OVERTOWN  

Invisible boundary Lines in South Florida's have inflicted tangible harm throughout black communities, these lines effectively isolated and significantly hindered the progress of an entire generation. In response, black Americans formed tight-knit communities, navigating their challenges and flourishing as best they could.

Confronted with numerous hardships, from limited access to running water and decent sanitation to the ever-present threat of violence, they persevered. Venturing outside these boundaries, especially for work, was fraught with danger. The aspirations and dreams of Miami's black population seemed precariously balanced on these boundary lines. Even as they made slight advancements, the looming risk of having their progress dismantled at a white individual's whim was ever-present, especially when they were crucial in building the United States.

Zoning and these boundary lines bolstered racism, using them as instruments for sustained oppression. When black Americans were neither permitted to advance nor relocate, they found themselves entrapped in enduring oppression. Housing was central to this issue, with structures like shotgun houses symbolizing both a semblance of home and a stark division. South Florida leveraged black Americans for labor, political clout, and entertainment, yet often denied them opportunities to advance within such confines.

Take, for instance, the vibrant town of Overtown. It became a nexus for the Afro-Caribbean diaspora, thriving with regular visits from white patrons. Yet, its essence was later obliterated by highway construction, its history erased by bulldozers. This act epitomized the pattern of exploiting a community and discarding it when deemed expedient.