John Smith, Monroe County Black Historian, joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about upcoming events.
The Historic Custom House Museum will be presenting a lecture this evening at 6 p.m. at the Tropic Cinema called “Shaping an Island: Key West’s Black History” with Dr. Cory Convertito.
For more information, click here: https://www.kwahs.org/upcoming-events/blackhistory
Smith said, “This is part of a Distinguished Speaker Series. I’m sure you will really learn a lot about the history. Also opening today at the Studios of Key West is the Southern Most Cypher. This is being put on by some young people from the Bahama Village community. There are six generations and they have a very special love for Key West and the Bahama Village community.”
The group created a video called Southernmost and it was the winner at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Smith said, “They’re really something special and something to look forward to.”
An open house gathering will be held at the American Legion, 803 Emma Street, on January 12.
Then on January 13, 14 and 15 the Key West Literary Seminar will hold lectures to celebrate black literature.
Smith said, “One of the most important ones I think for all of us, the entire city and visitors, would be at the Historic Custom House opening next Friday, January 13. It is titled ‘Relics of a Fading Community.’ You will learn more about the Bahama Village community and its people I think than you’ve ever seen anywhere else.”
Some of the relics include literature as well as history of the contributions of the black community.
Smith said, “One of its main exhibits will be the segregated Frederick Douglas High School, which was located on Fourth Street here in Key West. It will also have some information about the teachers and the community of Bahama Village. How it came about. Its churches. Its culture. Growing up in Key West is going to be a wonderful piece that I’ve had an opportunity to take a look at and it will definitely bring a brand new appreciation of the Key West of yesteryear and the Key West that I grew up in. It’s history that we all should know and it’s very important that we pass this history on.”
A permanent Black History Museum would be a welcome addition to Key West.
Smith said, “Here is a time that is very important that we come together as a community and develop a museum that will tell the true and authentic history of Key West, where it began and about those that made substantial contributions to the Key West that we live in today. There’s much of it when I look around does not resemble the Key West that I grew up in. Yet it was so beautiful and it is so important that the children have a road map of where they come from. It just is a great way to honor the ancestors and also the island of Key West.”
To help see a Black History Museum come to fruition, contact the Key West City Commission and the Mayor.
Smith said, “Let them know how important this is and that it has been now seven years since there was a promise to provide a building for this history. I can assure you that the history that will be on display is only the tip of the iceberg.”
The display in the museum would include musical history.
Smith said, “There’s several other things that most people would not even recognize or think of and yet they are so important to this community, who have had very little. People are coming forward on a regular basis and they’re sharing with us and one way that people can show their support for this museum and the project is come to the Custom House. Come and look at the museum and share your interest and how important this is for our community.”