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A Guide To Black Miami: Experience Black Culture & History In The 305
Few cities beat the energy of Miami, and the city’s beaches, nightlife, and restaurants attract millions of travelers every year. But Miami also has a rich Black history and culture that’s often overlooked. Few people know that one of Miami’s oldest neighborhoods, Coconut Grove, was built by Black Bahamians, and in the 1930s, the historic neighborhood of Overtown used to be a bustling entertainment district, hosting greats like Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, and James Brown.
For your next visit to the “Magic City,” check out the following hotels, restaurants, and attractions where you can learn about Miami’s Black history and support the city’s Black-owned businesses.
Black-Owned Miami: Where To Go
Little Haiti Cultural Complex
Courtesy of Mariette Williams
Located in the heart of Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, the Little Haiti Cultural Complex pays tribute to Miami’s Haitian community with a display of Haitian art and textiles. Community events include Afro-Caribbean folk dancing classes and the “Sounds of Little Haiti” outdoor concerts on Friday nights. On Saturdays, the cultural center’s Caribbean Marketplace is filled with local vendors selling food, crafts, and books. Check the center’s site for upcoming events before you go.
This Black-owned tour company will help you “go beyond the beach” by offering walking tours of Miami’s Black neighborhoods. The owner, Cidelca, has been providing tours since 2016, and some of his most popular tours are the “Melanin Miami” tour, a 90-minute walking tour that explores Overtown and ends with a soul food lunch. You can also take a walking tour of Little Haiti and learn more about Haiti’s contribution to South Florida and how it became the first Black nation to gain independence under colonialism.
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
Like other Southern states, Florida has a history of harsh segregation and discrimination, and when Miami was settled in the 1890s, white residents prohibited Black residents from using public beaches. In response, Black activists claimed a beach area for themselves, and on August 1, 1945, “Virginia Beach, a Dade County Park for the exclusive use of Negroes” opened.
Though Miami’s beaches are no longer racially segregated, visitors can visit the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park to walk along the mile of white sand beach, picnic under a shaded pavilion, and pay homage to those who fought for the right to beach access.
Black-Owned Miami: Where To Dine
Rosie's Chicken Sandwich
Courtesy of Mariette Williams
Founded by husband and wife duo (and chefs) Akino and Jamila West, Rosie’s is regarded as one of the best places to eat in Miami. The weekend-only restaurant is a fusion of Southern and Italian flavors, and the highlights here include the lemon ricotta pancakes, wild mushroom polenta, and juicy fried chicken sandwich. The Bib-Gourmand recognized restaurant is located on a breezy outdoor patio in the Little River neighborhood, and you can look forward to fresh food and friendly service.
Helmed by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, Red Rooster Overtown has quickly become one of Miami’s best restaurants. The restaurant is a fusion of Caribbean and American soul food with dishes like Bajan salt fish cakes, fried catfish sandwiches, and Guyanese oxtail on the menu. If you’re here on the weekend, the Sunday brunch is a must. There are live gospel singers and musicians, and one of the most popular dishes, the fried yardbird and Belgian waffles, is served with warm maple syrup and sweet potato butter.
Nestled in the colorful Wynwood neighborhood, Dunkanoo Jamaican Kitchen has classic Caribbean dishes like crispy plantain bites, saltfish fritters, and fried whole snapper. There’s also an “Irie Hour'' from 4-7 p.m. where you can get $7 cocktails and jerk chicken sliders. Drop by the restaurant after exploring the outdoor murals and museums in Wynwood and plan on staying late - the restaurant is open until 2 a.m. on the weekends, and there’s a DJ spinning on the patio late into the night.
Black-Owned Miami: Where To Stay
The Goodtime Hotel
Courtesy of The Goodtime Hotel
For a chic South Beach stay, check into The Goodtime Hotel, which is owned in part by entertainer and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams. The Art Deco-inspired hotel has stylish rooms (floral shades and quirky art adorn the walls) and one of the coolest pool decks in Miami Beach.
The 3rd-floor pool deck features green and white striped cabanas, pink chaise lounges, and a Mediterranean restaurant and bar. The hotel is a five-minute walk from the beach and steps from restaurants and shopping.
For a boutique hotel experience, consider The Dunns Josephine Hotel in Historic Overtown. Founded by real estate developer Kristen Kitchen, the 15-room hotel pays tribute to the Harlem Renaissance stars who once made Overtown so famous. Each room is individually decorated as a tribute to entertainers like Josephine Baker, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Billie Holiday. The hotel also has a convenient location - Downtown Miami and the Design District are just a few minutes away.
The Gabriel Miami Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton
Downtown Miami has come a long way in recent years. The area used to be just high rises and commercial buildings, but with the addition of the Brickell Shopping Center along with a bunch of chef-driven restaurants and bars, the area is now a “can’t miss” destination in Miami. You can get close to all of the action with a stay at The Gabriel Miami Downtown, a contemporary hotel with 129 guest rooms that feature polished wood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sleek, comfortable furniture. Guests also have access to complimentary bikes to explore downtown Miami, and on the weekend, there’s a shuttle service to the beach.
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This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Wealthy Restaurant Owner Shares The Money-Saving Hack She’s Used Since Childhood
“It doesn’t matter how big or small your finances are, the real gem is prioritizing what you have,” that’s the candor advice Ebony Austin, owner of Noveau Bar and Grill made sure she emphasized in our authentic convo. As a multi-hyphenated go-getter, she’s created more than 100 job opportunities and given away over $100 million to the community. When I inquired about her secret, she simply credits her skill to proper planning and a trusted team.
But the more the discussion progressed, the depth of that answer was revealed. Ebony opened up about how saving during the pandemic, a time when many businesses were forced to close their doors, aided her through difficult chapters. And after our authentic conversation, it made the importance of saving and business research crystal clear. Check out the convo below.
What was your journey like into money management? Have you always been good with your finances?
Yes, I learned it early. My grandparents had a construction company when I was growing up and my grandmother would teach me that with everything they worked for, she’d put 30% away. So no matter how many jobs I’ve had, once I tithed, I’d put up 30% away too. If I couldn’t pay my bills with that remainder, I’d get a second job. As crazy as it sounds, I’ve always been amazing at that.
So you’re definitely more of a saver then a spender, right?
Well, yes, but I do have a shopping addiction. But I save a lot. I’ve gone months and months without buying anything, then I’ll just go buy something big or small. But I’ve always known I still need backup plans. The beauty of having it is that you’re never trying to scramble. Even with my first property, I didn’t have any problems because my money was seasoned. I’ve always been consistent and knew a certain amount of money was going in the bank every paycheck.
Photo by Rari Filmz
Okay, so I can’t ignore the “shopping addiction” comment. Tell me about your splurge
So Louis Vuitton and Chanel are my favorites. Then I’m really big on supporting Black-owned businesses. I put that in my budget every month – sometimes a few times a month.
That’s a good one! What advice do you have for people trying to tighten up their budget?
Prioritize. When the pandemic happened, it gave us all a new outlook on life and what’s important. For example, going out to eat with my friends and family is essential. So I take time out monthly and figure out my expenses. For example, a lot of my friends are Tauruses, so that month, I need to plan extra birthday dinners. It only takes me like an hour, but it makes such a difference. People need to figure out what that looks like for them.
And what is your current final goal? Like, do you have a retirement plan?
Yes, once I get Noveau to 100 million! My biggest goal is for my team members to buy homes and establish themselves. But my end goal would be 15-20 restaurants, with five being investment restaurants. Also, of course, I want properties. I understand the importance of owning land. I think those are the main things.
Okay, so what is the worst piece of business advice you’ve been given?
Someone told me that I don’t need finances to open up a business. People say if you have a 590 credit score you can start it, but why would you do that? I mean you can do it with that score, but the interest looks way different. Build your credit first and avoid the extra costs. I used my own money to start a lot of businesses. Now when I look back I wouldn’t have even done it that way.
How would you have done it?
I would’ve used the bank's money. When you’re building your first location it can be really hard, but they do give them out. But you can’t just come in with a concept with no experience and ask for $100,000. No one will bet on that or believe in it. But if you have a concept, with a real plan and projections, start off with lines of credits. You can start small and build your business with $5,000.
Out of curiosity, what are your thoughts on investing and how do you do it?
I’ve invested in two restaurant concepts. Also, I have my own real estate investment company where we build, sell, and flip. I think investments are important to keep. Some of them require work. Personally, real estate is always key. To me it’s a safe option but they’re smart in general. That’s the only way you get to certain goals. Don’t let money sit in the bank – invest it.
Are there any unhealthy habits you had to unlearn in regards to investing or money management in general?
I had to learn to say no. A lot of times, everybody wants something. It’s hard to say no to people who are capable of doing things for themselves.
Heavy on the “who are capable of doing things for themselves.” What’s been your biggest struggle in building your business? Was there ever a moment you questioned it?
As an entrepreneur, we all have those moments where we’re ready to throw in the towel. But my biggest challenge was building a team and getting the word out there. But I also know God doesn’t make mistakes. At the time, the more I prayed and started to get to know the team, I came to the realization that I needed to let go of almost all of them. It wasn’t just about what was aligned with me and my purpose but also Nouveau.
Also, I had to separate myself and the business because I’m not going to care if they’re late three times in a row but the business will. Those were the most challenging things for me: saying no, building the right team, and separating the business and myself.
God heard every prayer though. Because now the team at Nouveau is amazing. They put all the pieces together. It’s all about praying and taking care of your people.
Finally, what does wealth look like to you?
Making sure my family is good and my mother doesn’t have to work again. Also, wealth is ensuring my team is reaching their goals. I teach my team how to save money, too. It makes no sense that I’m the only one that’s profitable. When I became a millionaire, my goal was to figure out who I’ll make the next millionaire. I want families to understand how we get here and how we stay here. Wealth is not a one-woman show.
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Feature image by Rari Filmz