Miami is mourning the loss of a revered historian and community icon, Dr. Enid Pinkney, who passed away at the age of 93. Dr. Pinkney, known for her tireless dedication to preserving Miami's Black history, leaves behind a profound legacy of activism, education, and community engagement.

Dr. Enid Pinkney was born in Miami on August 15, 1930. Growing up in the vibrant Overtown neighborhood, she developed a deep connection to the community and its rich cultural heritage. Her passion for history and education led her to earn a bachelor's degree in sociology from Talladega College and a master's degree in social work from Atlanta University. She later received an honorary doctorate from Florida Memorial University in recognition of her significant contributions to the community.

Throughout her life, Dr. Pinkney was committed to preserving and promoting the history of Miami’s Black community. She founded the African American Committee of Dade Heritage Trust, an organization dedicated to identifying, preserving, and celebrating the historical contributions of African Americans in Miami. Under her leadership, the committee worked on numerous projects to protect and restore historically significant sites.

One of Dr. Pinkney’s most notable achievements was her work to save the Historic Hampton House, a once-prominent motel in Brownsville that hosted numerous Black celebrities, civil rights leaders, and entertainers during the segregation era. The motel had fallen into disrepair and was slated for demolition when Dr. Pinkney spearheaded efforts to restore it. Her relentless advocacy and fundraising efforts resulted in the successful restoration of the Hampton House, which now serves as a museum and cultural center, preserving the stories of its historic guests and events.

Dr. Pinkney also played a pivotal role in preserving the Lemon City Cemetery, the final resting place for many of Miami’s early Black residents. The cemetery had been neglected and desecrated, but Dr. Pinkney’s commitment to honoring the past led to its restoration and recognition as a historic site. Her efforts ensured that the contributions and memories of those buried there would not be forgotten.

In addition to her preservation work, Dr. Pinkney was a beloved educator and mentor. She served as a social worker in Miami-Dade County Public Schools for over three decades, where she inspired countless students and colleagues with her passion for history and social justice. Her efforts to integrate Black history into the school curriculum helped ensure that future generations would understand and appreciate the contributions of Miami’s Black community.

Dr. Pinkney received numerous awards and accolades throughout her life, including the Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board’s Heritage Award, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s Evelyn Fortune Bartlett Award, and the American Society of Interior Designers’ Cultural Enrichment Award. These honors reflect the widespread recognition of her impact and the respect she earned from her peers and the broader community.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava expressed her condolences and admiration for Dr. Pinkney’s legacy. Mayor Levine Cava described Dr. Pinkney as a trailblazer and a guardian of history whose work ensured that the stories of Miami’s Black community would not be forgotten. She emphasized that Dr. Pinkney’s dedication and achievements will continue to inspire future generations.

Community leaders, friends, and admirers have also paid tribute to Dr. Pinkney’s life and work. Reverend Dr. Joreatha Capers, a close friend and collaborator, remembered her as a tireless advocate for justice and equality. Dr. Capers highlighted Dr. Pinkney’s ability to bring people together and mobilize them for a common cause, whether it was preserving a historic site or advocating for educational equity.

As Miami reflects on Dr. Pinkney’s contributions, plans are underway to honor her memory and continue her work. The Historic Hampton House is organizing a memorial event to celebrate her life and legacy, inviting community members to share their stories and memories of Dr. Pinkney. Additionally, the African American Committee of Dade Heritage Trust is planning a series of educational programs and initiatives to ensure that Dr. Pinkney’s mission of preservation and education lives on.

Dr. Enid Pinkney’s passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy of dedication, perseverance, and love for her community will endure. She leaves behind a city enriched by her efforts and a community inspired by her example. As Miami continues to grow and evolve, Dr. Pinkney’s work serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring the past while striving for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Dr. Enid Pinkney was more than a historian; she was a beacon of hope and a pillar of the community. Her life’s work has ensured that the rich history of Miami’s Black community will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. Dr. Pinkney’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to justice, education, and the preservation of history. As Miami bids farewell to this remarkable woman, it does so with profound gratitude for her contributions and a renewed commitment to carrying forward her vision.

Dr. Pinkney's influence extended beyond her work in historical preservation. She was deeply involved in various civic and cultural organizations, always advocating for the betterment of her community. She served on the boards of several local institutions, including the Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs Council and the Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida. Her involvement in these organizations helped to amplify the voices and experiences of Black Miamians, ensuring their stories were included in the broader narrative of the city’s history.

In her personal life, Dr. Pinkney was known for her warmth, generosity, and tireless work ethic. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, balancing her professional and civic responsibilities with her family life. Those who knew her personally often spoke of her infectious enthusiasm and her ability to inspire others to take action. Her home was frequently a gathering place for community meetings, planning sessions, and social events, reflecting her deep commitment to fostering a sense of unity and purpose among those around her.

Dr. Pinkney's educational initiatives included founding scholarships and mentoring programs aimed at helping young people achieve their academic and professional goals. She believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives and communities, and she worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for students to learn about their history and heritage. Her efforts helped to establish programs that brought local history into the classroom, engaging students in projects that connected them with their cultural roots and instilled a sense of pride in their identity.

The legacy of Dr. Enid Pinkney is evident in the many lives she touched and the lasting impact of her work. Her efforts to preserve historic sites, advocate for justice, and educate future generations have left an indelible mark on Miami. As the community gathers to honor her memory, there is a shared recognition of the profound influence she had on the city and its residents.

The Historic Hampton House, one of Dr. Pinkney’s most significant preservation projects, stands as a testament to her vision and determination. The restoration of the Hampton House was a complex and challenging endeavor, involving extensive fundraising, advocacy, and community mobilization. Today, it serves not only as a museum and cultural center but also as a symbol of the resilience and enduring spirit of Miami’s Black community.

Dr. Pinkney’s work with the Lemon City Cemetery also exemplifies her dedication to preserving the past and honoring those who came before. The restoration of the cemetery was a deeply personal project for Dr. Pinkney, who understood the importance of acknowledging and respecting the final resting places of Miami’s early Black residents. Her efforts helped to restore dignity to the site and ensure that the stories of those buried there would not be forgotten.

As Miami looks to the future, the lessons and legacy of Dr. Enid Pinkney will continue to guide and inspire. Her commitment to justice, education, and historical preservation serves as a model for current and future generations. The programs and initiatives she established will carry on her work, ensuring that the history of Miami’s Black community remains a vibrant and integral part of the city’s identity.

In conclusion, Dr. Enid Pinkney’s passing is a significant loss for Miami, but her legacy of dedication, perseverance, and love for her community will endure. Her life’s work has ensured that the rich history of Miami’s Black community will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. As Miami bids farewell to this remarkable woman, it does so with profound gratitude for her contributions and a renewed commitment to carrying forward her vision. Dr. Pinkney’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to justice, education, and the preservation of history, and her influence will continue to be felt in the community she loved and served so well.