WELCOME TO
THE HARLEM OF THE SOUTH
The Overtown Business Association (OBA) is a dedicated organization driven by a core mission: to empower the Overtown business community through collaboration, advocacy, and engagement.
We foster sustainable growth and prosperity for our members by providing a strong network, advocating for supportive policies, and offering access to vital resources.
We are committed to professionalism, community involvement, and excellence. We believe in cultivating a vibrant environment where businesses thrive and residents prosper.
UPCOMING EVENTS
OUR FOCUS
The Overtown Business Association: This foundational step involves creating a structured organization that can represent the interests of local businesses.
A dynamic gathering space focused on Culture, Community, & Commerce. The gateway for tourists and new visitors to discover the history, culture, and attractions of the area.
Overtown MainStreet Designation: Focused on regaining the recognition that can bring national attention, resources, and support to the community.
Community activation that provides engaging opportunities for local businesses through dynamic events, partnerships, and initiatives.
OBA MEMBER PROFILE
Chef Jamie Wooden Whisby
CEO & Executive Chef
@souldelightcatering | @groovinbean
801 NW 3rd Avenue, Unit 104, Miami, FL 33136
As part of the Overtown Business Association’s HERstory in Overtown campaign, we proudly celebrate Chef Jamie Wooden Whisby — a dynamic culinary entrepreneur shaping the flavor and culture of Historic Overtown.
As a designated Florida Main Street community, Overtown’s revitalization follows the Main Street America Four-Point Approach®: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. Chef Jamie’s leadership reflects each of these pillars — strengthening economic vitality through entrepreneurship, enhancing the district’s culinary identity, promoting Overtown’s cultural richness, and contributing to a thriving, connected business community.
As CEO & Executive Chef of Soul Delight Catering and Executive Chef/Co-Owner of Groovin’ Bean Coffee Bar & Lounge, she specializes in International Soul Fusion Cuisine (Caribbean, American, Asian, and Latin flavors) — creating bold, unforgettable culinary experiences rooted in culture and community.
Her work goes beyond food. She creates connection, celebration, and fellowship through every dish. Chef Jamie continues to uplift Overtown’s legacy while building spaces where flavor meets purpose.
OBA MEMBER PROFILE
DANA A. DORSEY HOUSE
Miami’s first black millionaire, Dana Albert Dorsey, built this white frame vernacular home for his wife in 1913. Dorsey amassed a real estate empire and helped shape Overtown resources and community. Dorsey helped to organize South Florida’s first Black bank and Miami’s first Black high school (Booker T. Washington High School), and donated the land for a city park and the first Black library in Miami.
SAINT JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH
The Saint John Baptist Church was first organized in 1906, making it the second-oldest Black congregation in Miami. The building was designed by the first Black-owned architecture firm in the United States, Mckissack and McKissack, and since its construction in 1939, it remains one of only a handful of Art Deco style religious buildings in Miami-Dade County.
NEW PROVIDENCE LODGE
In 1901, a group of masons living in Overtown banded together to create a charter of the Grand Lodge of the State of Florida, named New Providence Lodge #365. The new charter allowed the group to avoid traveling to Coconut Grove for meetings, which was dangerous and tedious, because at the time, Black people were not permitted to travel in white areas of Miami without a special pass or work permit. The Lodge was built in 1947 by its members, who met in the evenings to complete construction.
Strengthening Overtowns’ business, and social community through collaboration, advocacy and engagement.
MAIN STREET AMERICA
As a Main Street America™ Partnering Program, Overtown, Miami is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA
SERVICES
The OBA offers a variety of programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our members. Visit our Programs section to learn more about upcoming workshops, networking events, and mentorship opportunities.
ADVOCACY
Championing policies that benefit Overtown businesses, including improved infrastructure and increased support from local government.
RESOURCE HUB
Sharing access to vital resources, including financial assistance programs, marketing strategies, and educational opportunities.
CALLOBORATION
Connecting with experienced professionals who can provide valuable guidance, especially for newer or smaller businesses.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Fostering the professional growth of its members through tailored development programs and resources.
NETWORKING EVENTS
Creating events and activations that foster collaboration, drives foot traffic
to the Overtown corridor, increasing its visibility and economic vitality.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Building strong connection and actively participate in local initiatives and projects, fostering a collaborative spirit.
