Remnants of Overtown when it was a Black entertainment hub are still standing, such as the Lyric Theatre, the Ward Rooming House and the D.A. Dorsey House.
But like many other historic Black neighborhoods, Overtown has faced changes: the construction of the I-95 highway right through the middle of the neighborhood and the ongoing development gentrifying the area.
The is one of the reasons Joshua Jomarron wanted to bring back TedxOvertown, an event now in its second year that hosts a diverse group of speakers to give talks focusing on Overtown’s progress and its future. This year’s theme is 360 Perspectives, with a focus on understanding and respect for diverse veiwpoints and creating a space for people to have meaningful conversations that challenge assumptions.Jomarron said the theme alsobuilds off of last year’s theme which focused on the neighborhood’s legacy and progress.
“Progress is inevitable, so it’s either you hop on or get out of the way,” Jomarron said, ahead of Saturday’s event, which takes place at Booker T. Washington High School in Overtown. “But how do we do it in a way where we can preserve our history and preserve the legacy?”…