Summer Academy 2012

     I Have a Dream-Overtown, Inc. with collaborations from: Florida International University, MDCPS Summer Services and The Children's Trust conducted it's annual Summer Academy from July 2 - July 31 2012.  The academy focused on academics in the mornings (math, reading, creative writing) and enrichment activities in the afternoons (guest speakers, presenters, and workshops).  I would like to thank the staff members who dedicated thier time, efforts, experiences, and energy into making our academy a success (A. Callo, B. Bush, H. Major, P. Romaniuk, K. Waters,).  I would also like to thank each individual, group, and agency that presented, spoke, and conducted workshops.  Your input was well received and more importantly appreciated.

    
    At the conclusion of our academy, each Dreamer that attended was invited to Ft. Myers, Fl. for a guided tour of: Florida Gulf Coast University, The Edison Museum, and The Miccosukee Indian Village.  As our Dreamers enter their sophomore (and freshmen) year of high school, my goal is to encourage each of them to recognize and use their resources in a way that makes them flourish. 

 I want to especially thank those Dreamers who attended the academy, participated in activities, and represented IHAD-Overtown amazingly.  Enjoy the pics.. E. L. Lewis

Law School working with our Dreamers. Thanks Prof. Kotey.

FIU Leadership Workshop

Dreamers at FIU Agro Ecology presentation

Project U-Turn Workshop

FIU library tour

IHAD Staff: P. Romaniuk, K. Waters, E. L. Lewis



Mesha, Wendell and La-Kayla going over their case (FIU Law School)

On on tour of FIU School of Theatre w/Prof. Church

Malana and Demani rehearshing at Theatre Workshop

Using the electromicroscope to see the sun

Dr. Webb (Astrology) w/Ashley, La-La, Kayla

IHAD 2012 FCGU Tour

On our way to FGCU

Nathan, Alejandro, Chris, Star, Sendy, Maddy, Jo-Jo

The Tour begins with Mia.



Ricky, FCGU Mascot, Mat'

Lewis and the Cruz's

Learning about FCGU from Mia.

Mr. B, Patrica and the Dreamers

At the campus book store

Jeremiah speaking about the day

About to begin our tour



Airboat rides for the Dreamers

Cristian and Nathan lead to way

The Jumbo Vessel

IHAD Overtown Inc. Ready for departure

"Albert the Alligtor"

Everyone watching "Albert"

Our guide at the villiage "Alligtor Joe"... I think

Karen, Kayla, Ross all want to hold the baby gator.

Waiting for the wrestling to begin



End-of-Year Bash

The 2011-2012 school year is finally finished! On June 1 2012, I Have A Dream had its annual End-of-Year Bash! It was a simple evening over food and music to express gratitude to all of our supporters and community partners! A special THANK YOU to: The Children's Trust, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, IHAD Advisory Committee, Take Stock In Children, Principals, Teachers, Tutors, & Mentors who have helped to make 2011-2012 another successful year for IHAD! Most importantly, THANK YOU Dreamers for your hard work and flexibility...without you there wouldn't be a program. ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!!!

Day at the Historical Virginia Key Beach

The 2011-2012 school year is quickly drawing to a close and the Dreamers went on their last field trip for the school year to Virginia Key Beach (VKB). VKB is the first keys of the Florida Keys, but was originally attached to Miami Beach until a natural disaster caused it to separate in 1830. VKB was orginally inhabited by Native Americans, but as more African-Americans began to migrate further South , many looked for beaches to attend, especially on hot summer days. But due to the segregation laws at the time, African-Americans and minorities were banned from the White beaches. After a few protests and wade-ins, VKB was officially designated the "Negro" beach in 1945.

Across the street from VKB, is Crandon Park, which was known as the White-only beach. VKB had stronger currents, a small pond, concession stand, and mini carousel and train rides, while Crandon Park had calmer waters, a petting zoo, and elaborate train and carousel rides. Nevertheless, African-Americans made VKB their own! In 1945, the only way in and out of VKB was by ferryboats. In the 1960s, due the Civil Rights Movement, segregation became illegal and VKB was open to everyone. In the 1980s, VKB was closed down due to a lack of city funding, but was finally declared a historical site in 2008. Today, VKB is open to the public!