By Kymberlee C. Smith
Cultural Awareness & Heritage: Framed by the legacy of The Negro Motorist Green Book, the excursion began at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, where students explored the landmark 1945 “wade-in” civil rights protest that secured public coastal access for Black residents. Throughout the journey, the Rising Stars (6th-8th graders) connected their ancestral legacy of mutual aid with their ongoing responsibility to protect community resources and advocate for future generations.
Traveling next to Key Biscayne, youth stood beside the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park to learn about the courageous journeys along the Saltwater Underground Railroad. The historical journey expanded to uncover the indispensable, often-overlooked Black artisans and laborers who constructed the iconic Vizcaya estate.
In Historic Overtown, students experienced how resilient communities forged self-sustaining commercial hubs, enjoying lunch at a historic Black-owned restaurant before delivering immediate food aid to a neighborhood community kitchen and pantry.
The tour culminated at the Historic Hampton House, an essential sanctuary that cultivated Black excellence, hospitality, and civic leadership while hosting luminaries including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Muhammad Ali.
Greater Fort Lauderdale Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
