The event takes place on Saturday, November 18; Tickets are available at BAHLT.org

(Black PR Wire) MIAMI, FL – The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater turns 110th this year, and it will mark the beginning of a series of year-long celebrations with The Crown of Overtown 110th Anniversary Kick-off Celebration Soiree on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater in Miami, Florida.

The night kicks off in style with Red Carpet Arrivals starting at 5:30 PM, inviting guests to showcase their Speakeasy Chic attire and transport themselves back to the glamour of the 30s and 40s era. The evening's entertainment includes a live concert featuring Keke Wyatt, Raheem DeVaughn, and the Melton Mustafa Orchestra, led by the talented Melton Mustafa Jr.

During this grand celebration, the Foundation will recognize outstanding individuals for their contributions to the community. Former Commissioner Audrey Edmonson, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon and City of Miami Commissioner Christine King will receive the Black Archives Lion Award for Community Leadership and Advocacy. Dr. Dorothy Jenkins Fields, founder of the Black Archives, will receive the Black Archives Eternal Roar Award. Bea Hines, a writer and reporter for The Miami Herald, will receive the Black Archives Lion Award for Community Advocacy through Journalism award. James McQueen, Executive Director of the SEOPW CRA, will receive the Black Archives Lion Award for Community Development and Economic Advocacy.  Renowned actress JoMarie Payton will receive the Black Archives Lion Award for Community Advocacy through the Arts.

“We are looking forward to welcoming our guests to an evening of elegance and celebration as we kick-off the 110th Anniversary of The Crown of Overtown,” said Kamila Pritchett, Executive Director of the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater. “I invite the community to join us.”

This epic event will be emceed by the charismatic Eric Knowles, president and CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce.

Join the magic at The Crown of Overtown 110th Anniversary Kick-off Celebration Soiree! Secure your tickets starting at $110 at Lyric110.eventbrite.com. Be sure to follow the BAHLT on Facebook @BlackArchivesMIA; Instagram @bahltsoflo, and X (formerly Twitter) @BlackArchives. For additional details, including table reservations and VIP seating, call 786-708-4610 x117 or visit BAHLT.ORG.

This event has been made possible with support from committed partners, including Miami-Dade County, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami-Dade County Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon, the City of Miami Commissioner Christine King, the Southeast Overtown Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Shubin & Bass Law Firm, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter, Booker T. Washington Original Overtowners, the FIU Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership, the Overtown Youth Center, the South Florida Times, the University of Miami Center for Global Black Studies-Kristine Stephenson, the University of Miami School of Medicine, Seraphic Fire, the Miami Foundation, and Delores Flowers.

About the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater

The Historic Lyric Theater, considered the crown of Overtown for over a century, is an impressive theater which was built in 1913. It has since served as a symbol of Black economic influence, as well as a social gathering place-free of discrimination- and a source of pride and culture within Overtown. The Lyric Theater was acquired by the Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc. in 1988. By 1989, the Theater, the lone surviving building in “Little Broadway,” was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Renamed the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Cultural Arts Complex (BAHLT), it is the oldest legitimate theater in Miami. Adjacent to the central downtown business district of Miami, it is an anchor site of the Historic Overtown Folklife Village. This year, the Historic Lyric Theater is celebrating its 110th year anniversary, marking a year-long celebration which kicks off in November.  With unique programming and plans for future expansion, the Historic Lyric Theater will continue to stand out as a premiere venue.  Future expansion of BAHLT includes construction of expanded archival wing including a genealogy lab, research facilities, gallery and exhibition space, additional administrative office space, convention and meeting space, catering facilities, and more.  Be sure to join in the celebration of the Historic Lyric Theater’s 110th year anniversary. It will forever be “The Crown of Overtown.”

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MEDIA NOTE: Media interested in conducting advance interviews are to contact Bernadette Morris or Luisa Martinez of Sonshine Communications at (305) 948-8063.