What would you like to see on Sistrunk Boulevard? Fort Lauderdale wants to know.
The city is hosting a Sistrunk Empowerment Summit from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 19.
You’ll find out how to access capital to start a business and learn more about resources that are available to help you be successful.
The summit will be held at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd.
Goals include preserving the area’s historical legacy and fostering a self-sustaining local economy, said Daphnee Sainvil, manager of the Public Affairs Division for the city of Fort Lauderdale.
The boulevard runs through the Historic Sistrunk corridor, Fort Lauderdale’s oldest African-American community. Once a thriving business district, the neighborhood began to decline in the 1980s. There’s now a revitalization effort underway to restore the area.
Close to $116 million in city tax dollars has brought new development to the Sistrunk corridor over the past couple decades. Those financial incentives are working, city officials say.
The summit provides a valuable opportunity for the community to participate in planning the economic revitalization of the Sistrunk corridor and surrounding areas, Sainvil said.
“The summit brings together business owners, entrepreneurs, educators, legislators and community leaders to collaborate on local development,” she said. “This event ensures that a broad range of local perspectives help shape the area’s future growth and prosperity. By inviting local stakeholders to engage directly in discussions and workshops, the summit empowers the community to influence economic strategies and initiatives tailored to their unique needs.”
Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan