By Dr. Yvette Giles Stuart
The City of Fort Lauderdale has officially declared that National Black History Month is, and will remain, an annual observance within the city. This landmark proclamation, issued by District 3 Commissioner Pamela Beasley-Pittman on February 3, 2026, solidifies the city’s permanent commitment to celebrating the culture, heritage, and resilience of the African American community.
In an atmosphere that was as restorative as it was celebratory, the February 3rd City Commission meeting became a space of communal warmth and unity. Imani Warren, Old Dillard Museum Curator, and the architects behind the “History, Art, and Culture” (HAC) initiative—Emmanuel George, Samuel Woods, and David Paulo—stood before Mayor Dean J. Trantalis and the City Commissioners to accept the proclamation on behalf of the Old Dillard Museum. The presentation was a radiant and loving tribute to a century of heritage, underscoring the museum’s enduring legacy as a beacon of educational excellence and its 100-year history as a cornerstone of cultural preservation.
The proclamation’s focus was clear: it is a tribute to the “culture, heritage, and contributions of the African Diaspora” and a recognition of the “strength, resilience, and achievements of Black individuals.” Central to the document was the acknowledgment of the museum’s deep roots, specifically:
The Legacy of Mary Smith: Honoring her 1976 founding of Fort Lauderdale’s Black Historical Society to protect significant African American landmarks from being lost.
The Centennial Milestone: Recognizing that the Old Dillard Museum—designated on the National Register of Historic Places—has stood for more than 100 years since its construction in 1924.
The Power of Storytelling: Affirming the city’s commitment to “community storytelling that connects past generations with those of today and tomorrow.”
By accepting this honor on behalf of the Old Dillard Museum, Imani Warren and the History Art Culture team have reaffirmed their role as guardians of this legacy. Their work ensures that Black heritage is not just remembered but actively shared, mirroring the city’s own pledge to “fostering respect and opportunity for all residents.”
