Michael Joseph, Esq.— First Elected Black and Haitian-American Mayor of North Miami Beach
History has shown us that although each generation has its own challenges, it also has its own purpose. Today, as Americans, as a beautifully diverse community, and as a people who believe in justice and equality, we are living in a time where our democracy is being tested — but it is not broken. In fact, it is growing stronger through the active participation and resilience of each one of us.
As the first Black and Haitian-American Mayor elected in the City of North Miami Beach, I carry with me the stories, the hope, and the dreams of the beautifully diverse city I represent — those who came to this country seeking a better life, those who fought for their rights, and those who never gave up on a future where their children could thrive. That is the foundation of democracy: the belief that every voice matters, every experience holds value, and every person deserves a seat at the table.
In June, I was proud to host our city’s 2nd Annual “Juneteenth Experience” event commemorating a day that holds deep meaning not only for the African American community, but for all Americans who believe in freedom and human dignity. Juneteenth marks the end of legalized slavery in the United States, but it also marks the beginning of a struggle that continues: the fight for respect, equal access, and opportunity that is not limited by race, background, or status. As we reflect on the meaning of freedom, the question we must constantly ask ourselves is: What am I doing today to ensure freedom truly reaches everyone?
In North Miami Beach, we are committed to putting democracy into action. That means more transparency in local government. It means better access to housing for working families. It means building an economy that includes and uplifts, rather than excludes or divides.
But democracy doesn’t just live in my office or the offices of our City Hall, it lives in YOU. It lives in your conversations, in your votes, in how you care for your neighbor, and in how we all should speak up for those without a microphone. Every community meeting you attend, every time you remind a friend to register to vote, every moment you defend someone’s right to be seen and heard — you breathe life into a democracy that sometimes feels like it is on life support.
We cannot ignore the growing concerns across the nation. As we experience this new administration, many Americans are expressing real fears about the direction of our democracy. We see increased political polarization, rising distrust in institutions, and policies that threaten to roll back hard-earned civil rights. These are not small issues. But history reminds us: democracy is not erased in a day — it is smeared away by silence. So we must not be silent.
Juneteenth teaches us that freedom is not freely given — it must be demanded, protected, and practiced daily. Our democracy endures not because it is perfect, but because people like you and me refuse to give up on it. Because we believe that even in hardship, progress is still possible.
So today, I challenge you to remember, to celebrate, and to raise your voice — not just for what was won in the past, but for what we must continue to fight for in the present.
With love, pride, and a deep commitment to freedom, equality, and unity,
Your Mayor,
Michael Joseph, Esq.
North Miami Beach
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