Coconut Grove native Richard Holton, dedicated to community

Coconut Grove native Dr. Richard Holton has vowed to never move from the neighborhood that raised him — and more importantly, to make giving back to his community an integral part of his life.

Holton, 57, grew up around Grand Avenue and left the West Grove to pursue his bachelor’s degree at North Carolina A&T State University. Immediately after college, Holton said he returned to his hometown to focus on  the preservation of the Grove’s historical traditions.

“I wanted to come back and help build the community,” Holton said.

As the chairman for the Coconut Grove Land Trust, Holton was instrumental in ensuring that original owners of West Grove real estate would be able to keep their properties despite high taxes. As former president of the Coconut Grove Local Development Corp., Holton also spearheaded the building of 15 single-family homes for locals. And the Land Trust is currently involved in establishing the Coconut Grove Wall and Walk of Fame at Elizabeth Virrick Park. Still in development, the establishment will honor notable Grove residents, Holton said.

“It’s nice that [Holton] is giving back and preserving the diversity and culture of the community,” said Grove resident Carol Larsson.

Aside from community activism, Holton has also made a career in serving and protecting others. Holton originally aspired to be a medical doctor, but rather followed his father’s advice to become a Miami-Dade police officer. The community man worked in several local-police bureaus throughout his 30-year career, and served as the commander of the Executive Development Institute for the MDPD Training Bureau. Holton retired from the MDPD as a lieutenant in 2004.

Holton established strong bonds with many individuals on the force, including Major James DiBernardo of the MDPD Community Affairs Bureau, who befriended Holton 35 years ago.

“He taught me the value of treating people the way they are supposed to be treated, and that is a lesson that has stayed with me,” said DiBernardo.

And Holton’s reach extends past the boundaries of Coconut Grove. His wide range of experience, coupled with a joy for teaching, led Holton to establish Dr. Rick Holton & Associates, P.A., a leadership and diversity training company. As president and CEO, Holton travels around the country conducting workshops for police officers, students and other professionals. The retired lieutenant was recently invited to conduct a training based on Kingian principles and strategies of nonviolence for guerillas in Nigeria.

And Holton’s ability to captivate his training audiences is evident.

“Dr. Holton could teach me for months, and it would be interesting,” wrote one trainee in a course evaluation form.

Holton also works as an adjunct professor for the Organizational Leadership Department at St. Thomas University, where administration and students alike note his efforts.

“He has one of the most amazing voices,” said Hilroy Thomas, Ph.D., an Assistant Dean of the School of Leadership Studies. “He has a great rapport with the students and always receives good feedback.”

The leadership trainer said he believes that devoting efforts towards America’s youth is vital.  Holton has conducted workshops throughout South Florida schools in efforts to prepare young people for their lives in a changing economy. He previously served as the president and CEO of the Teen Police Academy, a program that teaches local students about the criminal justice system, finance, and politics. Holton now works as a senior mentor with the 5000 Role Models of Excellence program, which focuses on mentoring young men in Miami-Dade public schools.

“I’m committed t0 putting an all-out effort in engaging our youth,” said Holton.

Holton’s wife of 25 years, Joanne, a teacher at Frances S. Tucker Elementary School, said she believes that her husband, with his dedication to community and service, has the power to make a true difference in the West Grove and beyond.

“He’s a mover. A lot of people are shakers, but he’s definitely a mover,” she said.