The Event was held on November 18 at the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater; Entertainment included Celebrated Artists Keke Wyatt, Raheem Devaughn and Melton Mustafa Jr.

(Black PR Wire) MIAMI, FL – On November 18, The Black Archives History & Research Foundation hosted the Crown of Overtown's unforgettable 110th Anniversary Kick-off Celebration Soiree at the Historic Lyric Theater—an iconic symbol of South Florida's rich community history and culture.

Guests started their evening by walking down the red carpet, dressed in stunning “Speakeasy Chic” attire to represent the glamour and elegance of the 30s and 40s. The theater’s lobby welcomed them with the enchanting melodies of the renowned Melton Mustafa Orchestra, conducted by Melton Mustafa Jr., paving the way for an unforgettable live concert featuring the talents of Keke Wyatt and Raheem DeVaughn.

Throughout the night, elected officials, including State Representative Ashley Grant, Miami-Dade County’s Mayor Daniela Levine Cava, Miami-Dade Commission Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III,  Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon and City of Miami Commissioner Christine King, delivered official recognitions and proclamations, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Historic Lyric Theater.

With the event being skillfully emceed by G. Eric Knowles, the evening was full of cheer, pride, and recognition. As the night unfolded, the spotlight shifted to honor seven exemplary community leaders.  The Black Archives founder, Dr. Dorothy Jenkins Fields, was awarded the Black Archives Eternal Roar Award. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson, and City of Miami Commissioner Christine King received the Black Archives Lion Award for Community Leadership and Advocacy. Bea Hines, a writer and reporter for The Miami Herald, and James McQueen, Executive Director of the SEOPW CRA, received awards for their invaluable contribution to the community through journalism and economic advocacy, respectively. Renowned actress JoMarie Payton received the Black Archives Lion Award for Community Advocacy through the Arts.

“This event was a resounding success,” said Kamila Pritchett, Executive Director of the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater.“We extend heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and community partners for their unwavering support. I encourage the community to stay engaged, stay informed about upcoming events, and join us as we continue to write the next chapters of success for the Crown of Overtown.”

Adding to the celebration, a commemorative video encapsulating the essence of the Crown of Overtown's 110th Anniversary—reflecting on the present, honoring the past, and envisioning the future—was presented during the event. This insightful video is available at the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater YouTube channel youtube.com/@BAHLTSoFlo.

Additionally, The Crown of Overtown's 110th Kick-Off Anniversary Celebration Soiree booklet is available digitally. This carefully crafted keepsake captures the essence of the unforgettable evening, showcasing highlights, honorees, and the rich history of the Historic Lyric Theater. Check out the digital booklet at https://issuu.com/bernadetteceo/docs/lyric_110_soiree_-_program_booklet.

The celebration of this 110th Anniversary of the Crown of Overtown is far from over.  Be sure to follow the BAHLT on Facebook @BlackArchivesMIA; Instagram @bahltsoflo, and X (formerly Twitter) @BlackArchives to Stay updated with the latest information and upcoming events.

The Crown of Overtown 110th Anniversary Kick-off Celebration Soiree was made possible thanks to the 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.

Planning, conceptual design and production powered by TDG Events.

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.”

Photo 1: Kamila Pritchett, Executive Director of the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater (BAHLT), stands at the center, surrounded by the staff, at the Crown of Overtown 110th Anniversary on November 18, 2023.

Photo 2: On November 18, 2023, The Black Archives History & Research Foundation kicked off the celebration of the 110th Anniversary of the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater. Pictured: Kamila Pritchett, Executive Director of the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater.

Photo 3: Dr. Dorothy Jenkins Fields, founder of the Black Archives, receiving the Black Archives Eternal Roar Award from Kamila Pritchett and G. Eric Knowles .

Photo 4: Miami-Dade County’s Mayor Daniela Levine Cava at the red carpet of The Crown of Overtown 110th Anniversary Kick-off Celebration Soiree held on November 18, 2023, at the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater. Mayor Levine Cava was among the elected officials who joined this grand celebration.

Photo 5: Honorees of The Crown of Overtown 110th Anniversary Kick-off Celebration Soiree. Left to right: Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon, James McQueen, Executive Director of the SEOPW CRA, City of Miami Commissioner Christine King, Kamila Pritchett, Executive Director of the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater, Bea Hines, writer and reporter for The Miami Herald, Former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson and renowned actress JoMarie Payton.

Photo 6: On November 18, 2023, The Historic Lyric Theater came alive with a night of diamonds, pearls, sequins, bow ties and bling as part of the 110th Anniversary of the Crown of Overtown with a Kick-Off Celebration Soiree, featuring music icon Raheem DeVaughn.

Photo 7: On November 18, 2023, The Historic Lyric Theater came alive with a night of diamonds, pearls, sequins, bow ties and bling as part of the 110th Anniversary of the Crown of Overtown with a Kick-Off Celebration Soiree, featuring award-winning singer Keke Wyatt.

Photo 8: On November 18, 2023, The Historic Lyric Theater came alive with a night of diamonds, pearls, sequins, bow ties and bling as part of the 110th Anniversary of the Crown of Overtown with a Kick-Off Celebration Soiree, featuring the Melton Mustafa Orchestra led by the three-time Grammy nominated saxophonist, arranger/composer, producer and educator Melton Mustafa Jr.

Photo 9: On November 18, 2023, The Historic Lyric Theater came alive with a night of diamonds, pearls, sequins, bow ties and bling as part of the 110th Anniversary of the Crown of Overtown with a Kick-Off Celebration Soiree.