Historic Sistrunk – “The Heart and Soul of the City” is Fort Lauderdale’s oldest African American community.
Uniquely situated in Fort Lauderdale’s Northwest District Area, Historic Sistrunk is a residential community comprised of working families, mom and pop small businesses, historic churches and landmarks. The historic neighborhood is bolstered by its central location to downtown Fort Lauderdale, Progresso and Flagler Village. Additionally, Historic Sistrunk is conveniently located near most of the area’s major roadway arteries, providing drivers with easy access to Interstate 95 and 595. Mass transportation including the central bus terminal, Sun Trolley, the Tri-Rail commuter line and the Brightline / Virgin Trains express rail line are also easily accessible.
Sistrunk Boulevard, a main thoroughfare, which spans Historic Sistrunk from its eastern to western boundaries is named in honor of pioneering Black physician, Dr. James Franklin Sistrunk. Dr. Sistrunk is the founder of Provident Hospital, Broward County’s first Black hospital.
Today the neighborhood is known for its arts, music and culture.
Rooted in History
Historic Sistrunk has stood at the center of African-American culture and heritage in Fort Lauderdale since the earliest recorded settlers migrated from Georgia, South Carolina and the Bahamas more than 100 years ago. Many were railroad workers who settled in shanties along the railroad tracks before the turn of the twentieth century. After the tracks and stations were completed, some found other work and were residents at the time of Fort Lauderdale’s incorporation as a city in 1911. Like elsewhere in the segregated United States, a close-knit Black community emerged to provide living essentials, share values of hard work, integrity and faith, and courageously advocate for full participation for all citizens in the American dream.