SAVE the 30 year old mural by
Artist Oscar Thomas and student volunteers
I am excited to share my journey of preserving my father's legacy and thank everyone who helped by signing my petition to SAVE THE MURAL at Maximo Gomez Park located in Little Havana, FL. As one petitioner put it. "This mural is hugely significant to not only the history of Little Havana but to the history of Miami. It is the only site of public memory that commemorates the historic Summit of the Americas. It is thus a historic site relevant to the intertwined histories of the US and Latin America. It was painted by one of Miami's most renowned mural artists, Oscar Thomas. He was Afro-Costa Rican, so the site is also important to Miami's black heritage. None of the proposed changes to the park or mural were requested by people who actually frequent the park. I have spoken to many regulars and they do not want the mural removed - they want it restored. They definitely do no want any trees to be chopped down, as has been proposed. The proposed changes are a waste of taxpayer funds and will only line the pockets of the contractors hired to do this work." Another petitioner wrote, "We must preserve our history because it appears to be a concerted effort to eliminate the contributions of African Americans to the Miami & South Fla areas. I knew Mr. Thomas personally & have a couple of his paintings. His art made Miami beautiful".
Oscar Thomas Sr. mural at the Maximo Gomez Park located in Little Havana, FL
Oscar Thomas Sr. mural located at Belafonte TACOLCY Park located in Liberty City, FL
