MLK, Juneteenth free days nixed at Miami-area national parks

Last week, the Trump administration eliminated Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth as free-entry days for national parks, underscoring for many the efforts to erase or eliminate the contributions of Black people in this country.

One of those people is Sir Lancelot Jones, a Black farmer who in 1970 sold 277 acres of his family’s land to the National Park Service for what would later become Biscayne National Park.

As Congresswoman Frederica Wilson noted, Black people typically use MLK Day or Juneteenth as days of service, thus the attempt to take a cheap shot at Black people was just that: a cheap shot. It doesn’t discontinue the work Black people do in their communities to uplift themselves and each other.

Need to know:

Miami voters elected their first Democrat mayor in nearly 30 years.

The Miami Herald launches investigation into Haiti’s gang-related sexual violence.

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Next week will be the final 44 percent newsletter for the year.

INSIDE THE 305:

‘Bigoted stunt’: MLK, Juneteenth free days axed at Miami-area national parks

Visitors to Florida’s three national parks are losing two free entrance days next year. And critics say the choice of holidays — Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth — is a pointed jab at Black people.

Brévo Theatre builds a holiday tradition with Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity’

Brévo Theatre’s “Black Nativity” is playing in Miami and Broward County through Dec. 21.

OUTSIDE THE 305:

Rep. Jasmine Crockett launches Senate bid

Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate on Monday, amid the state’s redrawing of its congressional maps.

A’ja Wilson named TIME Magazine’s Athlete of the Year

It’s hard to think of an athlete who’s had a better year than A’ja Wilson. The Las Vegas Aces center and 4-time WNBA MVP was named TIME Magazine’s Athlete of the Year following a third WNBA championship win.

HIGH CULTURE:

Brandy & Monica come to Florida

It’s been a tour long in the making. Brandy and Monica make their way to their nearly sold out show in Miami on Saturday. And if you haven’t been, you’re in for a treat with American Idol winner Jamal Roberts, singer-songwriter Keyshia Cole and Kelly Rowland also on the ticket.

This story was originally published December 11, 2025 at 2:15 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.