From Revolution to Black Miami: Continuities of Resistance
Sep 17, 2026
From: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Black Americans’ struggles over freedom, citizenship and belonging provide the starting point for an evening connecting Revolutionary-era history with Miami’s present-day communities at The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater. Taking place Thursday, September 17, the program pairs a documentary screening with a live discussion examining continuities between early battles over liberty and contemporary issues affecting Black communities in Overtown, Liberty City and across Miami. Presented by The Black Archives and South Florida PBS, the event is part of programming connected to America250.
The evening begins with Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War, a documentary exploring the often-underrepresented roles of Black Americans during the Revolutionary period, including their experiences in military service, everyday life and the evolving debate over the meaning of freedom.
A panel discussion follows, connecting the film’s themes with issues including housing, voting rights, education and cultural preservation. Participants include FIU professor and African & African Diaspora Studies director Dr. Valerie Lyles Patterson, community organizer Valencia Gunder and FIU Student Affairs director David D. Bynes. Kamila E. Pritchett, president and CEO of The Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida, moderates the conversation.
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