Twenty-two years ago, on Oct. 17, 2000, the Key West city commission unanimously adopted “One Human Family” as the city’s official philosophy of unity, equality and diversity. The resolution states “all people are our equals,” and urged “growing beyond the artificial limitations of racism, nationalism, sexism, classism, monotheism, prejudice, homophobia and every other illusion used to separate us from all being equal.” Key West’s inclusive philosophy has spread around the world on over 4.7 million stickers and nearly 100,000 wristbands that are always provided free of charge to everyone who asks.
In 2020, the city commission voted to officially name the portico and bandstand in Bayview Park with the official motto. A sign was installed on the bandstand, making it the “One Human Family Pavilion,” and now the portico as well sports the “One Human Family” name. City Commissioner Sam Kaufman championed the renaming of the portico as a symbol of unity for Key West.
The bandstand was erected in 1990 by then-City Commissioner Sally Lewis, who worked with then-State Rep. Ron Saunders and the state’s Cultural Affairs Committee. It was never given a formal name until now.
The small portico was built in 1924 by a chapter of the Stephen Mallory Daughters of the Confederacy to honor Confederate soldiers.
The One Human Family Pavilion & Portico are adjacent to Bayview Park’s respectful military memorials that include a large statue dedicated to black soldiers who fought for the Union in the Civil War as well as a tribute to Key West’s Vietnam veterans.
An official dedication ceremony will take place Monday, Nov. 7. Stay tuned for details.
— Contributed by JT Thompson
