Each year, Black History Month in America coincides with Reggae Month in Jamaica, with both being celebrated in February.
In an effort to bring the Jamaican diaspora together, Jamaican-American Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis introduced Black History Month Meets Reggae in Miramar last year.
On Tuesday, Commissioner Davis hosted the launch of this year’s festivities. She was joined by Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam, Vice Mayor Maxwell Chambers, Commissioners Yvette Colbourne and Winston Barnes, and Jamaica’s Consul General, Oliver Mair.
In a statement acknowledging the start of the celebrations, City Manager Vernon E. Hargray said, “We are thrilled to be celebrating MLK Day and Black History Month with our Miramar residents. This gives us a chance to recognize the achievements of African Americans in our community. Black History Month also coincides with Reggae Month, which we will be celebrating for the second time this year in collaboration with Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis.”
During the launch, Commissioner Davis presented this year’s reggae icons award to legendary band, Third World. Two members of the band, AJ Brown and Richard Daley accepted the award and said they were grateful to be hailed as icons within their community.
Jamaica’s Consul General, Oliver Mair later highlighted the significant contribution of reggae musicians to Jamaican and Black culture. He made note of Bob Marley’s “One Love” which is still one of the most popular songs ever.
Commissioner Davis announced several events that will be held in the city. Below is a listing of events and programs planned. All events are open to the public and free of charge:
In Time of Protest Art Exhibition – Black Lives Matter themed
Organized by Rolando Chang Barrero, Curator of The Box Gallery, in recognition of Black History and the Black Lives Matter movement as a part of American History.
When: Monday-Thursday, January 11th through March 14 | 9:30am-4:30pm
Where: Miramar Cultural Center Ansin Gallery (MCC), 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar Fl 33025
Admission: Free
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Parade
Hosted by Vice Mayor Maxwell Chambers
When: Monday, January 18th | 10:00am
Where: Starting at Multiservice complex, 6700 Miramar Parkway, Miramar Fl 33023
In Time of Protest Art-On-The-Go @MCC
Hosted by Commissioner Yvette Colbourne
MCC ArtsPark now features multicultural art installations. One of the murals spotlights Black History: Artist Jenny Perez celebrates Black History through her creation of lively expressionist figures and are both beautiful and colorful. Her work reflects her energy and excitement.
Scroll through the Ansin Art Gallery and experience the In Time of Protest art exhibition tied to Black Lives Matter in celebration of Black History month.
When: Saturday, January 30th | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Miramar Cultural Center Arts Park (MCC), 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar Fl 33025
Admission: Free
Freeform Art Saturday @ MCC – Special Black History edition
Hosted by Mayor Wayne Messam
Join us for our very own Family Freeform Saturday where MCC will offer a variety of outdoor activities, live music and local food. Suitable for all ages. The event will include
- Youth Panel Discussion (City Chambers)
- Student Light Boxes Live Art performance
- Film (theater)
- Artisan Vendors
When: Saturday, February 6th | 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Where: Miramar Cultural Center Arts Park (MCC), 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar Fl 33025
Admission: Free
Virtual Panel Discussion
Reggae and the Resistance to Black Lives Matter…The Journey!
Virtual discussion in partnership with the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association. Panelists: Senator Shevrin Jones, Attorney /Activist Alex Audate and Pastor Terrance Wilson, Cool Church.
When: Thursday, February 11 | 6:00pm–8:00pm
Where: Facebook Live and Comcast Chanel 78, Miramarfl.gov
Reggae Icon Awards Event
Black History Meets Reggae
Honoring International Reggae Artist and NEW this year a Marcus Garvey Award recognizing a local champion for change in equality and immigration.
When: Saturday, February 27 | 6:30pm–10:00pm
Where: Miramar Amphitheater, 16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar Fl 33027
Admission: Free
Drive-In Movie – SELMA
Hosted by Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis
Feature movie is SELMA which is about the 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery.
When: Saturday, February 13th | Gates open at 6:00pm; Movie time: 7:00pm
Where: Ansin Sports Complex, 10801 Miramar Blvd, Miramar Fl 33023
Art in Public Places
Championed by Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis
2 new art installations planned during February Black History Month:
- Bravo Supermarket (Historic/ east Miramar) mural unveiling
A call for art submission posted to Miramar residents. Themed: Marketplace to reflect the vibrant and diverse cultural make up of the city and ties in Bravo Supermarket via a public-private partnership.
Unveiling date: Late February
Location: Bravo Supermarket 6819 Miramar Parkway, Miramar Fl 33023
- Black History Month themed traffic light box wraps
Miramar Cultural Center is partnering with local schools to promote Black Lives Matter and Black History month on 15 Traffic Light Boxes across the City.
The art contest is geared towards high school students Grades 9 – 12 who are encouraged to create a poster depicting Black Lives Matter in conjunction with MCC’s “In Time of Protest” Art Exhibition.
15 winners will be chosen with their artwork featured on MCC virtual gallery, social media and installed on traffic light boxes throughout the City of Miramar as part of the City’s Art in Public Places program.
Installation date: Late February pending Broward County approval
Locations: 15 traffic light boxes in central and west Miramar
