Historical marker unveiled for Soria City Community in Gulfport

“We had such a great foundation here in Soria City. It was a strong sense of community and love here in the community. The people here, were instrumental in all our lives,” said Ogal Howard, former resident of Soria City.

Soria City in Downtown Gulfport is a historical community for the many African-Americans that lived there. It housed a self-sufficient community with various businesses, and a landmark behind me signifies that history for its community.

“Awesome day, its an awesome day. Our forefathers from 121 years ago when Soria City was founded, we were a village everybody took care of everybody. We had stores, we had libraries, we had theaters. We had Masonic Temple churches, fish house, cosmetology school. I mean, barber and beauty salon, hotels, and we just had it all you know, we never had to go. We were a walkable community before walkable communities came into existence,” said Eric Cooper, President Soria City Civic Organization.

Soria City was named after Margaret Soria who owned and incorporated the town in 1903 — which annexed into Gulfport three years later. The city’s borders extended from 18th Avenue to Bullis Avenue between 22nd Street and East Railroad Street. In 2015 the community was recognized as a national historical place. Ogal Howard, whose father owned a theatre and other successful businesses in Soria City, says her family’s history shows what can be done in the black community when everyone works as a whole.

“It’s so important to know those things can exist in the black community. And that it is a vital part of us becoming what we need to be as citizens to that we can take care of ourselves, ” said Howard.

“I think it’s awesome for the youth and those that did not see the days that I seen back in those day. They can look on this marker and be able to see the greatness and be inspired to do even more,” said Cooper.