Back in the early days of the 20th century, when Joseph Young was envisioning and building his dream city of Hollywood-by-the-Sea, segregation laws were still in effect in the US. This presented a problem for Young, as it affected much of his workforce.
To address this dilemma, Young created a separate city-within-the-city, in the area which is now mostly North of Sheridan Street between Federal Highway and Interstate Highway 95, as a mirror city to downtown Hollywood. It featured a central circle, well-laid streets, and access to electricity and power. He also donated land for churches and schools, fostering a strong and thriving, self-governing, African-American community. The residents named it Liberia, both because it reminded many of the African country of that name, and because it means ‘Freedom”.
The Liberia neighborhood has been an integral part of Hollywood’s history now for over a century. It has been home to pioneering Black residents and renowned Black entertainers, making it truly deserving of official historical recognition.
Clive Taylor, president of the Hollywood Historical Society, noticed that no historical markers or plaques existed in the Liberia neighborhood, despite its rich history.
“Most plaques and historic designations are concentrated in Hollywood’s three major “historic” districts: the beach, downtown, and the Lakes,” he said. “So the Hollywood Historical Society got to work and was able to celebrate both Black History Month and Liberia this year with the installation of the first-ever State Historical Marker in the city of Hollywood, right in the center of Liberia.”
The marker was unveiled on Saturday, February 15, on J.A. Ely Blvd just north of Sheridan. The event was attended by numerous local dignitaries and city officials, further highlighting the importance of this milestone.
Following the marker unveiling ceremony, Roberto Fernandez, Broward County Educator and Historian-in-Residence at History Fort Lauderdale led a tour of the historic West Lawn Cemetery, a Black cemetery in Liberia’s sister city, Dania (or Danie, in local parlance).
Everyone in attendance agreed that the day was an excellent way to celebrate Hollywood’s historic Black community, Black History Month, and the centennial year of Hollywood-by-the-Sea, noted Taylor.
The history and lore of Liberia and Danie is plentiful and fascinating, and if you’d like to know more, a good place to start your journey is the Hollywood Historical Society, located at 1520 Polk Street in Hollywood.
To learn more, or for information on joining, volunteering or any of our upcoming programs, please visit our website at Hollywoodhistoricalsociety.org, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or call 954-923-5590.
Our Research Center holds over 20,000 items in its collection and is open to the public every Tuesday and Friday, or by appointment. Or come in for a docent-led tour of the Historic Hammerstein House from 1pm to 4pm on the first Sunday of every month, or by appointment.
Whether you are a longtime resident or a curious visitor, there is something for everyone to discover at the Hollywood Historical Society.
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