Miami’s Liberty City celebrates Juneteenth, Black excellence

MIAMI – Miami’s Liberty City community came together Wednesday morning to mark a significant moment in history.

A celebration of Black excellence unfolded in the city where officials, community leaders and residents gathered to kick off this year’s Juneteenth festivities.

“Black leadership in Miami-Dade County started here in Liberty City. It started in Liberty Square. We stand on the shoulders of what you all did,” said Miami-Dade Commission Chairman Oliver Gilbert.

Against the backdrop of remnants of segregation, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also shared her thoughts on the journey toward unity.

“We’re here at this historical wall, a wall that once divided the white community and the Black community,” said Levine Cava. “Now, it’s still here as a symbol of how far we’ve come, and how far we have left to go.”

Wednesday’s ceremony not only paid homage to the past but also honored pioneers in Miami’s medical community, including Dr. Nelson Adams, president of the National Medical Association, who inspired the crowd with his words of encouragement.

“Good, better, best, never lay rest. Not until your good, our good becomes our better, and our better becomes our best,” said Nelson.

As Liberty City commemorates Juneteenth for the second year, the event served as a powerful testament to resilience and progress in the face of historical adversity.

Broward residents, meanwhile, gathered together at the Miramar Cultural Center where there were food trucks, hair braiding and bead making.

The eighth annual South Broward Juneteenth Parade was also held in Hollywood Wednesday morning.

Families gathered at Washington Park for the free event, where there was music, food and entertainment.