POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — Residents, community leaders and local officials gathered March 7 at the Ali Cultural Arts Center, 353 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Pompano Beach, for Commissioner Beverly Perkins’ annual Women’s History event — a morning that celebrated influential women while also addressing key issues facing Northwest Pompano Beach.
Guests were welcomed with breakfast from Bojo’s Restaurant before a program that blended celebration, neighborhood updates and a call for residents to stay engaged in shaping the future of their community.
Throughout the event, Perkins honored historic and local women whose contributions helped shape Pompano Beach. Among those recognized were educator Blanche Ely, actress Esther Rolle, and community leaders Linda Houston Jones and Patricia Davis.
“This event is about honoring women who paved the way and reminding us that the work continues,” Perkins said.
Housing and Development Updates
Perkins also provided updates on development projects in her district.
One proposed housing initiative would be located on a site between Sanders Park and Liberty Park in Northwest Pompano Beach, where the Pompano Beach Housing Authority is exploring duplex homes and homestead-style housing to increase affordability in the neighborhood.
Another project discussed would bring approximately 20 apartment units near Poitier Funeral Home along Northwest 6th Street.
Perkins said the city is seeking millions of dollars in federal and state funding to support affordable housing development in the area.
Community Investment
The commissioner also discussed plans to expand the district’s senior activity center, a project estimated at roughly $3 million. The expansion is currently projected to begin in 2027, though Perkins said she hopes the timeline can be accelerated to meet current community needs.
She also highlighted a planned sports complex near Apollo Park, part of a voter-approved bond initiative. The project could include a track facility, bleachers, a press box and additional recreational space for youth athletics.
Residents Speak on Historic Preservation
A major topic of discussion during the event was the future of the E. Pat Larkins Community Center, 520 NW 3rd St., Pompano Beach, a longtime gathering place for residents in Northwest Pompano Beach.
Perkins asked attendees whether they supported keeping the existing building or demolishing it for redevelopment. Most of the audience raised their hands in support of preserving the facility.
Several residents said maintaining historic spaces is essential as redevelopment continues across the city.
Guest Speakers Emphasize Civic Engagement
Among the special guests was Woody R. Clermont, a judge in Broward County’s 17th Judicial Circuit.
Also attending was Nadege French LeBlanc, district chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who explained the congresswoman was unable to attend due to travel delays following events related to the funeral of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson.
LeBlanc encouraged residents to remain politically engaged, warning that redistricting efforts could impact representation in Congressional District 20 if voters are not active in the civic process.
“If any city can do it, it’s Pompano,” she said. “People here show up and make their voices heard.”
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
Perkins closed the gathering by encouraging residents to attend commission meetings, watch city discussions online and remain informed about issues affecting their neighborhoods.
“This is our community,” she told attendees. “If you want to shape the future, you have to stay involved.”
The annual gathering served as both a celebration of Women’s History Month and a reminder that the next chapter of Pompano Beach’s story will be shaped by residents who stay engaged.
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