One day before turning 100, Lt. Archie McKay walked into the City of Miami Historic Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum to the sound of applause, cheers, and the rhythms of Booker T. Washington Senior High School’s band — his alma mater.

For the World War II veteran and one of the last surviving officers of Miami’s historic “Negro-Only” Precinct, the centennial celebration on Friday, Nov. 14, was more than a birthday. It was a community’s tribute to a man whose life has traced nearly the entire arc of Black Miami’s struggle for dignity, justice, and belonging.

“I just feel very blessed because I know that you don’t get to be 100 without God,” said Carolyn McKay, Archie’s oldest daughter. “I’m just thankful that I’ve always had a dad in my life. He’s been a good dad, a great provi

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