Richmond-Perrine Optimist Club Under New Leadership
The Richmond-Perrine Optimist Club has long been a part of the story of South Miami-Dade. It began in 1971 when eighty-four men came together to fill a gap they saw in their neighborhood. At the time, there were few organized activities for children. Families needed support, and elders needed help keeping their homes safe. From those needs came a vision that has carried on for more than fifty years.
What started with youth football and cheerleading grew into a place where the community could find help and hope. Over the years, the club added tutoring programs, job training, home repairs for seniors, and food and clothing drives. It became a hub of connection, care, and opportunity for the people of Richmond Heights, Perrine, Goulds, and beyond.
Now, that legacy continues under new leadership. The club recently brought in LaTeef Battle as its new president. He steps into the role with a clear focus on rebuilding the Sgt. Joseph Delancy Richmond Heights Park and bringing new life to a long-respected community space.
“The mission of the Richmond-Perrine Optimist Club is to uplift our community by providing resources, support, and opportunities that inspire positive change and improve the quality of life for everyone we serve,” Battle said. “As president, my vision is to honor and continue the legacy established by the founders by revitalizing the park and reestablishing it as a cornerstone of community pride, youth development, and positive engagement through sports and service.”
The heart of the work has always been the same: empowering young people and strengthening families through mentorship and opportunity. The football fields and classrooms connected to the club have helped generations of children learn structure, teamwork, and confidence. Many parents say those programs keep their kids focused and out of trouble. The same space that once hosted games and tutoring sessions still holds that sense of belonging today.
Battle says one of his first goals is to restore the park that has been central to so many lives. He hopes to make it a gathering place again, where families feel welcome and children can play safely. Plans also include bringing back community events and expanding athletic and educational programs that reflect the needs of today’s youth.
Keeping a community organization strong is not easy work. It takes time, steady leadership, and support from people who care about the same mission. But if the last five decades are any guide, the Richmond-Perrine Optimist Club knows how to endure. Its strength lies in showing up, again and again, for the people who need it most.
For Battle, that commitment remains the center of it all. “This is about rebuilding pride and restoring promise,” he said. “When our youth win, the whole community wins.”
