While Miami is often associated with sun-soaked beaches and vibrant nightlife, a deeper cultural story unfolds beyond the shoreline. Key2MIA, a Black-owned and operated tour company, founded by Keymia Sharpe in 2019, offers visitors an opportunity to explore Miami’s rich Black history through immersive, thoughtfully curated tours.
Black History in Miami
One of the company’s signature tour experiences, the Melanin Miami Tour, takes guests on a journey through Historic Overtown, once known as the “Harlem of the South.” This neighborhood was a thriving cultural hub for “Black Miamians” during segregation, hosting legendary figures like Ella Fitzgerald and Muhammad Ali. Today, it remains a cornerstone of Miami’s Black heritage.
“Melanin Miami was born out of a need to tell the full story of Miami,” said Sharpe. “Too often, Black history gets overlooked in mainstream tourism, even though Black people played a crucial role in building and establishing this city.
“As a Black woman and a tour operator, I saw an opportunity to not only preserve these stories but also to make them accessible to more people.”
The two-hour walking tour delves into Miami’s connection to the Civil Rights Movement, the story of the city’s first Black millionaire and the history of Virginia Key Beach, a historically Black beach that remains one of the city’s hidden gems. The experience concludes with a meal at a locally owned soul food restaurant, adding a flavorful touch to the historical journey.
Beyond history, Key2MIA offers a range of culturally immersive experiences, including the Sistrunk Stories Tour, which highlights Black innovation in Broward County, Florida.
Sharpe, who conducted extensive research at The Black Archives in Miami for the Melanin Miami Tour, emphasizes that her tours are designed to be more than just historical lectures—they are interactive experiences that bring Miami’s Black history to life.
“I want people to walk away with a deeper understanding of how Black history shaped the Miami they see today,” she explained. “I also want them to feel inspired—to support Black-owned businesses, engage with these communities beyond the tour and challenge the narratives they’ve been taught about Miami.”
Local Support
The response from both visitors and locals has been overwhelmingly positive. “People who grew up in Miami tell me they’re learning things they never knew about their own city,” Sharpe said. “They also share their own family stories, which adds even more richness to the experience.”
With Black history tourism gaining recognition as an essential part of a well-rounded Miami experience, Sharpe sees her work as an important step in diversifying the city’s tourism offerings.
“Miami is known for being diverse, but that richness isn’t always the first thing that people see,” she noted. “When I ask people what comes to mind when they think of Miami, the answer is never Black history. My tours help fill that gap, offering visitors a richer, more meaningful way to experience the city.”
Through Key2MIA, Sharpe is not only preserving Miami’s Black history but also creating an accessible space for visitors to engage with these often-overlooked stories by exploring historic neighborhoods, uncovering artistic influences and supporting Black-owned businesses.
For more information, visit key2mia.com.
