Celebrating Black Miami: An Immersive Journey through History & Film

Celebrating Black Miami: An Immersive Journey Through History, Storytelling, and Film

Experience an unforgettable evening of history, art, and culture that brings Miami’s Black heritage to life.

Join The Video Consortium Miami for an unforgettable evening celebrating Miami’s vibrant Black heritage through history, art, and film at the Historic Hampton House—the only Green Book museum in the world and one of the few remaining Green Book sites from the Jim Crow era.

Built in 1953, this iconic venue served as a nucleus gathering spot during the civil rights era, hosting influential figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke, and more. This specially curated evening is a history buff’s celebration of Miami’s Black history, featuring a guided tour of the Hampton House; exclusive screenings of three rare 16mm films curated by Miami archivist and librarian Katharine Labuda; and a dynamic post-screening discussion with acclaimed Miami documentary filmmaker Dudley Alexis (known for When Liberty Burns and Edge of Hope).

16mm Film Screenings

The Matter With Me (1971, 19 min.)

A non-narrative story following a Black 12-year-old boy navigating between his impoverished home and the affluent white neighborhoods nearby. Filmed in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, it offers poignant images of West Grove and Overtown, including a glimpse of Purvis Young’s murals along Goodbread Alley.

Didn’t We Ramble On (1989, 14 min.)

Directed by Billy Jackson and narrated by jazz icon Dizzy Gillespie, this documentary celebrates African-American marching bands, tracing their roots back to West African traditions and featuring stirring performances by the Florida A&M University marching band.

A Few Things I Know About Miami (1987, 25 min.)

Directed by Mel Kiser, this multi-segment film weaves archival footage and interviews to highlight aspects of Miami’s history, including iconic movie palaces on Flagler Street, the Black entertainment district on Second Street, neon sign makers, and commerce on the Miami River.

Event Highlights

Guided historical tour of the Historic Hampton House, a symbol of Black culture and civil rights heritage

Film curation and introductions led by archivist and librarian Katharine Labuda, providing expert context

Post-screening discussion with acclaimed Miami documentary filmmaker Dudley Alexis, When Liberty Burns (2020) Edge of Hope(2024)

Complimentary movie theatre concessions included with your ticket.

This event is more than a screening—it’s a journey through Miami’s layered cultural past, reconnecting the present with stories that deserve to be seen and heard.

6:45pm -7:15pm 30 minute guided tour of The Historic Hampton House

7:30PM -Screening and discussion begin

First 25 attendees to arrive will receive a free VC tote bag.

Presented by Video Consortium Miami in collaboration with The Historic Hampton House and made possible with the support of the Miami Dade-County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, The Miami Dade County Mayor, and Board of Commissioners.

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Host or Publisher The Video Consortium