Saying Their Names is a WebXR-based virtual reality museum experience created in partnership with the Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora (Miami MoCAAD) and the MUD Foundation. Designed by graduate students in the Collaborative Innovation Lab at the University of Miami's Department of Interactive Media, the project reimagines how communities engage with public art and untold histories through immersive, accessible technology.
Set in a digitally reconstructed Overtown, the experience invites users to explore the neighborhood’s iconic murals, each acting as a portal into a rich, interactive narrative. Visitors can step into Judge Lawson E. Thomas’s courtroom to witness the impact of his landmark rulings, walk alongside dock workers during the founding of the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1416, or experience the energy and pride of Black athletes whose victories brought hope to the community. These scenes blend spatial storytelling, oral history, and archival research to transform static public art into dynamic, participatory memory.
Built using WebXR, the experience is fully accessible via desktop, mobile, and VR headsets, no downloads or specialized hardware required. This ensures broad reach and engagement, inviting local and global audiences alike to step into the stories that shaped Miami’s Black history. The project reflects Miami MoCAAD’s mission to fuse art, innovation, and cultural preservation, while empowering new generations to experience and honor the legacy of Overtown.
Credits:
Lorena Lopez, Faculty Advisor
Paulina Fiore, Project Manager, Researcher, 3D Artist
Matt Liff, Project Manager, Developer
Jane Yao, Design Lead, 3D Artist
Ma'at Hetep, Research Lead, Content Writer, Video Editor
Neon Cao, Development Lead
Justin Jacobson, Researcher, Content Writer
Raquen Henao, Designer, UI Desigmer
Yifan Xu, Designer