(Miami, Florida)— In celebration of Black History month, City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, joined by Mo and Gail Vaughn, county commissioners and community leaders celebrated the official opening of the In Motion: The African American Migration Experience Exhibit. The exhibit will be showcased at the Historic Lyric Theater, located at 819 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida, and is free and open to the public from February 1 through May 31, 2006, and is open from Wednesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m., closed on Monday and Tuesday.

“In Motion: The African-American Migration Experience” presents a new interpretation of African-American history, one that focuses on the self-motivated activities of peoples of African descent to remake themselves and their worlds. Of the thirteen defining migrations that formed and transformed African America, only the transatlantic and domestic slave trades were coerced, the eleven others were voluntary movements of resourceful and creative men and women, risk-takers in an exploitative and hostile environment. Their survival skills, efficient networks, and dynamic culture enabled them to thrive and spread, and to be at the very core of the settlement and development of the Americas. Their hopeful journeys changed not only their world and the fabric of the African Diaspora but also the Western Hemisphere.

“This exhibit showcases the rich history and diversity in our community,” said Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones. “I encourage everyone to come out and see the exhibit first hand.”

During the event, Mo and Gail Vaughn presented a check to the MLK Trust for $40,000 and Burger King Corporation for $25,000. All funds raised during the event will benefit the MLK Trust. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Black Archives.

The exhibit is sponsored by the City of Miami, Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), The Black Archives, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Miami-Dade Transit and Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

WHAT:    In Motion: The African American Migration Experience Exhibit

WHEN:    February 1 - May 31, 2006

WHERE: Historic Lyric Theater; 819 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL

COST:    Free

HOURS OF
OPERATION: Wednesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
                         Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m.
                         Closed on Monday and Tuesday