| Historic brunch honors the community’s rich past and bright future| South Miami-Dade’s Richmond Heights celebrated its 75th anniversary with an anniversary brunch and awards event hosted by the Historic Society and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. The event, which took place at Zoo Miami on Feb. 1, honored the rich history of this vibrant community and recognized the generations of families who transformed it from a vision into a beacon of Black excellence.
Richmond Heights was founded in 1949 by Capt. Frank C. Martin, a Pan American World Airways pilot, to provide African American veterans a place to call home after World War II. Faced with housing discrimination, Martin bought land in rural Miami-Dade and built a neighborhood where veterans and their families could live with dignity.
The first residents of Richmond Heights weren’t just veterans, however; they were tradespeople, entrepreneurs, educators and community leaders. They established schools, churches and civic groups that became the heart of the neighborhood. Richmond Heights quickly emerged as a hub for education, activism and pride, with many residents becoming the first in their families to attend college. The community also actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for equal rights and desegregation.
As Richmond Heights celebrates its 75th anniversary, its spirit of unity and empowerment remains strong — even as it faces new challenges with gentrification and economic pressures.
Preserving history
Jessica Garrett Modkins, founder of the Historic Society, is a key figure in preserving the neighborhood’s legacy. In her speech, Modkins emphasized the importance of safeguarding the community’s history, especially as it faces threats of being forgotten.
“I started the Historic Society in 2012 with a mission to preserve and archive history,” she shared. “Who knew how important the Historic Society would be in 2025 at such a pivotal point where our history is actually being erased?… At the Historic Society, we stand 10 toes down in ensuring that our history will never be lost.”
The Historic Society has worked tirelessly to document Richmond Heights’ story. Garrett Modkins credited her mother, cofounder Patricia Harper Garrett, for inspiring her to explore the community’s significance by researching Captain Martin’s actions in 1949.
“He turned his papaya groves into a community for Black World War II veterans during Jim Crow,” Garrett Modkins said. “These are the things and the reason why preserving our history is so important. I’ve grown up through that, but there are generations that are behind us that have no idea.”
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also praised the community’s resilience, highlighting Richmond Heights as a symbol of equal opportunity. She honored the Historic Society with a proclamation for its dedication to preserving local history.
“Richmond Heights has been pivotal not just for those who grew up there but for all of Miami-Dade County,” Levine Cava stated. “Richmond Heights was an idea that came to fruition and is now part of many dreams.”
2025 Changemakers – At the brunch, the 2025 Changemaker Awards recognized those who’ve had a lasting impact on Richmond Heights. Among the honorees was Dr. George Battle, a beloved physician who dedicated his career to women’s health in south Miami-Dade. His family accepted the award, sharing how his father’s reputation for compassion and excellence continues to inspire.
“A good name is rather to be chosen than riches,” Myles Battle quoted from Proverbs, illustrating how his father’s reputation for compassion and excellence in medicine continues to open doors even after his passing.
Former Sen. Dwight Bullard spoke passionately about Richmond Heights’ legacy of Black excellence.
“This place is the epitome of Black excellence; we’re talking about a place where your pharmacist, doctor, postmaster and teachers all lived in the same community,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of fighting to preserve the neighborhood’s legacy in the face of rapid change and the 2025 political climate. Bullard reminded everyone that Richmond Heights is a place that will “grow, stay, and never go back.”
Randall Floy, better known as DJ Nasty, is a local radio personality who has consistently promoted local voices and shared the rich history of South Dade with his broad audience.
“This is my home,” he said, recalling his childhood in the neighborhood.
Dr. Clarence Jones, an educator and community leader, was also recognized for his contributions to South Dade. He shared how his father’s dream of owning a home in Richmond Heights motivated him to become part of the community.
“Forty years ago, I did come this way and never looked back,” Jones said. “My home has been South Dade, and my cultural community has been Richmond Heights.”
Miami-Dade Vice Chairman Kionne McGhee received a Changemaker Award for his leadership. McGhee spoke about the need to create generational wealth in South Dade, particularly in light of ongoing changes.
“Richmond Heights is the epicenter of generational wealth for the South Dade community,” he said. “Start understanding your finances and financial literacy because as this community changes, you have to get your financial house in order.”
Former Commissioner Dennis C. Moss was honored for his long-lasting service to the community. Moss, who helped shape South Dade post-Hurricane Andrew, called for continued action.
“We’re at a different time, and we have to respond. We can’t be passive and just allow things to go forward without
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve both as a county commissioner and as the executive director of the Richmond Pride Optimist Club, where he worked to uplift the youth of South Dade. He emphasized the importance of continued service and commitment to improving lives for generations.
The final award went to Avery Washington, creator of the One Love Community Reunion Cookout. This beloved annual tradition brings former Richmond Heights residents together to celebrate their history.
The anniversary brunch ended with a room filled with optimism and the “Richmond Heights energy.” As the community faces new challenges, the resilience and unity that shaped Richmond Heights remain steadfast.
“It’s important for us to walk away with a piece of the Heights with us, whether you live there or not,” Bullard said.
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