The 44 Percent: Marvin Dunn, Cory Booker, Black-owned steakhouse in Miami Beach

Miami Herald

03-04-2025

Under the shade of a tree on Florida International University's campus, historian and activist Marvin Dunn led a crowd of about 30 people on a journey through some of Florida's Black history. These were stories some hadn't learned in their formal schooling, or had only heard of but knew very little about.
On the same night Dunn sought to educate FIU students and visitors about Florida's little discussed Black history, Cory Booker broke the record for longest speech on the Senate floor – a record held by Storm Thurmond in 1957 when he spoke against the Civil Rights Act.
Booker detailed his criticisms of the Trump administration's policies and the Department of Government Efficiency, a department that was not approved by Congress, which is supposed vote to create new governmental departments. I'm certain Booker understood the weight and necessity of that moment
The core mission of Booker and Dunn's actions is resistance to institutions that have systemically told Black people they do not belong. In a terse political climate in which legislation has been crafted to erase or limit Black history, it is important that we take up space and assert ourselves.
Submission only gives people permission to treat us the way they think we deserve, but vocally combating the narrative that we're undeserving forces us to reclaim our place in America.
INSIDE THE 305:
'Telling our history correctly': Activist hosts Black history class under a tree at FIU
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of writing about Marvin Dunn's Black History Learning Tree on FIU's campus. Dunn, a historian and former professor of the campus, designated the tree as a place where he will share Florida's Black history. Dunn is doing this without the permission of FIU officials while asserting that the idea that diversity, equity, and inclusion isn't dead. He plans to host more of his unauthorized, but much needed Black history lessons, including one today.
From France to Washington Avenue: How this Black-owned steakhouse came to life
Kathia Joseph's journey ton becoming a restaurateur started well before she owned Casa Matilda in Miami Beach. Born in Haiti, Joseph lived in France where she did translations for Disney shows before coming to South Florida and building her budding restaurant empire. Minority business reporter Michael Butler details Joseph's story from expert translator to savvy businesswoman.
OUTSIDE THE 305:
At Black Colleges, A Stubborn Gender Gap Continues
Black male enrollment at Historically Black Colleges and Universities continues to decline, the New York Times reported this week. Black men comprise 26% of the population at HBCUs, down from 38% in 1976, according to data from the American Institute for Boys and Men. 'There are now about as many non-Black students attending H.B.C.U.s as there are Black men,' the news outlet reported.
The revelation that made Sheryl Lee Ralph cry on 'Finding Your Roots'
Truthfully, I can't recall the last time I watched an episode of 'Finding Our Roots' with Henry Louis Gates. But the story of actress Sheryl Lee Ralph's legacy is intriguing. Ralph, known for her roles on 'Moesha' and 'Abbott Elementary,' learned that one of her ancestors was a free man. She talks about learning her history with the TODAY show, but the full episode can be seen on PBS.org.
HIGH CULTURE:
Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
April 4 marks 57 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. On Friday, residents can commemorate him at the 20th annual Reclaim The Dream Candlelight Memorial and Gospel Concert. The event, held at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, will begin at 6:01 p.m. – the time King was shot and killed at The Lorraine Motel in Memphis. The event will include a candlelight vigil and musical performances by Hezekiah Walker and The Clark Sisters.
Where does 'The 44 Percent' name come from? Click here to find out how Miami history influenced the newsletter's title.