The 44 Percent: Dorsey Park hate crime, Crump and Crockett come to Miami Gardens

When I think of safe Black neighborhoods, I think about the comfort of community and how that instills value in the Black children that are being raised in them. And in many ways, that value is shown by ensuring they see themselves in their own neighborhoods, be it through after school programs or murals intended to reflect their community.

The defacing of Black murals at Dorsey Park undermines that effort, but I’m certain community leaders will not be deterred. As artist Kyle Holbrook, who founded the MLK Mural Project to empower youth through art and education, told the Herald: “This was an act of hate, but it will not define us. This mural was born from a community’s pride, history, and power. We will restore it—stronger, bolder, and with even more purpose. Black history is American history. And no spray paint can erase that truth.”

Black communities deserve to feel safe from the threat of racists acts, especially at a time when our history is being challenged, erased and ignored.

INSIDE THE 305:

Jackie Robinson mural defaced at Overtown park where Negro Leagues once played

Two murals featuring Jackie Robinson and Minnie Miñoso at Dorsey Park in Overtown were defaced in what police and community members are calling a hate crime. As crime reporter Milena Malaver reported: The defacement — the swastika and the word “N------s” spray-painted onto the mural adorning the park walls — was reported to the Miami Police on Monday afternoon in what the community and police are calling a hate crime. The park is located at Northwest 17th Street and Northwest First Avenue.

Along with Robinson, a Minnie Miñoso mural was also vandalized. Miñoso, a Black Cuban baseball player, played in the Negro Leagues before playing with the Chicago White Sox. His portrait had a swastika spray-painted on it.

‘Scary times’: Ben Crump and Rep. Jasmine Crockett speak to Miami Gardens residents

At a townhall in Miami Gardens, U.S. Rep Jasmine Crockett and attorney Ben Crump urged residents to focus on local politics, build community and to stay politically engaged. As the Herald reported: And as national policies ripple through local communities Crockett said constituents should lean on their local elected officials. “Yes, you may be in Florida, and lord knows we need to pray for y’all, but the bright spots are your local officials,” she said.

OUTSIDE THE 305:

Coco Gauff advances to French Open final

Delray Beach resident Coco Gauff advances to the French Open final after defeating Loïs Boisson 6-1, 6-2 on Thursday. Gauff’s win sets up a rematch of the 2023 U.S. Open against No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday, the Associated Press reported. Then 19, Gauff beat Sabalenka, claiming her first major trophy.

Historian, activist Marvin Dunn to talk race at FAMU

Marvin Dunn, a historian and former Florida International University professor, is taking his “Teach the Truth” tour to FAMU in the wake of its controversial president selection, Marva Johnson, who has ties to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The event will take place Monday, June 9 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Rudy Hubbard Way and Althea Gibson Way across the street from the FAMU Residential Towers. It will also be streamed live on Instagram at @dr.marvindunn. More recently, Dunn has held talks on FIU’s campus at what he has dubbed the “Black History Learning Tree,” teaching the state’s Black history to those who will listen.

HIGH CULTURE:

BET Awards and Amerie performs on NPR’s Tiny Desk

D.C. songbird Amerie’s NPR’s Tiny Desk performance will debut Friday on its YouTube channel, coinciding with the outlet’s celebration of Black Music Month. The monthlong celebration also includes an earlier than normal BET Awards hosted by Kevin Hart, airing Monday.

Black judge’s law office is now an art gallery

In late March, we wrote about the law offices of the late Lawson E. Thomas being converted into an art gallery. The exhibit, “Sepia Vernacular: Overtown’s Photographic Journey, 1920–1950,” features photographs showcasing Overtown’s streetscape from the 1920s to 1950s and is now open to the public. The Overtown CRA is hosting an opening event at 6 p.m. today at the offices located at 1021 NW Second Ave., Miami.

Where does “The 44 Percent” name come from? Click here to find out how Miami history influenced the newsletter’s title.

This story was originally published June 5, 2025 at 4:40 PM.

Raisa Habersham

Miami Herald

Raisa Habersham is the race and culture reporter for the Miami Herald. She previously covered Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale for the Herald with a focus on housing and affordability. Habersham is a graduate of the University of Georgia. She joined the Herald in 2022.