Broward, Miami-Dade Locals Celebrate Caribbean Rich History During Caribbean American Heritage Month
Let the celebration begin.
June is Caribbean American Heritage Month and locals from Miami-Dade and Broward counties will be enjoying themselves during a string of Caribbean-inspired events featuring music, food, dancing, entertainment, literature, arts and crafts and comedy shows, just to name a few.
South Florida constitutes a large Caribbean population that includes Jamaicans, Haitian-Americans, Bahamian-Americans, Dominican Republic, and people from Guyana and Trindad and Tobago.
The celebration is a time to reflect on the impact the Caribbean nations had on American history as well as Caribbean-born people who became leaders and took their communities to new heights.
For example, Miramar Mayor Wayne M. Messan is the top political brass of a city with a large Caribbean population that has become one of the top cities in South Florida for residential developments and landing big corporations' headquarters to the South Broward city.
The cities of Miami and North Miami have a large Haitian-American population that is rich in culture with music, art, cuisine, colorful clothing, voodoo religion and lively festivals.
The three cities and all of South Florida will celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month with a host of events, especially the music which has been a big part of Caribbean culture like artists from Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica with reggae and shanto from Guyana.
Caribbean music can be traced back to slavery when Afrcians brought their music, dance, rituals, cuisine and customs to the Caribbean islands which impacted the entire region.
Miramar has outlined several events during the month of June hosted by Messan and council members in conjunction with cultural affairs groups and non-profits organizations.
The City of Miami is also recognizing Caribbean American Heritage Month with the annual Bahamian Goombay Festival in Coconut Grove, which draws thousands of people to the event since the Caribbean islands are a melting pot of cultures, shaped by various influences.
Messan, who is of Jamaican descent, said Miramar has been deeply rooted with Caribbean tradition for years since Caribbean Americans played an important role in American history.
"As a son of Jamaican immigrants, the celebration of Caribbean American Heritage resonates deeply with me," he said. "It highlights not only our cultural richness but also the integral role that Caribbean Americans play in every facet of American history. Our contributions are woven through the very fabric of this nation, from arts and education to politics and business.
"In Miramar, we mirror this national tapestry by actively promoting inclusivity and recognizing the dynamic impact of our Caribbean community. We are committed to advancing policies that uplift our diverse voices, ensuring they’re not only celebrated one month a year but integrated year-round."
Miramar will kick off Caribbean American Heritage Month with a celebration on June 4, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Miramar City Plaza, 2300 Civic Center Place.
Residents can participate in Yoga with a Caribbean theme each Saturday in June and a Zumba Caribbean theme hosted by Messan at the civic center.
Also the mayor will host Soca Step on the second Friday in June.
On Monday, June 10, from 12 noon-5p.m., Miramar presents American Arts and Amp crafts sale from 12 noon to 5 p.m., and Caribbean Crafty Kids from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., both events at the Miramar Branch Library, 2050 Civic Center.
On June 19, Miramar will celebrate Juneteenth Family Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the civic center hosted by Commissioner Yvette Colbourne, and Majah Issues Comedy Tour will take center stage on June 21 at 6 p.m. also at the civic center.
June 22 will feature two events-- a book launch for An Evening with France from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Miramar Civic Center Banquet Hall, 2400 Civic Center Place, a Taste of the Caribbean Island from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. hosted by Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis at the Miramar Amphitheater, 16805 Miramar Parkway.
For Caribbean art lovers, residents can see on display Timeless Passion Art Exhibit from June 3 until August 7 at the civic center.
Broward County's celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month includes a weekend, starting June 1, food, arts, music and entertainment that showcase the vibrant Caribbean culture in South Florida.
The event takes place at Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E. Las Olas Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale.
On June 2, Broward County will feature a music tribute to the different Caribbean nations, featuring Grammy-award nominee Inner Circle and other artists, a tribute to Cuban music on June 3 and the sounds of music inspired from the Bahamas island and Trinidad and Tobago also on June 3.
"It's a great way to embrace the rhythm and diversity of the Caribbean heritage," Broward County said in a press release.
The City of Miami celebrated Caribbean American Heritage month with the annual Miami/Bahamas Goombay Festival from May 31 to June 2 in Coconut Grove.
The event, which debuted in 1977, celebrates the arrival of the first Bahamian settlers in Coconut Grove before Miami incorporated in 1896.
Thousands of Festival goers took part in junkanoos, live performances, ate Caribbean-inspired food and mixed and mingled about their culture's impact to the City of Miami along the Grand Avenue corridor.
U.S. Congresswoman Fredrica Wilson, who is of Bahamian descent, kicked off the Goombay festival with a speech during a City of Miami Commission meeting in Coconut Grove.
"As a proud Bahamian-American, I'm kicking off the Goombay festival," she said.
Miami City Commission Chair Christine King was part of the festivities suggesting celebrating one's heritage is an important occasion with the diverse cultures in Miami-Dade County.
King was also a big part of honoring Haitian Flag Day and the second annual Sak Pase last month at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, which is part of her district.
"Surrounded by traditional beats, authentic flavors, and live performances," she said. "Happy Haitian Flag Day."
