From left- George Simpson Jr., Dr Nelson L. Adams III, County Commissioner Vice Chairman Kionne L. McGhee, City of Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo and Ray Simpson (George’s brother), posed during the street renaming ceremony to honor the Florida’s first board certified Black pediatrician, Dazelle Simpson and her husband, the state’s first Black surgeon, George Simpson.
pportal@miamiherald.com
I don’t pretend to know everything about South Florida. I’ve only been here a little more than three years. Still, it’s been riveting covering the region’s Black communities and their history.
Last week, I wrote about Dazelle and George Simpson, the state’s first Black board-certified pediatrician and surgeon, respectively, having a street named after them in Coconut Grove, a Bahamian enclave in Miami.
But this week, I wrote about the challenges the Little Haiti Cultural Center, nestled in Miami’s tight-knit Haitian American community, is still facing. Such stories are a reminder to celebrate the achievements of Black South Floridians while protecting Black communities that are most vulnerable.
Need to know:
Miami felt the heat, then plunged 40 degrees. How long will the cold last?
‘Miami-Dade is a place that makes room’: Mayor Levine Cava calls for unity
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INSIDE THE 305:
Pioneering Black physicians honored with Coconut Grove street
Dazelle and George Simpson, the state’s first Black board-certified pediatrician and surgeon, respectively, have a street named after them along Percival Avenue by the Simpson’s Coconut Grove home.
Uncle Luke steps down as a Miami high school football coach. What’s next?
Luther Campbell, known as “Uncle Luke,” announced on social media Monday that he was resigning as head football coach at Miami Edison Senior High School. He’s weighing a run at Congress.
Suspension of Little Haiti Cultural Complex director exposes years of turmoil
The Little Haiti Cultural Complex’s director was suspended last month, a move that has been met with confusion and frustration by people in the Little Haiti community, who see the scrutiny on her performance as a sign that the city is intentionally looking for ways to push out another director of the cultural institution.
OUTSIDE THE 305:
New evidence shows how discrimination shortens lives in Black communities
A new study from JAMA Network Open revealed the mortality gap between Black and white people can be traced to stress and inflammation tied to discrimination.
Party People: Reginald Hudlin on the legacy of his jubilant teen classic House Party
Reginald Hudlin’s ‘90s classic “House Party” is being entered into the Criterion Collection. He spoke to letterboxd about the movie’s legacy.
HIGH CULTURE:
Barbershop series kicks off in Miami Gardens
We’re about a month into the new year, but it undoubtedly feels like it’s been a year. If you’re looking to rejuvenate and shape your confidence, Jefferson Noel, founder of Barbershop Speaks, will host a community conversation, “New Year, New Narrative: Shaping Your Unique Identity,” at 7 p.m. Saturday at ToppCuttaz Barbershop in Miami Gardens. Attendees can register here.
This story was originally published January 29, 2026 at 3:00 PM.
