Monday, January 30, 2017

A Historic Lecture - Dr. Gregory Bush, Author, Historian


A Historic Lecture

January 24, 2017 - Our Speaker for today was Dr. Gregory Bush, author, historian, professor, and the director of the Institute for Public History at the University of Miami. Dr. Bush's lecture further illustrated Miami's rich history and how our public spaces played an intrical part in South Florida's Civic Rights history.

Nature Links

Dr. Bush began by describing his program which helps students with intellectual disabilities namely, "Nature Links". There isn't much to do in Miami Dade Country for students with intellectual disabilities out of the high-school program. Dr. Bush''s  program helps keeps them active, teaching them various skills ranging from planting to cooking. Additionally, Rotarian Mari Chael is the Vice President of this program (wonders never cease with Mari!). You can find a Nature Links project in various locations ranging from Coral Gables to Palmetto Bay.

Land Over Time

Then Dr. Bush switched to the main topic of the day which is creating spaces that last, focusing on the needs of all instead of just a few. Currently, it's confusing to even know who owns which parcel of land, what's public and what's private. And further exacerbating the issue is the fact unfortunately most of us in Miami just don't have a solid concept of our history. Dr. Bush gave us a brief synopsis of its history beginning with briefly describing the first Civil Rights assembly which was right here in May of 1945.

This educational summary was only limited by time constraints, still much was discussed and much reviewed. Such as the fascinating history of Virginia Key and its ongoing, but promising, preservation struggles. The Civil Rights history ( much of this unknown to Miami Natives) and how much of this history was preserved by the prominent women ( not so much the men) of that movement. The worry of old landmarks giving way to private industry, the extravagant parking costs just for access for public beaches, essentially pushing people away. And the concern, just how much this land of ours has changed over time, and what we can do to learn more. Thank you Dr. Bush!

Thank you Dr. Bush!

Article by Jeff McNabb

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