Opa-locka officials hear push to site Florida Museum of Black History at city-owned property, proponents seek quick endorsement

Dr. Willie Logan, president of the 10 North Group, told the City of Opa-locka commission on Feb. 12 that proponents believe the city-owned site near the regional/state building is the strongest candidate to host the Florida Museum of Black History and asked the commission to back a temporary museum location and legislative outreach.

Logan said he presented to the Florida Conference of Black State Legislators in Tallahassee and that the caucus planned further consideration next week. He said his team hired an independent firm to complete a feasibility and economic-impact study covering three finalist sites and that he expects the report in March.

The update matters because Logan told the commission the state designation could lead to major state appropriations and local economic activity. He said the Opa-locka site is government-controlled, adjacent to land already zoned for mixed use, and linked to a proposed package of housing, parking and commercial development that proponents say could help fund the museum's endowment and operations.

Logan asked the commission to take three immediate steps: formally endorse the Opa-locka location on the city's legislative agenda, support use of Historic City Hall as a temporary exhibition and activation space while a permanent museum is built, and coordinate advocacy with county and state officials. He said proponents would raise philanthropic and private funds for the project and that the state had indicated it would subsidize a portion of development and short-term operations, but that local fundraising would be required for long-term sustainability.

Vice Mayor Joseph L. Kelly said he was "on board" with the effort and supported a temporary City Hall activation. Commissioner Natasha Irvin noted she had sponsored a $25,000 appropriation in 2024 intended to support the project and asked whether any of that funding remained; Logan said about $9,000 had been spent and asked the city to consider using any remaining funds to offset study costs.

Commissioners discussed governance and appointments for a proposed governing board. Logan described a model in which state, county and city appointing authorities would each take multiple seats and the board would add private-sector experts to manage museum operations and fundraising.

Logan asked that the commission have a resolution supporting the interim use of City Hall in time for the week the group travels to Tallahassee in March; commissioners asked the city attorney and manager to review legal and logistical details with Logan's legal team.

Clarifying details from the presentation include: the proponents funded an independent feasibility and economic-impact study expected in March; Logan proposed temporary activation of exhibits as early as July 1, 2025, if State artifacts and programming become available; Logan requested the commission include the project on the city's official legislative agenda and explore using a previously appropriated $25,000 (approximately $9,000 reportedly spent) to help pay study costs.

Logan closed by asking commissioners to coordinate travel and advocacy in Tallahassee and to work with the county and private partners on fundraising and infrastructure participation.

The commission did not adopt a formal resolution during the Feb. 12 meeting; commissioners asked staff and the city attorney to prepare proposed wording and a timeline so the commission could consider formal action at a future meeting.