The Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida

The archival collection is a manuscript and photographic repository in a community setting that includes blueprints, oil paintings and artifacts. The goal of the archives is to collect, preserve and make accessible sourced materials of enduring value to students, teachers, researchers, scholars, the media and the public-at-large. The materials in the repository are collected for educational purposes in support of the archives.

Lyric Live is a monthly amateur night showcase featuring contestants from all over South Florida presenting their performing arts talent as they compete to win a cash prize. As contestants take the stage, the audience determines who will move forward for a chance to win by either a roar of applause or jeering which leads to the losing contestants being escorted off the stage in a unique Miami way by an authentic Junkanoo band! 'Lyric Live' is presented on the stage of the Historic Lyric Theater in Overtown with a purpose to provide a platform for the year-round showcasing of local performing and visual artists to the community in an interactive way.

An important component of the Black Archives focus is on youth education and outreach. The South Florida Marching Band Precision Camp is dedicated to improving middle and high school student's level of musicianship and marching band skills. The band camp is driven by experienced college faculty, as well as, public and private school teachers who have years of experience in the field of music education. During this one-week camp, students learn warm-up studies, marching band drills, concert ballads, dance routines, and memorize contemporary marching techniques to perfection. The program goal is that students will learn concepts that they can take back to their respective schools and enhance the quality of future band presentations. The camp features pre-game and halftime shows which serve as a highlight and culmination of the band camp's activities in conjunction with the 'Birthday of the City of Miami.'

The ICONS quarterly coffee talk series features leading community scholars and personalities, speaking on significant moments that impact the South Florida Community with a moderator and audience Q & A. ICONS takes place at the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Cultural Arts Complex and features visual aids highlighting moments in South Florida’s Black History via the Black Archives Archival Collection.

Camp BAYAP is a 9-week summer program for youth age 10 to 16. During the program, campers participate in activities in the Visual Arts, Dance, Drama/Theater, Music/Band, and Archives/History. Participating youth are provided with breakfast, lunch and a snack daily, and engage in a fun and educational curriculum of activities that will enhance their knowledge of Miami’s history.