About The Miami times. [volume] (Miami, Fla.) 1923-current
Miami, Fla. (1923-current)

Miami Times

The Miami Times was published every Saturday by owner/editor Henry E. Sigismund Reeves, who also served as a Reverend of Church of the Incarnation. The Times, South Florida's oldest African American newspaper, began publication in 1923 and coined itself "Florida's favorite colored weekly," priding itself in serving members of the local community.

Miami was founded in the 1890s by Julia Tuttle. Within a few years of her arrival, Tuttle convinced Henry Flagler to extend the Florida East Coast Railway down to Miami with hopes to encourage the development of the area. However, interest in expanding the railroad and the city required having skilled hands. Many Black laborers from other southern states and the Bahamas were brought to work on Flagler's railroad and the Royal Palm Hotel. In 1896, these same Black laborers comprised a significant portion of the votes that allowed Miami to become an official city.

Shortly after incorporation, laws prohibited members of the Black community from buying land anywhere but in Colored Town, a designated area in Miami. Despite being disenfranchised, residents of Colored Town, now known as Overtown, continued to thrive as the city began to prosper. As early as 1904, Miami's directory listed businesses that were owned and operated by its Black residents. By 1915, Miami had approximately 7,000 Black residents with a collective property value estimated to be $800,000. The city lured immigrants from countries such as the Bahamas, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago who, while seeking better lives, simultaneously helped the city flourish through their labor.

Despite playing an instrumental role in the city's transformation, the progress of Overtown began to decline. The Black community faced discrimination and racism. The community suffered, especially in the 1960s when the construction of two expressways cut right through the heart of the area, displacing approximately 20,000 African American residents.

The Times documented the city's expansion, with particular emphasis on the progress of the Black community. From the late 1940s to the late 1950s, several reports can be found that followed the impact of Jim Crow laws on business investments, housing developments, and school zoning restrictions. The paper heavily chronicled local and national events that preceded the Civil Rights Movement. Stories of hate crimes, including lynchings committed by the Ku Klux Klan, were published alongside news of the struggles and successes of organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in the fight for equal rights.

Additionally, the paper published recurring sections that offered a glimpse into local life. "Vital Statistics" announced births, deaths, and marriage certification applications, providing names and addresses for those identified." 'Round the Town" offered information on peoples' whereabouts and summaries of their outings. And finally, "Church Notes" informed readers of local sermons and religious events, encouraging readers to "go to the church" of their choice. These columns provided readers a glimpse of the local life.

The Times was a strong supporter of the local community. It frequently published articles and photographs celebrating the accomplishments of Miami's Black residents. Whether it be a school graduation, work promotion, or award received for other personal achievements, readers could count on the paper proudly featuring the successes of the local community.

Provided by: University of Florida