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Dr. Kathleen C. Wright has the unique distinction of becoming the first African
American to serve on the Broward County School Board and first African American
female to serve on any school board in Florida. During her life, Dr. Wright was a strong
advocate for school integration, affirmative action, and quality education for all. In 1987
the Broward School Board Administration building was named after Dr. Wright. In 2016
a statute was placed next to the building in her honor.

Virginia Shuman Young is the only female who has ever
held the position of Mayor in the City of Fort Lauderdale and
she actually served twice (1973-1975, 1981-1982). Virginia
also held the position of Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor from
1971-1973 and 1975-1981. Prior to serving on the City
Commission Ms. Young dedicated over a decade of her life
to education in our County holding seats on the Broward County School Board and the
predecessor organization. After her time as an elected official came to a close, she joined the
Downtown Development Authority where historic preservation was a key concern of hers. She
has a local elementary school and park in Rio Vista named after her. RV

History Fort Lauderdale

Special Presentation

A visual narrative of by
award-winning artist Lisette Morales

now on display and online with
History Fort Lauderdale

Opening on March 8th, International Women’s Day, History
Fort Lauderdale presents Beyond the Shimmering Waters:
Everglades + Immokalee Photography,” a project created
entirely in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic by
multi-media artist Lisette Morales.

“During the coronavirus quarantine, I divided my time, while
socially distancing, between the Everglades and Immokalee
documenting narratives through my lens as a Latina and
Indigenous artist,” said Morales. “The title was inspired by
Miccosukee multi-media artist Rev. Houston Cypress' poetic
translation of the Miccosukee word for the Everglades,
Kahayatle, as ‘shimmering waters.’ As we start a second year
of the pandemic it is my hope that we stay healthy and find “A Grandmother’s Prayer” by award-winning photographer Lisette Morales is
peace by connecting with nature and art.” part of "Beyond the Shimmering Waters: Everglades + Immokalee Photography"
a new exhibit running March 8 - May 28 at History Fort Lauderdale.
Visit online at HistoryFortLauderdale.org.

26 rio vista civic association • www.riovistaonline.com