* * * Media Advisory * * *

Mayor Diaz Celebrates City of Miami’s
109^th Birthday

--Events Include Unveiling of Murals Depicting Miami’s History by Xavier Cortada --

(Miami, FL.) – Mayor Manny Diaz has planned a series of events for Thursday, July 28^th, 2005 to mark the City of Miami’s 109^th Birthday, including the unveiling at City Hall of two original murals depicting key moments in Miami’s history by artist Xavier Cortada.

Mayor Diaz and City Commissioners will join Xavier Cortada to unveil his two original works in the lobby of City Hall.  Following the ceremony, Mayor Diaz will host a luncheon for City of Miami employees and other visitors where birthday cake will be served.

In addition to the unveiling, Mayor and City Commission will honor Judge John D. Johnson, the second African American to be appointed to the Bench in the State of Florida and who, as Municipal Judge of the Segregated Court for Colored Citizens, tried approximately 50,000 cases between 1955 and 1959.  The Mayor and Commissioners will also celebrate Peruvian Independence Day and will recognize students that recently participated in the Miami-Kagoshima, Japan Student Exchange Program. 

Also, Univision Radio’s WQBA 1140 AM will broadcast its morning news and radio programs from City Hall from 5:00 a.m. – 10:30 am. Visitors will be able to enjoy Cuban Coffee with Mayor Diaz and the Commissioners, as WQBA shares with its listeners the importance of the anniversary of Miami’s incorporation.

WHO:             Mayor Manny Diaz and City Commissioners

WHAT:           Celebrating Miami’s 109^th Birthday

WHEN:           5:00 AM          WQBA Live Broadcast

9:00 AM          Mayor and Commission honor Judge John D. Johnson
Peruvian Independence Day
Recognition of Exchange Students

12:30 PM         Unveiling of Cortada Mural

1:00 PM           Birthday Lunch

WHERE:        City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami

# # #