The essence of a community isn’t just found in its buildings or businesses—it’s in the stories, history, and people who shape it. In a recent conversation, entrepreneur Mike Mann sat down with Dr. Graylin Swilley Woods, a leader dedicated to revitalizing Overtown, Miami, while ensuring that its rich history and cultural roots remain intact.
From her early days as a student leader to her work in tourism, economic development, and community advocacy, Dr. Woods has spent her career creating opportunities and protecting the legacy of the places she serves.
From Jacksonville to Miami: A Journey in Leadership
Dr. Woods’ story begins in Jacksonville, Florida, as one of eight siblings in a family that later moved between Los Angeles, Ohio, and Florida. Her leadership journey took off at the University of Pittsburgh, where she led the Black Student Union during a time of social justice movements in the late 1970s.
“It wasn’t just a social group—it was about organizing, mobilizing, and leading real change,” she recalls.
That experience led her to a career focused on education and community engagement. She worked at Ohio State University, where she managed community extension programs and worked closely with national and international organizations. Eventually, she was recruited to Miami to oversee tourism initiatives at the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Her passion for economic empowerment and cultural preservation led her to work closely with Overtown, a historic neighborhood that has long been the heart of Miami’s Black community.
Overtown: A Cultural and Historical Treasure
Once known as Colored Town, Overtown was established in the early 1900s as a segregated community for Black workers building Flagler’s railroad. Over time, it became a vibrant hub for Black entrepreneurs, artists, and musicians, often compared to Harlem.
🎭 Historical Highlights of Overtown:
Hosted legendary artists like Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, and Langston Hughes.
Home to the iconic Lyric Theater, a major cultural landmark still standing today.
Once had 10 Black-owned hotels, rivaling Miami Beach’s historic Art Deco district.
However, like many historic Black communities, Overtown has faced challenges from urban renewal and gentrification, leading to displacement and economic shifts.
Gentrification: A Challenge and Opportunity
The word gentrification carries mixed emotions. Some see it as revitalization, while others view it as a force that displaces longtime residents and erodes cultural identity. Dr. Woods explains:
“Gentrification isn’t just about new businesses moving in—it’s about who benefits from those changes. When done right, it can empower local communities. When done wrong, it pushes them out.”
She highlights both the struggles and positive transformations happening in Overtown: ✅ Challenges – Rising rents, shifting demographics, and external investors dominating development.
✅ Opportunities – New Black-owned businesses, increased tourism, and financial resources for local entrepreneurs.
Recent success stories include: 🏡 The Urban – An open-air entertainment venue supporting local artists.
🍽️ Red Rooster – A Black-owned restaurant bringing food and culture together.
🏨 The Little Greenhouse and Josephine Don Hotel – New businesses supporting community-driven growth.
How to Support Overtown and Its Community
Dr. Woods encourages visitors and businesses to actively support Overtown by: 1️⃣ Visiting Local Landmarks – Explore Lyric Theater, Red Rooster, and The Urban.
2️⃣ Investing in Black-Owned Businesses – Shop, dine, and support entrepreneurs in the area.
3️⃣ Spreading Awareness – Share Overtown’s history and culture through social media and conversations.
4️⃣ Collaborating on Community Projects – Partner with local organizations for economic and social impact.
For more information, visit OvertownCYC.org to stay updated on initiatives and events.
The Power of Family and Holiday Traditions
As the conversation shifted to the holiday season, Dr. Woods shared a glimpse of her large family, including over 50 nieces and nephews! With loved ones spread across Florida, Los Angeles, and Ohio, she discussed how they’ve adapted their traditions:
📲 Virtual Gatherings – “We did a Zoom Thanksgiving and will do the same for Christmas. It’s a wild, fun call with so many people talking at once.”
🎄 Cherishing Memories – “As we get older, the best gift is just spending time—even if it’s virtual.”
The warmth of family traditions and cultural heritage ties directly into her advocacy for preserving Overtown’s legacy.
Investing in the Digital Economy: Domain Training with Mike Mann
The conversation concluded with Mike Mann’s domain name training, where he appraised .com domains submitted by viewers. His key takeaways for domain investors: ✔️ Only invest in .com domains – Other extensions are too risky.
✔️ Know what it means – If a domain has no meaning, it has no value.
✔️ Understand breadth and depth – More potential buyers = more valuable domain.
✔️ Price for long-term gain – Quality domains appreciate over time.
He emphasized that high-value domain names are digital real estate, becoming even more critical in today’s online economy.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Culture, Business, and Community
Dr. Woods’ work in Overtown is a testament to how history and progress can coexist. Her vision ensures that economic development doesn’t erase cultural heritage, but rather, uplifts the community.
As businesses and individuals, we have the power to: 🌍 Support cultural preservation efforts
💼 Invest in diverse economic initiatives
📢 Amplify voices working toward equity and inclusion
Dr. Woods’ parting words? “A strong community is built when people work together, respect history, and create opportunities for future generations.”
