Press Release

The City of Pompano Beach and Rock Road Restoration Historical Group are proud to announce The Gathering, a special event dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich history of Pompano Beach’s Black community. This unique free family event will offer various activities aimed at collecting, documenting, and archiving the residents’ stories and photos. Join us September 14, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Apollo Park located at 1580 NW 3^rd Avenue. Learn more at www.pompanobeacharts.org.

"Preserving the experiences, contributions, and achievements of the residents and ancestors of our historic Black neighborhoods is vital to understanding our City's cultural tapestry," said Ty Tabing, Director of the Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department, operating as Pompano Beach Arts. "We're proud to partner with the Rock Road Restoration Historical Group on The Gathering, ensuring this heritage is cherished for years to come."

Through this effort, the City aims to enrich the collections held at the Pompano Beach Historical Society, Blanche Ely House Museum, and Ali Cultural Arts Center by gathering photographs and historical artifacts from participating community members. This project will support a more equitable presentation of Pompano Beach history, offering researchers and the community a fuller representation of the local Black/African American experience.

Highlights of the event include:

• Photograph Scanning Station: Attendees are encouraged to bring their old photos to be scanned and digitized on-site.
• Oral History Recording Booth: Community members can share their personal stories for inclusion in the local archives.
• Historical Exhibit: Explore displays featuring historical documents and artifacts that tell the story of the community.
• Refreshment Area: Enjoy light refreshments while connecting with fellow attendees.

Rock Road Restoration Historical Group, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, is committed to preserving the history and cultural contributions of Black residents west of Dixie Highway in Pompano Beach, Florida. The organization continues to serve as a change agent, enriching the community and ensuring that local heritage is honored and remembered.