The Griot’s Brush: Purvis Young and the Art of Witness
presented by The Black Archives
Opening December 3, 2026
Purvis Young transformed doors, scrap wood, and discarded materials into vibrant chronicles of Black life, struggle, and hope. Rooted in Overtown yet resonant far beyond Miami, his paintings function as visual testimonies—recording the people, protests, angels, and everyday moments that official histories too often ignore. In a moment of renewed attempts to erase or sanitize the past, Young’s work stands as a powerful refusal to forget.
Drawn from The Black Archives’ extensive Purvis Young collection, this exhibition positions the artist as a modern-day griot—a storyteller whose brush preserves community memory. Presented during Soul Basel in the Historic Lyric Theater Lobby during Soul Basel, the show invites visitors to experience Young’s “street scriptures” up close and to consider how art can bear witness, protect history, and imagine freer futures.
Location: Historic Lyric Theater Lobby, 819 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami FL 33136
Featured Artistic Partner for Soul Basel Opening: Art Prevails Project (live entertainment on Thursday & Friday)
Exhibition Viewing Dates/Times:
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Thursday, December 3: 6pm - 9pm - Free admission
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Friday, December 4: 6pm - 9 pm - Free admission
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Saturday, December 5: Ticketed Event: B Side 25th Anniversary
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Sunday, December 6: 1pm - 4 pm - Free admission
Grits & Eggs Podcast: Coming Thru America Tour
Swerve Presents
Grits & Eggs Podcast: Coming Thru America Tour
Sat, February 6th, 2027
Historic Lyric Theater
819 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33136
Deante Kyle is a content creator, podcast host, and rising voice in the culture known for his sharp humor, authenticity, and perspective on everyday life. Building his audience from the ground up through viral social media moments, Deante quickly became a fan favorite for his relatable commentary and effortless charisma. His hit show the Grits & Eggs Podcast, has cemented him as one of the South’s most refreshing new talents, mixing unfiltered conversations, cultural insights, and comedy. With a growing digital footprint and a loyal following that spans platforms, Deante continues to expand his influence as a storyteller and entertainer representing the next wave of Atlanta’s creative energy.
NOW HIRING!
Facilities Manager
The Black Archives is seeking a skilled, mission-driven Facilities Manager to oversee the care, safety, and long-term planning of our three historic properties in Historic Overtown, Miami.
Ideal candidates have 5–7+ years of facilities management experience, preferably with historic buildings, theaters/performance venues, or cultural institutions, and are comfortable moving between strategic planning and on-the-ground problem solving.
Learn more about responsibilities, qualifications, and how to apply by viewing the full position description at the link below.
Celebrating a Milestone:
The Historic Lyric Theater Receives Its Historic Marker
The Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida Inc., in partnership with the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (SEOPW CRA) and the City of Miami, proudly announce the placement of a historic marker for the Historic Lyric Theater. This significant event, coordinated with Alexander Adams and the Florida Department of State, underscores a shared commitment to preserving and educating the public about the vibrant history of Black Miami.
