Legacy 2016 South Florida: Top Black Educators Issue | Page 18

18BB AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL FRIDAY , OCTOBER 14 , 2016

ARTS & CULTURE

By : Dr . Denise St . Patrick-Bell

Staff and Board of Directors at Cannonball Adderley Birthday Concert

Lifelong learning includes gaining knowledge about a people , their heritage , memories , culture and even buildings of historical significance . The Old Dillard Museum , built in 1924 , was the first public school built for black children in Broward County . Prior to that �me “ colored schools ” held classes in private buildings provided by members of the community . When it opened , in 1925 , the 10-room two-story building at the corner of NW 4th St and NW 10th Ave , had an inscrip�on over the front door that read “ Colored School ”. Black children were only allowed a par�al and split term school year so that they could be available to provide low cost child labor to local farmers by working in the fields harves�ng the crops .

In the late 1980s , the building was boarded up and slated for demoli�on but

was saved and renovated through community ac�vism . In 1991 , the building was listed on the Na�onal Register of Historic Sites and subsequently developed into a museum and cultural center . It is a historical landmark and an educa�on center operated by Broward County Public Schools . This year the Old Dillard Museum celebrates its 25th year on the Na�onal Historical Register . In commemora�on , Legacy interviewed Mr . Derek Davis , Museum Curator and noted African American Historian .

Legacy : What is the Museum ’ s mission and what type of programming is developed to achieve it ?

Davis : The people of Fort Lauderdale were very proud of their contribu�on to the county and they believe they are s�ll contribu�ng . Their contribu�ons , talents , and pride are showcased at the Museum . We provide a mul�disciplinary venue for music , art , literature , history , and dance through enriching exhibi�ons , cultural ac�vi�es , and educa�onal opportuni�es to keep Black history alive for all genera�ons . Legacy : What value do you feel the Museum contributes to the community ? Davis : The Black community is o�en described as underserved but I see it more as underu�lized . One of my favorite quotes is from D . A . Dorsey . He felt that America was was�ng one of its greatest natural resources , by systema�cally not involving the black youth in mainstream ac�vi�es . The Museum allows them to see how their ancestors overcame this systema�c exclusion and found ways to get involved and make a difference as produc�ve and influen�al ci�zens . The Museum not only serves the African-American community in which it resides , but it provides a valuable educa�onal resource to all races and cultures so they can develop an understanding and apprecia�on for this rich heritage .

Legacy : How does the Museum maintain its posi�on of influence in the community ?

Kids Room and African Village at Museum

Davis : As our ancestors did , we collaborate with other resources and form key partnerships with other organiza�ons , ar�sts , and writers which support and promote the African American and Caribbean communi�es . We are a village .

In celebra�on , several community events are planned by the staff and the Board of Directors . “ We celebrate a legacy of love and commitment to the past , present and the future . The Old Dillard Museum allows our children to learn about and embrace the success that we achieved during the fight for our Civil Rights and beyond .” says Patricia West , President of the Board .

Events include : The recent Cannonball Jazz Concert Series with legendary drummer Louis Hayes November 5 African Wardrobe Fes�val December 15 Pre-Kwanza Concert February 4 , 2017 Cannonball Jazz Series : guest ar�st with Chris Dorsey and the DCA Jazz Ensemble AND MORE !

The Museum is open daily and admission is free . For more information , call 754-322-8828 or visit www . broward . k12 . fl . us / olddillardmuseum