MEXICO CITY, Mexico.- The Cuban-American actor and producer Desi Arnaz tThere will be a historical plaque in Miami Beach, which will be erected in Collins Park in honor of the Cuban’s performance at the Park Avenue restaurant. The tribute is part of the city’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, as reported by Miami authorities in a release of press.
This October 15, coinciding with the 73rd anniversary of the first broadcast of I Love Lucythe iconic actor and comedian will have a plaque in Collins Park, where the Park Avenue restaurant was – where Arnaz became known – and where the Miami City Ballet is today.
Known for his timeless television catchphrases such as “Lucy, I’m home” and “Lucy, you got some ‘splainin’ to do,” artist Desi Arnaz will be honored during a ceremony at 4:00 p.m. in Collins Park, at 2200 Liberty Ave.
“Desi Arnaz represents the quintessential American dream,” said Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who sponsored a resolution to partially fund Florida’s historic plaque in Arnaz’s honor. “As a proud Cuban-American, Desi was a role model for future generations, including mine.”
“Honoring Desi Arnaz, a trailblazer in entertainment, with a historic marker in Miami Beach during Hispanic Heritage Month carries immense significance,” says Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. https://t.co/Bo9BF9sBhZ
— Smithsonian Magazine (@SmithsonianMag) September 19, 2024
“Miami Beach has been – and continues to be – home to many who have come from other places to leave their mark on American culture,” added Miami Beach Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt. “Desi Arnaz remains not only a timeless pop icon, but also a visionary and innovative producer. Commemorating his story in the city that shaped him, in the place where he began to make his mark, is a deeply appropriate tribute.”
The idea of the plaque came about when Gary McKechnie, writer, lecturer and fan of I Love Lucybecame fascinated by Arnaz’s life while researching naturalization ceremonies for his 2009 book USA 101: A Guide to America’s Iconic Places, Events and Festivals. After learning about the artist’s complicated situation as an immigrant, McKechnie began giving lectures about Arnaz and immersed himself in the life of the Cuban-American.
In 2022, McKechnie submitted a proposal to the Florida Historical Markers Council, which has awarded about 1,200 markers across the state, mostly to recognize places or events related to military, political, archaeological and architectural history.
Join the City of Miami Beach for the Desi Arnaz historic marker unveiling ceremony.
Tuesday, October 15
4 PM – 5 PM
Collins Park
2200 Liberty Avenue pic.twitter.com/2CRQ4rTA73— City of Miami Beach (@MiamiBeachNews) October 11, 2024
Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III, also known as Desi Arnaz, was born in Santiago de Cuba in 1917. The political roots of the Arnaz family go back several generations, and his grandfather was also an executive at Bacardi.
His father, Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y Alberni II, mayor of Santiago, was imprisoned and his house was raided. Desi and her mother barely escaped and soon found themselves homeless before fleeing to Miami to seek asylum, where they were eventually reunited with their father.
Arnaz’s life was a life of sacrifices. He cleaned canary cages for 25 cents each to help make ends meet while attending St. Patrick Catholic School in Miami Beach.
In his career, Arnaz achieved success as a conductor, television and film star, as well as owner of Desilu Productions and RKO Radio Pictures with Ball. He died in 1986 at the age of 69.
