MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A Miami-Dade commissioner finally received approval to rename several streets after songs by famous local artists.
Twenty-two corners along Northwest 18th Avenue will soon be co-named with songs that define Miami because of the homegrown musicians who made them.
“Too long that we have to sit in squalor and in pain without trying something dramatic to actually change the neighborhood,” said Commissioner Keon Hardemon.
The commissioner carried the torch to add to 18th Avenue street improvements that are already underway to spark interest and bring people in.
“Economic development brings economic opportunities,” said Sharon Frazier.
Added Broadway Harewood: “A great thing that he had the balls to stand up and fight and actually make this happen.”
Miami soul icon Betty Wright gets a “No Pain No Gain Street,” but most are named after hip-hop and rap songs. They include “Its Ya Birthday Street.” “Still Da Baddest Street” and “Big Money Baller Street.”
“The only one that worries me as a woman is ‘Grind With Me Terrace’,” said Commissioner Eileen Higgins.
Added Hardemon: “I’m not married to any of the songs on this list, I’m married to the purpose of what we are doing.”