Dade Heritage Trust is proud to honor Kim Johnson and the Bethany Seventh Day Adventist Church with a 2025 Preservation Award for their dedicated restoration of Georgette’s Tea Room in Miami-Dade County’s Brownsville neighborhood. Opened in 1940, this two-story, 4,100-square-foot guesthouse served as a safe haven and gathering place for Black entertainers, activists, and community leaders during segregation. It offered meals, lodging, and—most importantly—a sense of belonging during a time of exclusion.
Thanks to the leadership of Kim Johnson and the Bethany Church team, this vital piece of Miami’s Black history is being brought back to life. Completed restoration efforts include a new roof, 63 new windows, eight new exterior doors, restored shutters, and critical structural repairs to trusses and floor joists. The building will soon be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Interior restoration is the next major milestone, and fundraising efforts are currently underway.
This project not only preserves an iconic landmark—it celebrates a legacy of resilience while building a future rooted in pride and community.