Dr. Enid Pinkney, a South Florida native and prominent activist dedicated to preserving African-American history in Miami-Dade County, has passed away at the age of 92.
Known for her tireless efforts in education and historical preservation, Pinkney’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the community.
A Lifelong Commitment to Education and Preservation
Born in 1931 in Miami-Dade County, Pinkney attended the all-Black Booker T. Washington High School and later worked within the Miami-Dade Public School system.
Throughout her life, she became a renowned activist, driven by a mission to ensure that Miami’s Black history was remembered and celebrated.
Pinkney often spoke about the importance of preserving historical struggles and achievements, saying:
“People were going to forget the struggle as to how we have come to where we are today. We don’t appreciate that history. All we’re concerned about is what’s happening now.”
Pinkney’s activism included the installation of markers commemorating historical Black communities in Little Haiti, formerly known as Lemon City.
She stressed the significance of these communities, stating:
“It is the people from Lemon City who with a machete and the strength of their backs cleared the land to make Miami what it is today. And we don’t know that history. I hope that this begins and serves as an example of our becoming interested in how we got to where we are.”
One of her most notable achievements was leading the restoration of the Hampton House, a historic motel in Overtown.
The Hampton House, the last standing segregated motel in Miami, hosted iconic figures such as Muhammad Ali and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1960s.
Personal Encounters with History
Pinkney’s connection to significant historical figures was personal.
She recalled seeing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a child:
“He went to Virginia Key Beach. He loved the beach. I heard him speak at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He spoke there, and people would go to hear him. He could always draw a crowd.”
Legacy and Remembrance
Dr. Enid Pinkney’s legacy as a historian and activist will be remembered for her lifelong dedication to preserving the rich African-American heritage of South Florida.
Her efforts have ensured that the struggles and triumphs of Black communities in Miami-Dade County are not forgotten.
