Miami is a highly multicultural city with a rich community of Caribbean expats from Jamaica, Haiti, the Bahamas and beyond. So, it’s no surprise that among the many contributors to Miami’s cultural and informational landscape are several impressive Black and Caribbean-owned media outlets and personalities. These not only provide news from a Black and Caribbean perspective, but also highlight stories of culture, art, lifestyle and more. Here, we introduce and profile some of these influential Black and Caribbean media personalities and outlets making waves in the Magic City.
Peter Webley | Caribbean Today
Caribbean Today is a prominent news outlet that offers comprehensive coverage on Caribbean news, Black stories and cultural happenings. Founder, publisher and Jamaican American Peter Webley leads this esteemed publication, which has become a staple for the Caribbean diaspora in Miami. The platform launched in 1989 and ever since Caribbean Today has continued to connect Caribbean people in the U.S. and abroad, covering news, entertainment and more, with a readership of tens of thousands across various regions.
In 2005 Webley was inducted into Miami’s Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to journalism and for leading Caribbean Today, which has become South Florida’s oldest and top Caribbean-oriented publication, emphasizing the growing influence of the Caribbean community in Miami. From political updates to cultural events, Caribbean Today ensures that the community stays informed and connected to their roots.
Melba V. Pearson, Esq. | “Resident Legal Diva”
Need some help figuring out who to vote for in your next local election or curious about the legal standings on concealed weapons permit? Attorney Melba V. Pearson, known as the “Resident Legal Diva,” is here for you. Pearson is a civil rights and criminal law attorney who serves as the Director of Prosecution Projects at the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, co-managing the Prosecutorial Performance Indicators’ project. Previously, she was the Deputy Director of the ACLU of Florida and played a role in the passage of Amendment 4 in 2018, which re-enfranchised people with felony convictions. Melba also has an extensive background as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County, specializing in domestic violence and community prosecution.
However, she also runs a popular YouTube page, and her popular, #MondaysWithMelba tends to particularly catch viewers’ attention. Within the series, Pearson, who has Caribbean parents, uses her platform to tell Caribbean, Black, POC, and women’s stories while offering cultural commentary and personal anecdotes that resonate with the community. She has talked to some great community leaders like Janey Tate of Hy-Lo News, Dr. Caraballo, the Founding Director of the Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership at Florida International University, activist and historian Dr. Tameka Hobbs, various local leaders vying for seats and more. Pearson’s expertise and engaging style make her a trusted voice in the legal and cultural discourse.
Stichiz | “The Mid Day Bae”
Coming to you live from 103.5 The Beat FM is Stichiz, a dynamic community leader and the official female voice of Miami’s Urban radio station. Alongside broadcasting weekdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, the multi-talented Haitian host also features on several sister stations within the iHeart Radio family globally. Stichiz uses her platform to uplift Black and Caribbean voices, sharing stories that reflect the community’s diverse experiences. Popular segments include the Haitian / Creole word of the day during Haitian Heritage Month, interviews with up and coming artists, profiling cultural things to do in South Florida, talking with community organizations on their impact, and she’s even interviewed the iconic Kelly Rowland.
Outside of radio, Stichiz is a passionate community leader who empowers people of all ages through various initiatives, including the “MLK Teen Summit” and the “Change Yourself Before You Change Me” Youth Trailblazer Awards. She is deeply involved with organizations like Girls Make Beats, Literacy Connect INC. and Project T.E.A.C.H., where she supports youth education and empowerment. Additionally, Stichiz is an author of the bestselling multicultural children’s book series “Tu Es Belle,” aiming to encourage children to love their skin and learn new languages, and she continues to inspire with her “trust God and get it done” attitude.
Dexter Bridgeman | Legacy MIA Media Group
Dexter Bridgeman, a proud Grenadian by birth, has journeyed from the streets of New York to South Florida, bringing with him a passion for storytelling and community engagement. As the driving force behind MIA Magazine, a supplement to the Miami Herald, and Legacy Magazine, featured in the Sun Sentinel, Bridgeman has become a cornerstone of Black and Caribbean media in Miami. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including being honored as a 2020 Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board Black History Month “Triumphant Spirits” honoree, receiving the 2019 Dexter Foster Small Business of the Year Award from the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, and the 2018 NAACP Miami-Dade Branch Media & Communications Award.
MIA Magazine, a supplement to the Miami Herald, delves into topics such as lifestyle, entertainment, fashion, business and local events, all with a focus on Black and Caribbean perspectives. It amplifies the voices of these communities, showcasing their achievements, addressing their challenges and celebrating their contributions to Miami’s rich cultural landscape and beyond. As a supplement to the Sun Sentinel, Legacy Magazine is also committed to empowering and uplifting South Florida’s Black community. It covers business, finance, leadership, health and education, with a particular emphasis on profiling influential Black leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals. Legacy Magazine is especially recognized for its annual “Most Influential and Prominent Black Professionals” lists, which honor individuals making significant impacts within the community.
While not necessarily having direct Caribbean origins, these last two media outlets have become popular landing pages for Miami’s Black community. These platforms work to inform, organize and celebrate art, cultural events, news and other related topics by, for and with other people of color.
Melissa Hunter Davis | Sugarcane Magazine
Sugarcane Magazine, founded in 2006 by Melissa Hunter Davis, is a digital and print publication dedicated to Black art and culture. The magazine covers local and international Black artists, offering in-depth writing and stunning visuals. Davis’s journey began with a quest to fill the void in media representation for African diaspora artists, leading to the creation of a unique platform celebrated for its cultural relevance and quality. Now after 18 years of service, Sugarcane Magazine stands out as a beacon of artistic and cultural celebration for not only Miami but the wider community to hear, see and relate to stories that celebrate Blackness.
Janey Tate | Hy-Lo News
Hy-Lo News, founded by Janey Tate, started as a Facebook-based blog in 2015 and has since grown into a significant media outlet for South Florida’s urban millennials. Tate’s mission has been to deliver news and content that mainstream media often overlooks. Hy-Lo News is known for its laid-back tone and hyper-local coverage, making it a trusted source for the community. Despite the challenges of building a business, including consistently creating content, building a following and maintaining funding, Tate’s passion and dedication have earned her recognition and respect in the media landscape. Today, Hy-Lo News is celebrated for its ability to inform and engage its audience with stories that matter while also including fun tidbits that create a “togetherness” aspect.
Together, these platforms play a crucial role in ensuring that the stories, perspectives and cultures of the diverse communities in Miami are heard and celebrated. They offer a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard and contribute to the rich diversity of Miami’s media landscape. By supporting these outlets, we support the continuation of diverse and inclusive storytelling that enriches our understanding of the world.
