIP reception tickets, or please contact us at events@historicalblackprecinct.org or call 305-329-2513.** Click here To RSVP for the Artist & Panel Conversation, RSVP REQUIRED (THIS TICKET IS FREE) RSVP is required because seating will be limited to the capacity of the building, RSVP does not guarantee seating. A VIP Ticket includes this RSVP. More questions, please contact director@historicalblackprecinct.orgThanks to our sponsors at Art of Black Miami/Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, we can offer support to formerly incarcerated individuals and the families of those currently incarcerated, making it possible for them to attend free of charge.⁠ If you or someone you know has been incarcerated and would like to attend this event, please email Director@HistoricalBlackPrecinct.org.
We look forward to seeing you at this meaningful celebration of art and history!
About the Artist:

Gary Tyler was just 16 years old when he was charged with shooting a white student in 1974 and sentenced to death, a crime that, many witnesses agree, he did not commit. Mr. Tyler, then a sophomore in high school in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, was riding a school bus that was attacked by a segregationist mob. In the chaos, someone fired a shot that killed a 13-year-old white boy, Timothy Weber. After Mr. Tyler, who is Black, spoke to one of the deputies, he was arrested for allegedly disturbing the peace. He was beaten while in custody, charged with first-degree murder, convicted by an all-white jury, and sentenced to death. In all, he spent 41 years at Angola prison.
Now, Mr. Tyler is debuting his first solo art exhibition in Detroit, Michigan at the Library Street Collective. The exhibition features a series of quilts made by Mr. Tyler and is called “We are the Willing,” which was also the motto of the Angola prison’s drama club where Mr. Tyler served as president for 28 years. The series features both quilted self-portraits and brightly colored quilts of butterflies, plants, and birds. In an interview, Mr. Tyler explained “I wanted to do something that was provocative, eye-opening, where the audience, when they leave, they’ll leave with an impression that this individual, you would say he didn’t allow the conditions of prison to dehumanize him. He didn’t allow the prison to destroy his character.”

Mr. Tyler’s sentence was converted to life in prison without parole in 1976 after Louisiana’s mandatory death sentencing regime was struck down as unconstitutional. In 1981, a federal appeals court found that Mr. Tyler’s conviction was unconstitutional but denied him a new trial. Several of the witnesses who testified against him at trial later recanted their testimony and claimed that they had been threatened by police to testify against him. During the 41 years Mr. Tyler served in prison, he was considered a mentor to many other prisoners, and was recommended by the Louisiana Pardon Board for a pardon three times. Despite this, Mr. Tyler remained in prison until two U.S. Supreme Court cases struck down mandatory life without parole for juveniles, and he had an opportunity to again seek parole.
Mr. Tyler learned how to quilt in prison. He spoke of how his mother and grandmother both sewed and how he was able to volunteer with a charity that raised funds for the prison hospice by auctioning off quilts sewed by him and other prisoners. He explained that sewing was a way to feel connected to his mother, who passed away before he was released.
Mr. Tyler spoke about the symbolism in his quilts. He uses butterflies to represent his life’s journey: “I saw my time in prison as being almost like a cocoon. Now that I am free it’s like I’m a butterfly.”
Mr. Tyler was released in May of 2016, and although he still professes his innocence, he was required to plead guilty to manslaughter before being paroled. The plea prevents Mr. Tyler from receiving any reimbursement for his time in prison, nor is he officially considered an exoneree. –Death Penalty Information Center

Artist & Panel Conversation | Grief Not Guilty: Reclaiming My Time
2024-12-05 14:30 - 16:00 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
The Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum is honored to invite you to the opening reception of the powerful exhibition, Grief Not Guilty: Reclaiming My Time.
Event Schedule:

1:00 PM – VIP Ticketed Event* Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and spirits sponsored by Black Art Guide (B.A.G.) in an exclusive setting. Get your Ticket Here!
2:30 PM – Artist & Panel Conversation**Featuring artist Gary Tyler, represented by Library Street Collective. Join us for an engaging discussion with the artist and panelists as they explore the themes of the exhibit.RSVP above.
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Exhibit Opening to the PublicExperience this thought-provoking exhibition as it opens to the public.

* For more information on VIP reception tickets, please contact us at events@historicalblackprecinct.org or call 305-329-2513.** To RSVP for the Artist & Panel Conversation, or please contact director@historicalblackprecinct.org
Thanks to our sponsors at Art of Black Miami/Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, we can offer support to formerly incarcerated individuals and the families of those currently incarcerated, making it possible for them to attend free of charge.⁠ If you or someone you know has been incarcerated and would like to attend this event, please email Director@HistoricalBlackPrecinct.org.
We look forward to seeing you at this meaningful celebration of art and history!
About the Artist:

Gary Tyler was just 16 years old when he was charged with shooting a white student in 1974 and sentenced to death, a crime that, many witnesses agree, he did not commit. Mr. Tyler, then a sophomore in high school in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, was riding a school bus that was attacked by a segregationist mob. In the chaos, someone fired a shot that killed a 13-year-old white boy, Timothy Weber. After Mr. Tyler, who is Black, spoke to one of the deputies, he was arrested for allegedly disturbing the peace. He was beaten while in custody, charged with first-degree murder, convicted by an all-white jury, and sentenced to death. In all, he spent 41 years at Angola prison.
Now, Mr. Tyler is debuting his first solo art exhibition in Detroit, Michigan at the Library Street Collective. The exhibition features a series of quilts made by Mr. Tyler and is called “We are the Willing,” which was also the motto of the Angola prison’s drama club where Mr. Tyler served as president for 28 years. The series features both quilted self-portraits and brightly colored quilts of butterflies, plants, and birds. In an interview, Mr. Tyler explained “I wanted to do something that was provocative, eye-opening, where the audience, when they leave, they’ll leave with an impression that this individual, you would say he didn’t allow the conditions of prison to dehumanize him. He didn’t allow the prison to destroy his character.”

Mr. Tyler’s sentence was converted to life in prison without parole in 1976 after Louisiana’s mandatory death sentencing regime was struck down as unconstitutional. In 1981, a federal appeals court found that Mr. Tyler’s conviction was unconstitutional but denied him a new trial. Several of the witnesses who testified against him at trial later recanted their testimony and claimed that they had been threatened by police to testify against him. During the 41 years Mr. Tyler served in prison, he was considered a mentor to many other prisoners, and was recommended by the Louisiana Pardon Board for a pardon three times. Despite this, Mr. Tyler remained in prison until two U.S. Supreme Court cases struck down mandatory life without parole for juveniles, and he had an opportunity to again seek parole.
Mr. Tyler learned how to quilt in prison. He spoke of how his mother and grandmother both sewed and how he was able to volunteer with a charity that raised funds for the prison hospice by auctioning off quilts sewed by him and other prisoners. He explained that sewing was a way to feel connected to his mother, who passed away before he was released.
Mr. Tyler spoke about the symbolism in his quilts. He uses butterflies to represent his life’s journey: “I saw my time in prison as being almost like a cocoon. Now that I am free it’s like I’m a butterfly.”
Mr. Tyler was released in May of 2016, and although he still professes his innocence, he was required to plead guilty to manslaughter before being paroled. The plea prevents Mr. Tyler from receiving any reimbursement for his time in prison, nor is he officially considered an exoneree. –Death Penalty Information Center

VIP Reception | Grief Not Guilty: Reclaiming My Time
2024-12-05 13:00 - 14:30 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
The Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum is honored to invite you to the opening reception of the powerful exhibition, Grief Not Guilty: Reclaiming My Time.
Event Schedule:

1:00 PM – VIP Ticketed Event* Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and spirits sponsored by Black Art Guide (B.A.G.) in an exclusive setting. Get your ticket with the above form!
2:30 PM – Artist & Panel Conversation**Featuring artist Gary Tyler, represented by Library Street Collective. Join us for an engaging discussion with the artist and panelists as they explore the themes of the exhibit.
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Exhibit Opening to the PublicExperience this thought-provoking exhibition as it opens to the public.

* For more information on VIP reception tickets, please contact us at events@historicalblackprecinct.org or call 305-329-2513.** Click here To RSVP for the Artist & Panel Conversation, RSVP REQUIRED (THIS TICKET IS FREE) RSVP is required because seating will be limited to the capacity of the building, RSVP does not guarantee seating. A VIP Ticket includes this RSVP. More questions, please contact director@historicalblackprecinct.org

Thanks to our sponsors at Art of Black Miami/Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, we can offer support to formerly incarcerated individuals and the families of those currently incarcerated, making it possible for them to attend free of charge.⁠ If you or someone you know has been incarcerated and would like to attend this event, please email Director@HistoricalBlackPrecinct.org.
We look forward to seeing you at this meaningful celebration of art and history!
About the Artist:

Gary Tyler was just 16 years old when he was charged with shooting a white student in 1974 and sentenced to death, a crime that, many witnesses agree, he did not commit. Mr. Tyler, then a sophomore in high school in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, was riding a school bus that was attacked by a segregationist mob. In the chaos, someone fired a shot that killed a 13-year-old white boy, Timothy Weber. After Mr. Tyler, who is Black, spoke to one of the deputies, he was arrested for allegedly disturbing the peace. He was beaten while in custody, charged with first-degree murder, convicted by an all-white jury, and sentenced to death. In all, he spent 41 years at Angola prison.
Now, Mr. Tyler is debuting his first solo art exhibition in Detroit, Michigan at the Library Street Collective. The exhibition features a series of quilts made by Mr. Tyler and is called “We are the Willing,” which was also the motto of the Angola prison’s drama club where Mr. Tyler served as president for 28 years. The series features both quilted self-portraits and brightly colored quilts of butterflies, plants, and birds. In an interview, Mr. Tyler explained “I wanted to do something that was provocative, eye-opening, where the audience, when they leave, they’ll leave with an impression that this individual, you would say he didn’t allow the conditions of prison to dehumanize him. He didn’t allow the prison to destroy his character.”

Mr. Tyler’s sentence was converted to life in prison without parole in 1976 after Louisiana’s mandatory death sentencing regime was struck down as unconstitutional. In 1981, a federal appeals court found that Mr. Tyler’s conviction was unconstitutional but denied him a new trial. Several of the witnesses who testified against him at trial later recanted their testimony and claimed that they had been threatened by police to testify against him. During the 41 years Mr. Tyler served in prison, he was considered a mentor to many other prisoners, and was recommended by the Louisiana Pardon Board for a pardon three times. Despite this, Mr. Tyler remained in prison until two U.S. Supreme Court cases struck down mandatory life without parole for juveniles, and he had an opportunity to again seek parole.
Mr. Tyler learned how to quilt in prison. He spoke of how his mother and grandmother both sewed and how he was able to volunteer with a charity that raised funds for the prison hospice by auctioning off quilts sewed by him and other prisoners. He explained that sewing was a way to feel connected to his mother, who passed away before he was released.
Mr. Tyler spoke about the symbolism in his quilts. He uses butterflies to represent his life’s journey: “I saw my time in prison as being almost like a cocoon. Now that I am free it’s like I’m a butterfly.”
Mr. Tyler was released in May of 2016, and although he still professes his innocence, he was required to plead guilty to manslaughter before being paroled. The plea prevents Mr. Tyler from receiving any reimbursement for his time in prison, nor is he officially considered an exoneree. –Death Penalty Information Center

Give Miami Day
2024-11-21 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
Your contribution on Give Miami Day is instrumental in helping us preserve and celebrate the rich history of local law enforcement in our community.
Thanks to your generosity, we’re able to enhance our exhibits, expand our educational programs, and reach more community members with our mission. Every dollar you donate will make a significant impact, and we are incredibly grateful for your partnership. For the Black Police Precinct & Courthose Museum, this day is our most crucial fundraising opportunity of the year, and your continued support is essential. The funds raised enable us to honor the legacy of Miami’s Black officers and educate future generations about their contributions.
Please mark your calendar and consider supporting the museum. Together, we can ensure that the stories and achievements of our local law enforcement history are preserved for years to come. We look forward to your participation in this year’s Give Miami Day and are grateful for your unwavering support.

Download our Pledge Card

Visit Our Donation Page

Juneteenth Museum Day
2024-06-19 10:00 - 16:00 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
Occupy Overtown presents Juneteenth Freedom Week
Wednesday, June 1910:00 a.m.Admission: FREE

We’re thrilled to announce that in honor of Juneteenth, our museum will be offering FREE admission to all visitors on Wednesday, June 19! Join us as we celebrate this important day in history and reflect on the ongoing journey toward freedom and equality.
For more information on other programming occurring throughout the community, click here.

Stopping Gun Violence: National Gun Violence Awareness Day
2024-06-07 10:30 - 13:30 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
Stopping Gun Violence:
National Gun Violence Awareness Day
Friday, June 710:30 a.m.Admission: FREE

The Black Police Precinct & Courthouse Museum, in partnership with the Affirming YOUth Foundation, Efroymson Family Fund, and Share Our America, is hosting a discussion for Youth on National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Youth will have the opportunity for a museum tour, lunch, and a discussion about gun safety, gun violence, and mental health.

Register

Responding to Crisis: A Community Conversation
2024-05-09 18:00 - 20:30 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
Responding to Crisis:
Policing & Mental Health Crisis, a Community Conversation
Wednesday, May 96 p.m.Admission: FREE

Answer the question as an individual, professional, and community – How do we help each other in the midst of crisis?
Responding to Crisis. We all play a part in how we are a community, and we can help others understand our perspectives through this community dialogue. Together, we will learn from our neighbors and our first responders in this structured conversation about how our roles and being in community with each other can strengthen our relationships, understand what it feels like, and how we can serve each other in the best way.

Register

South Florida Black Legacy Celebration
2024-04-14 13:40 - 18:00 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
South Florida
Black Legacy Celebration

Sunday, April 141:40 p.m.loanDepot Park501 Marlins Way, Miami FL 33125

Join us at loanDepot park for the South Florida Black Legacy Celebration as the Marlins take on the Braves!
This ticket package includes special pricing and a South Florida Black Legacy Celebration Marlins jersey. A portion of profits will be donated to the Black Police Precinct and Courthhouse Museum.
For more information please contact director@Historicalblackprecinct.org

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This Woman's Work : A Tribute to Justice for All
2024-03-21 14:00 - 16:00 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
We cordially invite you to join us in the celebration of Black Women in Law Enforcement and the Judicial system. Light refreshments will be served and you will also have the opportunity to share your experience during our oral history collection.
About the Exhibition:
This exhibition is dedicated to honoring the noteworthy contributions of Black women within the spheres of law enforcement and the judicial system. This curatorial idea emerges as a profound initiative by Chief Anita Najiy, the inaugural female Assistant Chief of the City of Miami Police Department, during the February 2023 Black History Month celebrations where she decided to honor black women in Miami Police Department. Employing glass mixed media print and fabric, Chief Najiy adeptly captures the imagery of Black women, imbuing the exhibition with contextual depth that underscores their pivotal roles in shaping law enforcement practices.
The motivation behind this exhibit is that Black women not only shattered glass ceilings but also effectuated transformative changes within law enforcement departments. The impact of these changes can be seen in present day practices on the police force: emergency response, enhanced case-solving methodologies transcending state boundaries, and the introduction of policies fostering gender equity within the force.
In an homage to Black Women in law enforcement and the judicial system, Chief Anita Najiy received a museum commission to craft a commemorative series of 100 plates, employing her distinctive mixed media design. Titled “THIS WOMEN’S WORK: A Tribute to Justice For All,” this meticulously curated exhibition aims to highlight the exceptional contributions of Black women occupying influential positions. The incorporation of the West African (Ashanti) kente cloth, traditionally reserved for royalty and special occasions, serves as a poignant symbol on each plate. This fabric, imbued with historical significance dating back to the trans-Atlantic slave trade (1501-1867), resonates with the narrative of nearly 60% of enslaved Black individuals trafficked during this tumultuous period. Many of these individuals, hailing from royal families, tragically found themselves ensnared in village tribal wars, subsequently traded as commodities to European merchants in exchange for firearms, textiles, beads, and various other commodities.
The exhibition’s compelling photographic depictions of Black women in their professional attire serve to underscore the persistent need for representation. This resonates particularly in light of the fact that women continue to occupy less than 32% of executive leadership roles in the workforce. Symbolically represented by glass plates, the numerous obstacles akin to glass ceilings that women, especially Black women, confront in their pursuit of recognition for work equal to that of their male counterparts are vividly depicted.
Beyond its aesthetic richness, the exhibition aspires to shed light on the daily challenges faced by Black women, fostering a dialogue on the imperative need for equal compensation for their invaluable services. “This Woman’s Work” draws inspiration from the musical compositions of the American artist Maxwell, specifically his melodious celebration of women’s joys and contributions in the song title this exhibit is named after. His song serves as an admonishment for men to shoulder the responsibility of ensuring that women are treated with respect and adorned for their achievements.
This exhibition will remain on display until April 1, 2024.
For more information please contact docent@historicalblackprecinct.org or call 305.329.2513.

Conversation & Book Signing with Keith Boykin
2024-03-14 18:00 - 21:00 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
Conversation & Book Signing with
Keith Boykin

Thursday, March 146 – 9 p.m. Black Police Precinct & Courthouse Museum480 Northwest 11th Street Miami, FL 33136

Join us for an evening of insightful dialogue and connection at the Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum! We are thrilled to welcome New York Times Bestselling author Keith Boykin as he delves into the heart of his newly released book, Why Does Everything Have To Be About Race?.
In this engaging event, Boykin will be in conversation with our Museum Director/Cultural Curator, Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant, offering a unique opportunity for the Miami community to explore the purpose and depth behind the book. Be part of this thought-provoking discussion, aligned with an upcoming museum exhibit curated by Jordan Rogers, Ph.D. candidate and Curator of History at the museum and co-curated by Mr. Cribbs-Lorrant.
Take your experience to the next level by securing advance tickets for the Chat-n-Chew session beginning at 6 p.m.. Enjoy light refreshments, delve into the nuances of the book, and even have your copy signed by Keith Boykin himself. It’s a fantastic chance to connect on a personal level with the author.
The evening will then transition into a captivating conversation with Keith Boykin and Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant, enriched by questions from the audience. Don’t miss out on this enlightening event that promises to deepen our understanding of race and its complexities. Come join us for an evening of meaningful conversations, connections, and a celebration of diversity. See you there!
For more information please contact director@Historicalblackprecinct.org

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President’s Day
2024-02-19 | FL
Williamstown Portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart
Washington’s Birthday is a United States federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States, who was born on February 22, 1732. Since the Uniform Federal Holidays Act of 1971, its observance can occur between February 15 and February 21 inclusive.
Colloquially, the day is also now widely known as Presidents’ Day and is often an occasion to honor the incumbent president and all persons who have served as president, not just George Washington.

MY MUSEUM Day of Service
2024-02-03 08:00 - 13:00 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
Email director@historicalblackprecinct.org
for more information and to sign up!

Oral History Collection
2024-01-21 13:00 - 17:00 | New Providence Missionary Baptist Church, 760 NW 53rd St., Miami, FL, 33127, United States
Email director@historicalblackprecinct.org to sign up!

Rosa Park's Birthday
2023-02-04 | FL
Photograph of Rosa Parks with Dr. Martin Luther King jr. (ca. 1955) Mrs. Rosa Parks altered the negro progress in Montgomery, Alabama, 1955, by the bus boycott she began. National Archives record ID: 306-PSD-65-1882 (Box 93). Source: Ebony Magazine
Rosa Louise McCauley Parks (February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005) was an American activist in the civil rights movement best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The United States Congress has called her “the first lady of civil rights” and “the mother of the freedom movement”.
On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Parks rejected bus driver James F. Blake’s order to relinquish her seat in the “colored section” to a white passenger, after the whites-only section was filled. Parks was not the first person to resist bus segregation, but the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) believed that she was the best candidate for seeing through a court challenge after her arrest for civil disobedience in violating Alabama segregation laws. Parks’ prominence in the community and her willingness to become a controversial figure inspired the black community to boycott the Montgomery buses for over a year, the first major direct action campaign of the post-war civil rights movement. Her case became bogged down in the state courts, but the federal Montgomery bus lawsuit Browder v. Gayle succeeded in November 1956.

Memorial Day
2022-05-30 | FL
Gettysburg National Cemetery
Memorial Day or Decoration Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday is currently observed every year on the last Monday of May.
Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day, particularly to honor those who died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.
Two other days celebrate those who serve or have served in the U.S. military: Veterans Day, which celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans; and Armed Forces Day, a minor U.S. remembrance celebrated earlier in May, specifically honoring those currently serving in the U.S. military.

DONATE TODAY!! GIVE MIAMI DAY NOVEMBER 15th -18th! Join 100 People in Giving $100
2021-11-15 16:30 - 2021-11-19 17:00 | City of Miami (Historic Negro) Black Police Museum, 480 NW 11th Stree, Miami, FL, 33136, United States
https://www.givemiamiday.org/BlackPoliceMuseum
