The Happy Birthday Miami collection is made up of information about The Black Archives’s events and activities in celebration of the the City of Miami's incorporation in 1896, and the role of black pioneers in establishing the city. Among the Happy Birthday Miami events that the Black Archives has participated in and hosted are: Pre Centennial, Centennial and Post Centennial Tea events, the Old Timer's festival, Cultural Fridays (Culturales Verdes), First Baby Born, and Happy Birthday Miami childrens' summer program. 

The Black Archives Happy Birthday Miami celebrations originally consisted of  Centennial Teas, i.e., Pre Centennial Tea, Centennial Tea and Post Centennial Tea.  Pre Centennial Tea events happened prior to the City of Miami’s one hundredth birthday.  The Centennial Tea occurred during the one hundredth anniversary of the City of Miami’s Incorporation.  Post Centennial Teas were celebrated in years subsequent to the City of Miami’s one hundredth birthday.  The Tea Celebrations recognized pioneer churches in the black Miami Community, some whose founders were members and of the City of Miami and historic black communities such as Coconut Grove and Colored Town/Overtown.  

Happy Birthday Miami celebrations eventually grew to include other events such as First Baby Born at Jackson’s Memorial Hospital, Cultural Fridays at Called Ocho, and The Happy Birthday Miami summer camp event.  The Black Archives held these events in partnerships with many organizations and governmental agencies.

The collection also contains information on the Miami Woman's Club Happy Birthday Miami celebrations.

See Finding Aid/Inventory for further description of collection contents.