#sistrunk boulevard

[ralph-byer]

Community Foundation of Broward Opens New YMCA in Fort Lauderdale

Ralph Byer is a south Florida finance professional who manages client wealth as a member of the Merrill Lynch team. Active in community giving, Ralph Byer is a member of the Community Foundation of Broward, which emphasizes the transformative power of philanthropic giving.

In a February 2023 article in the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the incoming chair of the Community Foundation of Broward brought focus to the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center on historic Sistrunk Boulevard of Fort Lauderdale. Opening its doors in 2022, the center was constructed on a site previously inhabited by Provident Hospital. The new facility offers a range of family-friendly options, including workout space, art exhibits, swimming lessons, after-school programs, and adult education. A primary aim is to offer social and fitness opportunities to people living in a neighborhood that faces persistent challenges, such low employment.

A major enabler of the construction of this local asset was a Community Foundation grant of $1 million. According to the chairperson, the new YMCA furthers the commitment of Provident Hospital to offer care to the traditionally underserved African-American community.

#Ralph Byer #Ralph Byer Merrill Lynch

[hunger4fitness]

Time to put in work👷🏾‍♂️. We all got a job to do….but when you love what you do. Is it really work? Thanks @sistrunk5krun #werunfortlauderdale (at Sistrunk Boulevard) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpGb1vaSoiX/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#werunfortlauderdale

[goodblacknews]

#african american lottery winner #miguel pilgram #fort lauderdale #florida #sistrunk boulevard

[yasbxxgie]

$52M lottery winner plans to use chunk of fortune to transform Sistrunk Boulevard

A childhood in the black community of Memphis. A cruise line career that delivered him to a life in South Florida. And a lottery ticket he bought at a gas station.

A winning lottery ticket.

They are the factors in Miguel Pilgram’s life that bring him now to Sistrunk Boulevard, a corridor the county calls the “historical heartbeat of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest black community.”

Pilgram, who won a $52 million jackpot using quick-pick numbers in 2010, is investing some of his winnings in Sistrunk in a way not seen in years. Pilgram said he wants to breathe new vibrancy into the boulevard, building on its rich history as a place that nurtured civil rights leaders and pioneers and attracted people to its lively nightlife and music.

“I was raised in a similar environment,” Pilgram said. “There is a need, and in my mind, an obligation, to invest there.”

The 48-year-old Coral Springs resident and father of two is rolling out plans for a New York Subs and Wings restaurant with a Memphis Blues club upstairs, on one side of Sistrunk.

On the other, his company, The Pilgram Group, plans a retail complex with a bank, Jamba Juice and other shops on the ground floor. On the second floor, a performing arts center will offer below-market rates for instructors of dance, arts, and music.

“Do you know how impactful that is for a child from any of these areas, who is like me, to come out and see people actually painting in the window, or performing on a saxophone?” Pilgram said. “That creates a fire under most children. Now they say, wow, anything out there that’s creative, I can be. Whatever artist I want to be, I can be.”

Back in Memphis, Pilgram said he had role models who shaped him.

His father was hard-working. His mother was a devout Seventh-day Adventist who had him in church several days a week. When he got older, he joined the Navy. Then he embarked on a career in the cruise line industry, climbing to a top position, and learning to work with large budgets like the one now under his own name.

In his world travels, he said he visited cultures where people marveled at his “beautiful” brown skin. He said he wants children in Fort Lauderdale’s historic black community to experience that feeling of value as an African American.

But he also saw what can happen when private investment is lacking, he said, and government comes in to rebuild. In Memphis, he said, his grandmother’s apartment was razed, and the residents displaced. He feared it could happen here, and said that’s one thing that drew him to Sistrunk Boulevard.

‘It could be you’

Every week, Pilgram spent $20 on lottery tickets. But he wasn’t good about checking them.

Then one night he ran to the Shell gas station in North Bay Village where he bought his tickets. He left chicken cacciatore and his girlfriend at home, and was in a hurry. He just needed a bottle of wine.

David, the gas station employee, was insistent. Someone had bought the winning Florida Lotto ticket at that gas station, he told Pilgram, and “it could be you.”

Pilgram got the tickets from his car, and one of them hit: 15-16-20-32-45-50.

David started “jumping up and down,” Pilgram said.

“$52,000?” Pilgram thought he heard through David’s Spanish accent.

No, not thousand. 52 million.

Reviving history

Sistrunk Boulevard hasn’t had a nightclub with live music like Pilgram plans in at least 25 years, City Commissioner Robert McKinzie said. Back then, the property Pilgram bought, at the southeast corner of Northwest 15th Avenue and Sistrunk, was the buzzing Night Owl lounge.

The boulevard was once vibrant. Now, vacant lots and empty buildings sit on many of the blocks. The city, a major landowner on Sistrunk, has worked for years to encourage private investment. McKinzie said the pieces are finally falling into place, and he’s “excited” about Pilgram’s role in it.

“Now that we are reviving it,” McKinzie said of Sistrunk Boulevard, “his plan and concept fit right in.”

Next to Pilgram’s planned performing arts center, on the north side of Sistrunk between Northwest 14th Way and 14th Terrace, the city recently agreed to spend $10 million building a new YMCA where the old Mizell Center is. Development has finally come to public land at Sistrunk and Northwest 7th Avenue, a grocery store and shopping plaza that took decades to come to fruition. A developer is now proposing micro-residential units and retail directly across the street, McKinzie said.

Longtime members of the community around Sistrunk have heard for years that an economic revival was right around the corner. Standing in his crossing guard gear at Pilgram’s building, Charles Zeigler, 67, said he believes it.

“It’s coming,” he said after Pilgram told him his plans. “It’s a process.”

The restaurant and blues club — a renovation of the original 1940s building — will be open in about a year, if all goes according to Pilgram’s plan. He purchased the property in May.

His vision next to the Mizell Center, where he’s still working to purchase multiple pieces of property that span the block, could come to fruition in Spring of 2019.

Winning was ‘confirmation’

The Sistrunk investment isn’t his only endeavor.

Pilgram is working on a clothing line of men’s shirts, has other real estate dealings, bought a condo at Fort Lauderdale beach to renovate and make his home, and is renovating a two-story building at 107 SW 6th St., next to his office, just down the street from the Broward County Courthouse. It will open in the coming months as a New York Subs and Wings restaurant and jazz lounge.

Outside his office, the license plate of his black BMW reflects what’s on his mind: “AMB1SHN.”

He said he feels an urgency that many people don’t. When he was in his late 20s, Pilgram intervened when a man outside the blues club he managed in Memphis was being beaten and robbed. Pilgram chased the man, who pulled out a gun and shot him.

When he reflected on his survival, Pilgram said he felt a conviction that he was going to have a “positive global impact.”

Though he’s often called lucky, Pilgram said he doesn’t believe in luck. He didn’t know what the numbers on the winning ticket were, saying he never really looked. Rather, he felt that winning was “confirmation” from his Creator, he said, after treating people “with such integrity and honor my whole life.”

Lottery winning history is a mixed bag. Many winners have seen their lives pulled apart, their winnings sapped. Not so for Pilgram.

“It’s been 1,000 percent positive,” he said. “Whatever you are before you come into success, you’re going to be more of that when you get there. … The only thing you require more of is discipline, and the Navy gave me all of that I would ever need.”

Aerial:

Pilgram's planned developments along Sistrunk Blvd

#miguel pilgram #the pilgram group #sistrunk boulevard #james sistrunk #florida #south florida #fort lauderdale #lottery #lottery ticket #sun sentinel

[nappynewz]

Black Lottery Winner Invests Winnings Into Rebuilding Fla. Black Business Community

Black Lottery Winner Invests Winnings Into Rebuilding Fla. Black Business Community

Miguel Pilgram highlights where he plans to build a jazz lounge in the Sistrunk Boulevard area of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Pilgram Group via Facebook)

After winning millions in a lottery jackpot, a Florida man has decided to use his money to revive a district once known for thriving black businesses.

“This commitment that I feel, that I have to go to that community and put my…

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#Florida #Fort Lauderdale #Miguel Pilgram

[thesoulofmiami]

YMCA South Florida's Healthy Kids Day 4/30/22

YMCA South Florida’s Healthy Kids Day 4/30/22

YMCA South Florida’s Healthy Kids Day Saturday, 04/30/2022-, 09:00 am-12:00 pm L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center 1409 NW Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33311 More Information Cost: Free Requiring social distancing? NO REPLY Requiring masks? NO REPLY Providing hand sanitizer? NO REPLY In advance of the opening of the newest YMCA location in the historic Sistrunk community, YMCA…

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#4/30/22

[the-sayuri-rin]

...However, it is the potential for a bridge that will tower over the historic Black community near Sistrunk Boulevard just northwest of downtown that officials and residents worry would irreversibly harm an area that officials have been aiming to redevelop...

[mariopgrant]

Fort Lauderdale to consider 3 big projects, including retail/office on Sistrunk Boulevard Fort Lauderdale to consider 3 big projects, including retail/office on Sistrunk Boulevard

#Marketing #SmallBusiness

[izafoodie]

Get a sneak peek at the new game-changing YMCA on Sistrunk Boulevard - South Florida Sun Sentinel - South Florida Sun Sentinel http://dlvr.it/Rwt02n

[leonl]

Catch me this Saturday performing live at The #sistrunkfestival along side @djrere & friends FREE FOR ALL TO ENJOY! South Florida I Have a message come listen and witness 😀 Stage production by @mrdynamyk Live at 4 pm on the Show stage 09:00 am, Sistrunk Historical Parade in Fort Lauderdale The Festival will be located between Northwest Ninth Avenue and Northwest Twelfth Avenue on Sistrunk Boulevard. The Sistrunk Historical Organization has been hosting over thirty-SIX years of unforgettable multi-cultural, high powered concert and community experiences and entertainment. #miamidade #miamiimmortals #thetakeover #pylon #7v7 #pylon7v7 #fgod #newbroward #undergroundhiphop #indiehiphop #dade #palmbeach #atl #newyork #newjersey #cali #houston #chiraq #believeinbroward #spinrilla #mymixtapes #trap #newwave #xxlfreshman2018 #indieartist #305 #wshh #miamiclubs #miaminightlife (at Sistrunk Historical Festival)

#indiehiphop #miamidade #houston #cali #dade #wshh #believeinbroward #sistrunkfestival #xxlfreshman2018 #newwave #indieartist #chiraq #spinrilla #pylon7v7 #newbroward #undergroundhiphop #trap #thetakeover #miamiimmortals #miamiclubs #7v7 #pylon #mymixtapes #miaminightlife #fgod #305 #atl #palmbeach #newjersey #newyork

[nasfera2]

Known as the “historical heartbeat of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest black community,” Sistrunk Boulevard runs through the city’s black business district. It was named after James Sistrunk, a black physician who helped establish the first African American hospital in Broward County in 1938. During this time, segregation laws banned African Americans who lived west of the tracks from crossing over to the east side after dark.

After desegregation, Sistrunk Boulevard gradually declined into an area plagued by gun violence and riddled with drugs and abandoned buildings. To restore the distressed community to its original days of glory, Pilgram has purchased three buildings and plans to build a jazz lounge, blues lounge, restaurants, and a center for performing arts.

“For me, it’s [about] preserving the community as a whole,” Pilgram told an NBC local affiliate station in South Florida, adding that Sistrunk was once a hub of “success for businessmen.”

According to community activist and legal specialist Edduard Prince, foreign developers are “drooling” to invest in Sistrunk. However, far too often, areas like Sistrunk are then stripped of their cultural identity while native residents are pushed out through gentrification.

“The black residents of the community know that they’re in [a] prime location, they know that they’ve been fighting for years, and developers are drooling over the property,” Prince told the station.

Pilgram’s plan for development, however, is to preserve the area for local residents. “I was raised in a similar environment,” he told The Sun-Sentinel. “There is a need, and in my mind, an obligation, to invest there.”

#black enterprise #sistrunk blvd #article

[yasbxxgie]

#MiguelPilgram [@miguelpilgram] is committed to reviving and preserving #SistrunkBoulevard, the “historical heartbeat of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest Black community.” The street was named after #AfricanAmerican physician James Sistrunk who helped establish Broward County’s first #Blackhospital in 1938. The booming boulevard fell into ruin after desegregation, however, as it was plagued by gun violence, drugs and abandoned buildings. Pligram has already bought three buildings and has plans to build a jazz lounge, restaurants, retail, performing arts centers and residential space, according to the NBC 6 news site.

+Black Enterprise

#@unheardvoicesmag #unheardvoicesmag #miguel pilgram #sistrunk boulevard #fort lauderdale #florida #james sistrunk #broward county #1938 #the pilgram group #black enterprise #black business #black businesses #black business district #business district #selena hill

[bosshogg6]

#MenTalityMonday Navy Veteran, Miguel Pilgram, who won a $52 million jackpot using quick-pick numbers in 2010, is investing some of his winnings in Sistrunk in a way not seen in years. Pilgram said he wants to breathe new vibrancy into the boulevard, building on its rich history as a place that nurtured civil rights leaders and pioneers and attracted people to its lively nightlife and music. Pilgram’s plan for development, however, is to preserve the area for local residents. Sistrunk Boulevard, a notorious corridor in downtown Fort Lauderdale once known as a thriving Main Street for African Americans. Now, vacant lots and empty buildings sit on many of the blocks. #GrowOrDie #EvolveOrEvaporate #Veterans #blackdollars #hustle #entrepreneur #business #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #success #motivation #inspiration #startuplife #smallbusiness #successful #mindset #growth #GrowthMindset #LovGrowth #Tech #Empowerment #Equity#Community

#growth #success #startuplife #growordie #veterans #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #blackdollars #mindset #entrepreneurs #smallbusiness #hustle #evolveorevaporate #inspiration #empowerment #mentalitymonday #successful #lovgrowth #growthmindset #tech #motivation #equity #business #community

[tani-b-art]

After winning a $52 million lottery jackpot in 2010, Miguel Pilgram used his winnings to launch his own real estate company, The Pilgram Group, and invest in properties across South Florida. Now, the successful businessman is committed to reviving Sistrunk Boulevard, a notorious corridor in downtown Fort Lauderdale once known as a thriving Main Street for African Americans. Known as the “historical heartbeat of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest black community,” Sistrunk Boulevard runs through the city’s black business district. It was named after James Sistrunk, a black physician who helped establish the first African American hospital in Broward County in 1938. During this time, segregation laws banned African Americans who lived west of the tracks from crossing over to the east side after dark. After desegregation, Sistrunk Boulevard gradually declined into an area plagued by gun violence and riddled with drugs and abandoned buildings. To restore the distressed community to its original days of glory, Pilgram has purchased three buildings and plans to build a jazz lounge, blues lounge, restaurants, and a center for performing arts. “For me, it’s [about] preserving the community as a whole,” Pilgram told an NBC local affiliate station in South Florida, adding that Sistrunk was once a hub of “success for businessmen.” According to community activist and legal specialist Edduard Prince, foreign developers are “drooling” to invest in Sistrunk. However, far too often, areas like Sistrunk are then stripped of their cultural identity while native residents are pushed out through gentrification. “The black residents of the community know that they’re in [a] prime location, they know that they’ve been fighting for years, and developers are drooling over the property,” Prince told the station. Pilgram’s plan for development, however, is to preserve the area for local residents. “I was raised in a similar environment,” he told The Sun-Sentinel. “There is a need, and in my mind, an obligation, to invest there.”

#Miguel Pilgram

[oresterealtorme]

🏗 SIX13 FORT LAUDERDALE🏘 . . En el centro de Fort Lauderdale en el Sistrunk Boulevard se están llevando a cabo las obras de construcción de un condominio de uso mixto que se llama The Six13 de 77,454 pies cuadrados, su nombre se eligió por encontrarse en Flager Village y 13th Street. Es un edificio de uso mixto de 6 pisos con 142 apartamentos para alquilar de 1 o 2 habitaciónes y 1 baño y dimensiones desde los 736 hasta los 1055 pies cuadrados Entre sus comodidades están un gimnasio 24/7, un centro de yoga, y ciclismo, parque para perros, sala de coworking, una azotea con zona de diversión, en el cuarto piso habrá una piscina con cabañas y salón de entretenimiento, un programa para alquilar y compartir bicicletas solo para residentes y 197 puestos de parking. En la planta baja 5,991 pies cuadrados de los cuales un espacio estaría ocupado por un restaurante con 3,424 pies cuadrados de espacio interior y 576 pies cuadrados para asientos al aire libre y una cafetería. Tiene la ventaja de estar a corta distancia de la estación de tren BKN Brightline que conecta a Miami y West Palm BEACH. Se estima que estará terminado para el verano del 2020 .. .. .. #oresterealtor #realestate #realestateadvice #miamirealtor #realestatemiami #realtormiami #nextmiami #newconstruction #project #investment #homeforsale #houseforsale #fortlauderdale #forsale #miami #luxuryrealestate # instagram #thesmartwaytodorealestate #tagsforlike #floridarealtor #miasbliv #lifestyle #inversion #coworking #six13 (en Fort Lauderdale, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4LbI2oAcKM/?igshid=salxyy0mxfb9

#oresterealtor #realestate #realestateadvice #miamirealtor #realestatemiami #realtormiami #nextmiami #newconstruction #project #investment #homeforsale #houseforsale #fortlauderdale #forsale #miami #luxuryrealestate #thesmartwaytodorealestate #tagsforlike #floridarealtor #miasbliv #lifestyle #inversion #coworking #six13

[philosophypanther]

@Regranned from @realdlhughley - 💯💯💯 #TeamDL #Repost @unheardvoicesmag #MiguelPilgram is committed to reviving and preserving #SistrunkBoulevard, the “historical heartbeat of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest Black community.” The street was named after #AfricanAmerican physician James Sistrunk who helped establish Broward County’s first #Black hospital in 1938. The booming boulevard fell into ruin after desegregation, however, as it was plagued by gun violence, drugs and abandoned buildings. Pligram has already bought three buildings and has plans to build a jazz lounge, restaurants, retail, performing arts centers and residential space, according to the NBC 6 news site. - #regrann #blackmen #blackboyjoy #BlackMoney #BlackExcellence

#blackexcellence #blackmoney #black #blackboyjoy #sistrunkboulevard #blackmen #africanamerican #teamdl #miguelpilgram #regrann #repost