February is Black History Month, and there are tributes, exhibits and events of all kinds throughout the nation. For a special themed edition of the Scoop, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty would like to highlight some of the exciting people, performances and places along Florida’s East Coast that celebrate Black history, culture and businesses.
Rosie’s: The Backyard
After cooking at Michelin-starred and James Beard-awarded establishments like Noma and Michael’s Genuine, chef restaurateur Akino West is up for the same accolades this year. While we stay tuned for announcements, visit Rosie’s: The Backyard for his Southern/Italian fare served in a gorgeous garden. A Black History Month Dinner on February 28 honors local journalism pioneer Bea Hines.
rosiesmia.com
Little River, a burgeoning neighborhood within Little Haiti, follows in the footsteps of more established areas also forged by visionary developers such as Wynwood and the Miami Design District. Many creative ventures from galleries to eateries have relocated to or launched in the former industrial zone. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Miami Shores | Upper East Side
Coast One Tours
Local historian Ron Miller leads comprehensive tours about the First Coast’s Black heritage through important sites and interactive participation. Thanks to his lifetime of extensive research, guests come away with a deeper sense of place. Itineraries include American Beach, whose access was featured in “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” Old Town, Fernandina Beach, Kingsley Plantation, A.L. Lewis Museum and more.
coastonetoursllc.com
Part of the Sea Island archipelago in the Southeastern U.S., Amelia Island tops many vacationers’ bucket lists. Eight flags have flown over the centuries-old, historic destination, whose quiet beaches and premier resorts such as the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island continue to draw residents and visitors. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Amelia Island
Ailey II
Ailey II, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s second performing company of young dancers and emerging choreographers, makes the rounds to several Florida cities. Led by artistic director Francesca Harper, the troupe comes to Lake Worth’s Duncan Theatre at Palm Beach State College (February 17-18), Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts (February 21) and Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center (February 25).
alvinailey.org
Located just south of Palm Beach, Lake Worth retains its Old Florida charm with an artsy, intimate downtown, historic bungalows, surf culture and destination fishing pier. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Lake Worth
Jacksonville, the largest city geographically in the contiguous U.S., boasts an incredible variety of green spaces and beaches, as well as prime waterfront from the Atlantic Ocean to St. Johns River with its iconic bridges. The city’s vast network of neighborhoods and islands further invites nonstop adventure. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Jacksonville
Known as the gateway to Latin America, the dynamic city of Miami is constantly evolving with the influx of new residents, visitors, businesses and brands from all over the world. There’s always something new and exciting to try, whether a starchitect-designed space, museum exhibit or hot restaurant. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Star Island | The Roads
“Kathia St. Hilaire: Immaterial Being”
With “Kathia St. Hilaire: Immaterial Being,” NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale presents the West Palm Beach native’s first solo museum show. Inspired by her Haitian background’s ceremonial Vodun flags, mixed media works incorporate textiles, linoleum, jewelry and other found objects. She addresses color and race by depicting everyday scenes such as children at play. The exhibit runs through June 25.
nsuartmuseum.org
Fort Lauderdale, the Venice of America, is a boater’s and beachgoer’s paradise. But it’s also home to a burgeoning art scene that spills over into art-centric neighborhoods and annual events. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following links.
Las Olas | The Landings
Historic Ali Cultural Arts
The Historic Ali Cultural Arts celebrates early Black entrepreneurs Florence and Frank Ali. The Cuban and Bahamian couple’s love for hosting famous Black musicians at their home-turned-community center lives on through today’s year-round programming including gospel singer Lady Delbert Mohorn (February 17), jazz violinist Nicole Yarling (February 23) and a Black History Month Sunday Brunch (February 26).
aliarts.org
Located along the Atlantic Ocean in Broward County’s northeast corner, Pompano Beach is in the midst of a revival. Its newly renovated amphitheater joins treasured destinations like a namesake fishing pier. New additions include the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Pompano Beach and the Bite Eatery food hall. Fancy living here? Discover more local details and property listings with the following link.
Pompano Beach
SurfearNEGRA
Though a Florida native, GiGi Lucas didn’t discover surfing until later in life. To bring more inclusivity to the sport, she founded Textured Waves, a surfing collective for women of color, and SurfearNEGRA, a nonprofit that teaches young Black girls how to surf and sponsors them to attend her vast network of partnering surf camps throughout the U.S.
texturedwaves.com | surfearnegra.com
Jacksonville, the largest city geographically in the contiguous U.S., boasts an incredible variety of green spaces and beaches, as well as prime waterfront from the Atlantic Ocean to St. Johns River with its iconic bridges. The city’s vast network of neighborhoods and islands further invites nonstop adventure.
