History Fort Lauderdale, committed to preserving our collective heritage, promoting historical literacy, and fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for the vibrant tapestry of our region’s history, is proud to present “Swimming While Black,” The Untold Story of Unsung Heroes of Blacks, Beaches and Swimming Pools in 20th Century Segregated Broward County, a lecture by Don Mizell, Esq.
Don Mizell is a scion of the pioneer Mizell family, which has made significant contributions to the development of Broward County for over 100 years. Members of the Mizell family built the first school for Colored children, the oldest African American church, co-founded the first hospital serving the Black community, co-founded the NAACP, the first photography studio as well as one of the first funeral homes for African Americans. Don Mizell continues his family’s legacy of success in several areas and has been honored for his representative achievements in arts and culture.
This lecture will complement “Shifting Perspectives,” a new art and photography exhibit honoring Black History Month. The exhibit features works rooted in social justice, the Black experience, women’s stories, and nature from artist Constance Ivana plus archival photographs from the History Fort Lauderdale collection and an art show and sale from Dillard Center for the Arts’ Advanced Placement (AP) students and instructors, through February 28.
History Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of engaging multicultural experiences throughout the year. It seeks to bring awareness to the community through both traveling exhibits and multiple permanent displays including “Women Trailblazers,” “Fort Lauderdale – the Early Years,” “Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward,” “From Dugouts to Dream Yachts: The Story of Boatbuilding Along the New River,” “Seminole Arts & Culture,” “New River Archaeology,” “Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture,” “The Growth and History of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office,” and “Take PRIDE, a Retrospective on LGBTQ Life in South Florida.”
History Fort Lauderdale is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with docent-guided tours offered daily at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Group walking tours are available upon special request. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors; and $7 for students (through age 22 with a valid student ID). Admission is free for members, military personnel, and children aged six and under. Tickets are available online at HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets.
For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call (954) 463-4431 or visit historyfortlauderdale.org.
