Culture
Miami’s Richmond Heights: The Black Shangri-La A 2-Part DocSeries explores social change during Jim Crow
Miami’s Richmond Heights explores the lives of early Black World War II veterans and the rationale of the white developer Captain Frank C. Martin who perpetuated social change during Jim Crow.

Hip Rock Star Advertising has announced the exclusive premiere of the 2-part DocuSeries Miami’s Richmond Heights: The Black Shangri-La.
About Miami’s Richmond Heights DocuSeries: The Black Shangri-La
Based on the book, “Images of America: Miami’s Richmond Heights” by co-authors Patricia Harper Garrett and The Historic Society’s Founder and Executive Director, Jessica Garrett Modkins, Miami’s Richmond Heights: The Black Shangri-La explores the lives of early Black World War II veterans in detail and the rationale of the white developer Captain Frank C. Martin who perpetuated social change during Jim Crow. Martin made a bold and unpopular decision in 1949 to build a self-contained community for these veterans.
The grandchildren of the 1949 Black World War II veteran homeowners
The docuseries introduces the grandchildren of the 1949 Black World War II veteran homeowners. It explores how the tight-knit community propelled them to their chosen professions and how the legacy continues today. The documentary will also take a closer look at the socioeconomic fabric of this time, segregation, and civil rights.
“It is truly a dream come true to debut Miami’s Richmond Heights: The Black Shangri-La. The documentary continues the story of the original residents who were Veterans, Tuskegee Airmen, doctors, and university professors. In 2017 we debut the foundation in the documentary The 49er. This project focuses on the grandchildren living the wildest dreams of the original pioneers. It is beyond measure that these grandchildren are inventors, NASA scientists, NFL players, the vice-president of the NBA,” said Jessica Garret Modkins, the documentary’s Executive Producer, Director, and Writer. “I believe we have personified every wish of those Black World War II veterans who dreamed a life for their legacy and the birth of industry leaders,” the CEO and Founder of Hip Rock Star Advertising continued.
“I’m thrilled that this is the way we’re kicking off Black History Month. I could not be more delighted that Jessica…put together this incredible tribute. We have great history right here in Miami-Dade County, right here and must not be forgotten! I just wanna say I’m super, super proud of this great team”, said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava at the premiere.
How to watch Miami’s Richmond Heights
You can watch the DocuSeries’ on streaming platforms including Crackle, Plex, and LG.
For more information Miami’s Richmond Heights on the please visit https://www.miamisrichmondheights.com/
Real stories. Real impact. Straight to your inbox. Join thousands others. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter today!
Follow us on Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram, News Break
Black and Missing5 days agoMissing Alabama teen found burned, dismembered after parents search woods themselves
Black Excellence1 week agoAt 108, Delaware woman still drives, exercises and says she “grows old gracefully”
Crime & Justice2 weeks agoOhio deputy who fatally shot Black man entering his grandmother’s house is convicted of reckless homicide
New Jersey7 days agoNew Jersey teen accidentally struck and killed by train; Community mourns beloved student-athlete
In Memoriam1 week agoCrystal R. Emery, filmmaker and advocate for equity, dies at 65
Black Excellence5 days agoOakland valedictorian accepted into 31 colleges chooses LSU to pursue dream of becoming a doctor
Politics1 week agoNational Coalition plans May 16 Day of Action in Alabama after Voting Rights Act overturned
Culture1 week agoOWN renews ‘Love & Marriage: Huntsville’ for season 12
Community6 days agoOnce homeless, Charlotte mother finds stability after community support transforms her future
Social Justice5 days agoLeaders demand apology over comedian’s offensive George Floyd and Sheryl Underwood jokes during Kevin Hart Netflix Roast
























