In 1979, longtime community activist Mrs. Athalie Range, affectionately called “Ma Range,” appeared before the then Metro-Dade County Commission, representing the MLK Merchants Assimageation. She petitioned to establish the Office of Black Affairs to optimize access to County services by the Black community. In response, the County Commission passed an ordinance establishing the “Office of Black Affairs” in November, 1979.

In 1980, The Office of Black Affairs sponsored a four-day community-wide conference called “Black Blue Print for the 80s,” out of which evolved the establishment of such programs as the Coalition of Black Organizations (COBO) and the Metro-Miami Action Plan (MMAP), which sought to promote inclusiveness and provide access to services and opportunities for Blacks.

Currently, the Black Affairs Advisory Board is a part of the Office of Community Advocacy, and has expanded its commitment to advocating on behalf of the Black World Community through a variety of activities and programs.