The Historic Hampton House

Children and youth growing up in Liberty City, Overtown and Brownsville are often unaware of the compelling history surrounding them. These children often live or attend schools that do not resemble the place that once was the pride of the Miami African-American community. The Historic Hampton House is one of many jewels in the community that offers visitors, children and families of the greater Miami area an opportunity to gain insight into the history and background of the community. In the 1950s, 60s, and early 70s, the Historic Hampton House was a two-story, 50-room Miami Modern-style inn with a jazz club, restaurant and a swimming pool. Martin Luther King, Jr. was famously photographed in his swim trunks enjoying a dip in the pool. While the Hampton House was a hotspot for entertainment and known as the "Social Center for the South," it was also the sight for weekly meetings by the Congress for Racial Equality. Dr. King visited often during the early 1960s and delivered a version of his "I Have a Dream" speech at the Hampton House in 1960 before his legendary oration at the March on Washington in 1963.

The Historic Hampton House has youth programs such as the Brownsville Unity Music Project (BUMP) and HHH Scholars Program. Each program is designed to educate children and their families on the history of the Historic Hampton House while enhancing their cultural arts experiences.