Historic victory in Pompano Beach
By Novice Johnson
When Beverly Perkins was a little girl, growing up in Pompano Beach, she worried about memorizing her speeches for Sunday School and Church plays. She worried about performing in her Ballet and Tap recitals in Pompano Beach. When she wasn’t studying and doing her homework, she was practicing her cheerleading routines at Pompano Beach High. It was always about Pompano Beach, the hometown that she loves.
When she finished college, she worked as a journalist; she even produced her own television show, always shedding light on the great things happening in her hometown. She was employed by Congressman Alcee Hastings, where her love for community service continued to grow. As all of her experiences came together, little did she know that one day she would make history in the community where she was raised. After an unsuccessful first try at winning a seat on the Pompano Beach City Commission, Perkins learned from her mistakes, realizing that with a little patience, persistence and commitment, she would achieve her dream of becoming a commissioner in her hometown. History was made on Nov. 8, 2016, in Pompano Beach, when Beverly Perkins became the first Black female to win a city commission seat.
Little Black girls in Pompano Beach will be watching as Perkins takes her place as a commissioner. And, as they go to school, and church and rehearsals, maybe they won’t say “I think I can.” Perhaps they will look at Beverly Perkins and say, “I know I can.” Her historic installation was held Nov. 21, 2016.
