Latest news with #KeonHardemon
Miami Herald
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Renaming streets diminishes Liberty City community instead of celebrating it
Be street smart To Madam Mayor and Honorable Commissioners of Miami-Dade County, I strongly oppose the proposed renaming of historic streets in a vital cultural corridor of Miami. While the intent may be to honor local music and artistry, this approach risks diminishing the very community it seeks to celebrate. Liberty City has long been a beacon of artistic expression, resilience and cultural pride. Residents, business owners and artists have worked tirelessly to foster dignity, heritage and progress. However, renaming streets after rap lyrics — some reinforcing negative stereotypes — undermines these efforts and could deter much-needed investment and growth. Miami's contribution to hip-hop and Black culture is significant, but reducing our street names to 'Act Up Street' and 'Trenches Street' sends the wrong message. Such names risk turning this district into a social media spectacle rather than a hub of progress. Perhaps Commissioner Keon Hardemon views this as a way to engage younger generations. Any changes, however, must align with the long-term vision of empowerment, not parody. Instead of renaming streets, I urge the commission to honor Miami's hip-hop legacy positively, through cultural landmarks, festivals, or arts initiatives. More importantly, let's prioritize long-overdue infrastructure improvements, small business investment and youth programs. I respectfully ask the commission to reject this resolution and ensure that any changes reflect the values of those who live, work, and create here. Let's champion progress, not undermine it. Keith Griffin, Liberty City In the spotlight What a disappointment to learn of Miami Beach Mayor Steve Meiner threatening O Cinema for showing the film 'No Other Land.' One of the first victims of war is truth. The reality of what has been happening in Israel in recent months is tragic, sad and wrong. That a Jewish journalist and a Palestinian activist together directed the documentary speaks volumes. Why not show the documentary and let people choose if it is full of lies or sadly true? If it is offensive or not so? Many Jewish residents in Miami Beach do not agree with the mayor. If the mayor disagrees with what he thinks the documentary will show, then he should not attend. Instead, let me attend. Let those of us with an open mind and who are not afraid of the truth see the documentary. These are hard times we are living. Let's be brave. Teresa Fernández, Miami Social insecurity Social Security is an entitlement? Yes, it certainly is! We, the people, are definitely entitled to 'our' money, which had been taken out of our paychecks to give us financial security when we finally retired. What don't these government people understand? Barry Levy, Miami Beach conflicts Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner voted to oppose pro-LGTBQ measures as commissioner, including naming a street after deceased San Francisco politician Harvey Milk and condemning the Miami-Dade School Board for refusing to recognize LGBTQ History Month. He opined that such matters fall outside the city commission's purview. Yet Meiner sees no problem using city letterhead and city leverage to try to make a point. The mayor is wholeheartedly correct in using his role to decry and fight against antisemitism — a huge evil in this city, state and country. That said, it is hypocritical for Meiner to claim the city has no place supporting and protecting other minorities in the city while using city hall. Censoring and attempting to evict O Cinema for showing an Academy Award-winning documentary film is outrageous. Meiner should continue to fight antisemitism and he should also stand and start fighting against homophobia, racism and sexism in our community. Jack Lord, Miami Beach Historic home Re: the March 13 online story by Andres Viglucci and Lauren Costantino, 'Hostile takeover or righteous claim? Historic Miami church at center of tangled legal dispute.' The contentious two-year dispute puts an important part of Miami's history in jeopardy: the 100-year-old home of Miami's first mayor. While the lawsuits continue, it is vital to ensure that the historic home is not lost forever in the process. Miami's first mayor, John Reilly, built his home in 1926 in the early suburb of Shenandoah. The two-story residence, constructed on a massive property, is in a vulnerable area that has rapidly been losing historic buildings due to the neighborhood's gentrification. The current owners, Saint Peter & Paul Russian Orthodox Greek Church, purchased the stately residence in 1954, paid off the mortgage in 1960 and have been faithful stewards for over 70 years. The home next door was built in 1922 from a mail order Sears kit by Mayor Reilly's daughter and her family. This home is meticulously preserved and the abutting properties offer a rare glimpse of Miami in the 1920's. The Villagers, Miami-Dade's oldest historic preservation organization, support all efforts to save and protect this historic home and support its Historic Designation. Kelley Schild, Coral Gables Holy mineral? Some people 'believe' that fluoride added to our county's drinking water is not beneficial. It's not a religion; it's science. Don Deresz, Miami Risk of war President Donald Trump is too ignorant to realize that the surrender of one yard of Ukraine to Russia is the actual first step toward World War III. The sycophant, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is smart enough to realize this but too obsequious to speak truth to power. If Russian President Vladimir Putin gains ground by war this time, he will see this conquest as a model for future invasions. When he tries to annex Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, or Belarus, his armies will be face-to-face with NATO and the USA. Charles Sanders, South Miami Missing virtues As a U.S. Army veteran during the Vietnam era, I was appalled to read about the budget cuts President Trump and his billionaire pal, Elon Musk, want to make to the Department of Defense and therefore, our military. When Trump became eligible to serve in the armed forces, he chickened out by claiming he had painful bone spurs, while his wealthy father allegedly paid a doctor to confirm the fake claim. Those 'painful' bone spurs didn't keep Trump from playing baseball in high school, nor tennis at Fordham University, yet they magically appeared when he became eligible for the military draft. Has anyone seen Trump limping around on the golf course recently? Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, but when he came of age for compulsory military service, he fled to Canada to avoid serving his country. Meanwhile, our draft-dodger president also wants to ban transgenders from serving in the military. Roger Hammer, Homestead Unwelcome gift The Department of Homeland Security's recent requirement that all immigrants register reminds me of when Nazi Germany required all Jews to wear a yellow Star of David arm band. I wonder what the future immigrant arm band will look like? Charity Johnson, Miami Friendly AI Despite all the current fearmongering, artificial intelligence is not a threat to human beings. AI is an incredible tool when used properly. Its main value is in its predictive abilities. It can sift through massive amounts of data and discern patterns that the human brain, as predisposed to pattern-seeking as it is, cannot. But AI cannot replace human thought. It can never write a work of literature. Yes, it can emulate past authors, but it can only do so in predictive ways. Or random ways. What it cannot do is create the unexpected. That is something only a gifted author can do. And by 'unexpected,' I do not mean random. I mean the precise turn of events that creates the most surprise in the reader's mind, and also the sense that what transpired was, in fact, precisely what should have been expected. Only a human mind can do that. AI will not replace us. David Frank DeLuca Palm Bay
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
In Miami, you may soon be able to drive down ‘Grind With Me Terrace'
Drivers may soon cruise down 'Grind With Me Terrace' as they navigate Miami. They might turn right onto 'Act Up Street' or find parking on 'Big Money Baller Street.' At rush hour, navigation apps may warn that there's a traffic delay on 'It's Ya Birthday Street.' Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. All signs point to a one-of-a-kind effort in Miami. The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners is considering a proposal that would rename two dozen streets after songs by rap and hip-hop artists hailing from the metro area. The debate has split the county commissioners, who spent hours last week weighing whether titles like 'We the Best' and 'Still Da Baddest' should hang from street signs in Miami's Liberty City neighborhood. Supporters of the proposal say it celebrates the city's culture and legacy, and would uplift an otherwise neglected area. Opponents question whether the street names are appropriate and how the change might impact local businesses. Commissioner Keon Hardemon, the bill's sponsor, said the proposal would breathe life into the city's Northwest 18th Avenue corridor. The area in recent years has been plagued by dilapidated buildings, substandard housing, broken sidewalks and little lighting - symptoms of an overall lack of investment, he said. 'It's bigger than the street names,' he said, adding, 'Miami has a storied history in the music scene. These are all names or lyrics that people will instantly recognize and truly just reflect a good time and positive feelings about Miami culture.' The proposal, first reported by the Miami Herald, runs the gamut of artists born or based in Miami-Dade, including Trina, Flo Rida, Uncle Luke and City Girls. Liberty City, where the signs would be installed, is a historically Black northern Miami neighborhood that's the subject of a major county redevelopment project. Other proposed street names would honor Betty Wright's 'No Pain, No Gain,' Major Nine's 'Soul Ties,' and 'Born N Raised,' a track from DJ Khaled, Pitbull, Rick Ross and Trick Daddy. 'It's establishing a space unlike any place in America - a place where you can actually come and interact with Miami history,' Hardemon said. 'It is a place I envision people will come because it is unique, because it has funny sayings that they know. It has such a role in our history, and it also really gives a reason for people to smile at street names and say, 'Hey, this is something different.'' Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins wasn't convinced. 'How do you get to my house? Oh, go up 18th Avenue and make a right on 'Poor Little [Rich] Girl Street' and make a left on 'Big Money Baller Street' and, right in front of 'Chase This [Dis] Money Street,' you can find the corner store where we can meet,' Cohen Higgins said during a commissioners meeting last week. 'It kind of opens the door to us naming streets in ways I don't feel comfortable about. I don't want 'Back That Azz Up Boulevard' anywhere in Miami-Dade County, for example.' Cohen Higgins asked what the move might do to the area's property values - and insisted that community members needed a chance to share their thoughts. 'Their address is going to change to '89 Poor Little Rich Girl Street,'' Cohen Higgins said. 'This is not naming street names after legendary artists that have been pillars in our community. These street names include slang.' (At the same meeting, commissioners agreed to rename a road in honor of Miami rap legend Luther 'Uncle Luke' Campbell - dubbing it Luther Campbell Way.) One commissioner likened the unorthodox plan to wearing sneakers with a suit - a display that merges cultural worlds. Another commissioner argued that this move may perpetuate stereotypes about the neighborhood and its residents. After nearly two hours of debate, the commissioners remained divided, voting 5-5. They agreed to reconsider the issue at their meeting next Tuesday. Hardemon is hopeful that his street names will get a green light this time. Related Content DOGE wants them 'gone' but makes it hard for federal workers to move on NIH reels with fear, uncertainty about future of scientific research After Trump threats, Hong Kong firm to sell stake in Panama Canal ports
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Miami Herald
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
The 44 percent: Rap lyrics as street names, Black school closing, Jazz in the Gardens
I remember the first time I heard Angie Stone. No, it wasn't the 'No More Rain (In This Cloud),' which samples Gladys Knight and The Pips' 'Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye).' It was, of course, on '106th & Park' and the video for 'Brotha,' a song that conveys love and support to Black men, aired. The video showed prominent Black male activists such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X and featured cameos from Luther Vandross and Will Smith among other entertainers. The song and the follow-up single, 'Wish I Didn't Miss You,' were peak neo-soul. Perhaps a precursor to neo-soul is embedded in the smooth tunes of Roy Ayers, the legendary jazz artist whose work has been sampled by Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and A Tribe Called Quest to name a few. If I play Angie for 2000s nostalgia, I play Roy to mellow out, reflect or to seek some form of joy. That's why losing them both in the same week is hard. They knew how to tug at your heart strings in times of despair or worry. INSIDE THE 305: Will Grind with Me Terrace come to Miami-Dade? Proposal puts rap lyrics on the map Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon wants to name about a dozen streets in Liberty City after song lyrics by prominent Miami rappers such as Mike Smiff and Trick Daddy. As Miami-Dade County government reporter Doug Hanks writes: The longest and most heated debate for Miami-Dade County commissioners on Tuesday came down to the question of creating Grind with Me Terrace, Peace in Da Hood Street and Big Money Baller Street. Those were some of the names proposed by a commissioner who wants to bring buzz to a downtrodden area north of Miami with a cluster of street signs bearing lyrics of rap and hip-hop songs made famous by local artists who made it big. 'If you're from Miami, you know these famous songs and these sayings,' Commissioner Keon Hardemon, the sponsor, told board members. 'For those of you who may be a little uncomfortable, I ask you to support me and my community.' 'It's not right': Parents and activists push for new plan at Broward school set to close Broward Estates Elementary School, a predominantly Black school in Lauderhill, is closing even as parents and activists pushed for a new plan for the Broward County school. As Broward County reporter Amanda Rosa writes: Parents who had not followed the school board's plans closely were shocked and confused. Members of Lauderhill's predominately Black community felt slighted since Broward Estates, the only school left on the chopping block, has an over 92 percent Black student population. And for those who don't have children who currently attend Broward Estates, the stakes feel just as high. Longtime Lauderhill residents say defending Broward Estates is about more than saving one school, its about the future of the community. OUTSIDE THE 305: D.C. mayor to remove Black Lives Matter Plaza amid pressure from White House In 2020 and in the wake of George Floyd's death by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, D.C. painted 'Black Lives Matter' on a two-block stretch of 16th Street near the White House. Now, what has been called Black Lives Matter Plaza is set to be painted over after Georgia Republican Rep. Andrew Clyde introduced legislation earlier this week that would force the plaza to be renamed or D.C. loses funding, NBC BLK reported. 60 years after Bloody Sunday, activists remember the Black women behind the curtain In interviews with The 19th, a women-led and centered news outlet, activists recounted the 60th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge led by young John Lewis. HIGH CULTURE: Florida's own Doechii performs at Jazz in The Gardens As listeners groove to the smooth tunes of R&B and jazz, they will also get a taste of Tampa-native and Grammy-winning rapper Doechii who will grace the stage Saturday night alongside Lauryn Hill, Busta Rhymes and Florida legends Uncle Luke and 69 Boyz. Where does 'The 44 Percent' name come from? Click here to find out how Miami history influenced the newsletter's title.
CBS News
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Miami-Dade streets may soon sing with hip-hop names
"Trick Love the Kids" and "We da Best" could soon adorn street signs in Miami-Dade County, as a proposal to rename streets after iconic hip-hop lyrics from local artists gained traction Tuesday. Commissioner Keon Hardemon, spearheading the initiative, aims to transform the 18th corridor in Liberty City into a musical tourist attraction, fostering community pride. Hardemon's proposal, presented to the county commission, seeks to rename over 20 streets with popular song titles and phrases, celebrating artists like Trick Daddy, DJ Khaled and City Girls, all hailing from the area. "What we are doing right now is we're trying to change the name of the streets to our music," Hardemon said, envisioning a revitalization of the neighborhood. "I want people to feel good about their place," Hardemon told CBS News Miami, emphasizing the goal of instilling a sense of pride and ownership. "You don't have to leave the community to live in a better neighborhood; you can stay right here." Hardemon believes the street names will draw visitors, creating photo opportunities and boosting local recognition for both the community and its artists. "It gives people reason to come to 18th Ave., and actually take a picture next to one of the signs," he said. The proposal, however, was deferred and will return to the commission's agenda on March 18 for further consideration.
