John Charles Thomas reminisces about his father, Lawson E. Thomas, a lawyer who fought against racism in education and for Black rights in Miami during the 1960s. Recently, the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency has undertaken the renovation of his former office, now designated a historic site. With a $375,000 budget, the office will become an art gallery showcasing Overtown's heritage through a photography exhibit. This effort not only preserves the building but honors its significant role in the community's history.
Because he was a pioneer in this community, and because one of our many missions is to try to protect historical buildings that are located throughout the community, we felt that that building ranked up there with the historical buildings.
He was highly intelligent but extremely sensitive to the racism that was going on at the time.
The office will soon be home to an art gallery highlighting Overtown's rich history after undergoing a $375,000 renovation in the past year.
The building, built in 1936, had moisture damage, and the entire front facade needed to be redone.
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