The Precinct & Museum was constructed in 1950 in the Black community of Colored Town (now known as Overtown). Although short-lived, the Precinct & Museum was very successful: Officer Otis Davis was one of the first Black homicide detectives in Miami, Florida; the Precinct was responsible for confiscating numerous fire-arms and making the streets of Colored Town safe; and more than 6000 cases were tried by a Black judge, Judge Johnson.
Dreamers learned that despite the hard work of the Black police officers, they all faced discrimination:
1. They were denied the opportunity to take the Police Exam
2. Were called "patrolmen" instead of "policemen"
3. They did not receive a pension, although the white police officers did
4. Only Black police officers had to walk or share the one bicycle in the Precinct
Dreamers were also able to see the courtroom, Judge's chamber, and the jail cells. It was a nice trip and I urge all followers of this blog to take a visit.
A HUGE "Thank you" to our tour guide, Shelby D. Goodman!! You were AWESOME!!
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| Retired Black police officers responsible for making the precinct a historic museum |
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| White officers in KKK gear during a funeral procession of a fellow officer |
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| Otis Davis: one of the first Black homicide detectives in Miami, FL |
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| Black officers had to walk or ride a bicycle |
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| Inside the courthouse |
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| Jail Cell |
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| Group Picture :) |
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