Mural Unveiling in Brownsville Honors Historic Black Change-Makers, Aims to Inspire Peace

By The Culture News Staff

Against the vibrant backdrop of Jefferson Reaves Sr. Park, community members, local officials, and descendants of Miami’s civil rights trailblazers gathered for the unveiling of a monumental mural celebrating Black excellence and perseverance in the heart of Brownsville. The tribute, made possible by a grant from the Carrie Meek Foundation, seeks to deter gun violence by uplifting the neighborhood’s deep-rooted history of birthing many of Miami’s political and civic greats.

The mural, painted by artist German DuBois founder and executive director of HOPE Murals, was commissioned through a partnership between the Brownsville Civic Neighborhood Association (BCNA) and the Carrie Meek Foundation. The powerful public artwork features portraits of prominent figures who shaped not only Brownsville but also the broader civil rights and civic landscape in Florida: Florida State Representatives Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry, Joseph Lang Kershaw, and Jefferson Reaves, Sr.; Commissioner Neal Adams, Sr.; George W. Kilpatrick, Sr.; Bishop J.D. Williams; Dr. Enid C. Pinkney; Everett Stewart, Sr.; Dr. Dorothy Jenkins-Fields; Commissioner Dr. James Bush III; and William Brown.

“This marks the end of a long journey and the start of a new one in our community,” said Kenneth Kilpatrick, President of BCNA, in his opening remarks. “The Brownville Legacy Project is an initiative that the Brownville Civic Neighborhood Association launched to support from the Carrie Meek Foundation and the Miami Dade Office of Neighborhood Safety to find creative ways to empower our communities and especially our youth, in an effort to curb delinquent behavior and in particular gun violence in our neighborhood.”

The ceremony began with an invocation by Commissioner Dr. James Bush III, one of the mural’s subjects, followed by greetings from elected officials, including Commissioners Keon Hardemon and Marleine Bastien, Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, Clerk of Courts Juan Fernandez-Barquin, and a representative from the Office of Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Lucia Raiford-Davis, President and CEO of the Carrie Meek Foundation, shared reflections on the grant’s intent. “We stand with you in making sure that our history and our stories are told that we learn to appreciate ourselves and that we teach our children the strong leadership legacy that they are a part of, that they will inherit, and that they will bring us forward in our future.,” she said.

Reflections from honored legends Dr. Dorothy Jenkins-Fields and Dr. Bush served as reminders of the immense social and political capital once—and still—present in Brownsville.

Brownsville, home to iconic landmarks such as the Historic Hampton House and Georgette’s Tea Room, remains one of Miami-Dade’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. Yet like many historically Black communities, it grapples with the impacts of economic disinvestment and gun violence. This initiative seeks to spark renewed pride by illustrating the undeniable contributions of its leaders.

“These murals are more than just artistic expressions,”said DuBois during his remarks. “They’re visual legacies that honor our past leaders who pioneered trails for us. By engaging young people in this creative journey, we’re building bridges between generations and inspiring pride, identity and purpose.”

With the unveiling complete, community members are invited to visit Jefferson Reaves Sr. Park to view the mural, reflect on its meaning, and draw inspiration from those who paved the way.

As Brownsville continues to write its future, the mural stands as both a memorial and a movement—a visual call to action for peace, purpose, and pride.