BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Discover Broward County's rich Black history with the interactive map Threads, created by Broward County Transit (BCT) and the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) in light of the Juneteenth holiday. This exciting partnership brings to life the stories and contributions of Black residents throughout the county, highlighting their significant impact in shaping Broward's vibrant culture.

The AARLCC chose historical landmarks in Broward County that highlight the significant contributions of Black individuals who migrated to and have lived in Broward since the early 1900s. These landmarks include schools, places of worship, social establishments, and homes owned/established by prominent Black pioneers. A BCT GIS Analyst used ArcGIS to create the interactive map in which users can click on each location to learn more about its history and view nearby bus stops and routes that provide service to each site. Additionally, users can get directions to each place from the map through integration with Google Maps.

The map features notable landmarks and individuals, such as Eula Johnson, a civil rights activist who made history by leading the Fort Lauderdale Beach "wade-ins" in the '60s, which led to the desegregation of Fort Lauderdale Beaches. She also became the first woman president of the Fort Lauderdale chapter of the NAACP. Also featured on the map is Provident Hospital, founded by Drs. Von D. Mizell and James Sistrunk it was the city's first hospital to provide medical services to African Americans. Today Dr. Von D. Mizell - Eula Johnson State Park is in Hollywood. Another highlight on the map is the home and business of Frank and Florence Ali. They were prominent entrepreneurs responsible for opening one of the first Black-owned businesses in Dania. Today the site is known as the Ali Cultural Center, a cultural arts venue focused on showcasing artists of all mediums inspired by Black culture. Though some landmarks have closed or undergone renovations, their enduring legacy in building up Black communities throughout the county remains.

The map was created to educate the community about important figures who contributed to the creation of Broward County. This is especially relevant because the Juneteenth holiday was recently recognized as a federal holiday in Broward. By partnering with the library system and highlighting local community-based organizations, the project will reach new audiences and inspire new ideas for how BCT may engage with communities. The map also reminds people that Broward County Transit is available, providing different types of transportation services to all the places on the map and beyond, threading throughout our county and cities daily to provide affordable transportation and access to education, jobs and more. About Broward County Transit

About Broward County Transit

Broward County Transit (BCT) provides safe, reliable, and economical bus transportation via fixed route, breeze and express, community shuttles and paratransit services, serving a 410 square mile area. The fixed-route buses travel between Broward, Miami & Palm Beach counties every day of the week, including holidays. For more information about BCT or for help planning your trip, visit our website, and Facebook page, or call customer service seven days a week at 954-357-8400 or TTY 954-357-8302. From Sawgrass to Seagrass, We Connect You to Life!

June 18, 2023

Media Contact: 

Lynn Opperman, Marketing, Communications, and Customer Relations Manager

C: 954-610-3389

lopperman@broward.org