PHILADELPHIA, PA, January 22, 2024 — Prajjé Oscar is pleased to launch its newest Automne-Hiver 2024 Collection, “Revolūtiō.” The Collection is set to captivate audiences across multiple cities when it makes it’s debut at various fashion weeks, bringing a blend of style, culture, and empowerment. Each runway show promises an immersive experience, allowing fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the media to witness the fusion of creativity and elegance that defines Prajjé Oscar.
“Revolūtiō,” Prajje Oscar Automne-Hiver Streetwear collection, is a vivid homage to the indomitable spirit of the Haitian people, inspired by the recent KPK movement in the Republic of Haiti. This Collection stands as a luminous testament to resilience, rebellion, and rebirth, echoing the chants of a nation rising against injustice. At the heart of “Revolūtiō” lies the spirit of the 1804 Haitian Revolution.
The Collection seamlessly fuses streetwear elements with Avant-garde, forging a radiant intersection of style and substance. The BSAP – a custom modern and vibrant floral camouflage – becomes the emblematic motif, symbolizing growth, defiance, and the blossoming of a new era. Oversized jackets dominate the silhouette, while clean, tailored military-inspired outerwear adds a structured edge. Yet, amidst the bold lines and robust designs, the Prajje Oscar feminine touch remains unmistakably present, weaving elegance into every ensemble.
We are also excited to announce our collaboration with SheWorkz, a creative concept specializing in Millinery ready-to-wear and Couture hats by designer Rasheda Hall-Clark for Prajjé Oscar. This unique partnership brings forth a specialized line of headwear exclusively designed to complement and elevate the avant-garde aesthetic of the “Revolūtiō” Collection.
With a shared commitment to pushing creative boundaries, Prajjé Oscar and SheWorkz are set to redefine the intersection of fashion and millinery, offering a collection of hats that seamlessly integrates with the bold and revolutionary spirit of “Revolūtiō.”
Show Dates:
New York Fashion Week: February 9, New York -Rise
Philly Fashion Week: February 25, Philadelphia
Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week: March 28, Arkansas – INTERFORM
“I’m thrilled to share this Collection, bringing my vision of empowerment and style to diverse and broader audiences. This Collection is more than fashion; it’s a movement, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.”
We’re calling it now: 2024 is going to be the year of self-care. Now more than ever, people are expected to always be “on” — whether that means constantly posting the best (and filtered) parts of life on social media, taking on more than one can handle at work or feeling pressured to take advantage of the 5-9 after the 9-5 by going out every night — as a society we are seeing a lot of burnout.
The challenges of the past few years have taught us the importance of resilience, but this year it’s essential to prioritize our mental health and well-being in order to become the best versions of ourselves. In 2024, make a commitment to nurture your mental health with these practical tips that promote relaxation, connection and overall well-being.
Embrace Rest
In our fast-paced world, taking time to rest often takes a back seat to productivity or social fun. However, rest is not a luxury. It’s a necessity for both mental and physical health. Establishing a regular sleep routine to ensure you get enough quality sleep each night is a great first step to making rest a priority. Lack of sleep can contribute to stress, anxiety and a weakened immune system, which leaves you vulnerable to getting sick and other side effects like brain fog, hormone imbalance, mood changes, skin issues and more.
Beyond nightly sleep, incorporate short breaks throughout the day to recharge. Whether it’s a short afternoon walk after your lunch break, a few minutes of deep breathing, or simply resting your eyes from the glare of your computer screen, these moments can significantly impact your mental clarity and focus. If you work from home, consider creating a dedicated space for relaxation versus work, fostering an environment that promotes calmness and rejuvenation.
Prioritize Mindful Practices
Mindfulness is a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety while enhancing overall well-being. Explore practices like breathwork, meditation, yoga or pilates and journaling to cultivate a sense of inner peace. These activities not only help reduce stress but also improve concentration and promote emotional balance. For example, for those of us who tend to get stuck in our head, taking a few minutes to jot down your thoughts at the end of the night can lead to less overthinking before bed, letting you get better and more restful sleep.
Integrate mindfulness into your daily routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Take advantage of apps and online resources that can guide you through meditation sessions or provide quick mindfulness exercises.
Embrace Hobbies and Creativity
Engaging in activities you enjoy can provide a welcome escape from the demands of daily life. Whether it’s painting, writing, gardening or playing a musical instrument, carve out time for hobbies that bring you joy. Experiment with new activities or revisit old passions to discover what resonates with you. You can even ask your friends to join in and make it a group activity! Plan a paint-and-sip wine night with your girlfriends or get the band back together for a jam sesh. These moments of joy, creativity and fun are essential for maintaining a positive outlook on life and enjoying every moment.
Set Realistic Goals
The new year always brings a sense of urgency to make and fulfill resolutions. Setting and achieving goals is a fulfilling aspect of life, but it’s crucial to set realistic and achievable ones as unrealistic expectations can lead to stress and disappointment. Break down large goals into manageable steps, celebrating each achievement along the way. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, break it down into finding fun and healthy recipes to incorporate into your diet every week and moving your body for at least 30 minutes a day, rather than creating a strict diet and workout regime from the start. Over time you can amend your steps and challenge yourself more!
Additionally, it’s important to learn when to say no. Overcommitting can cause stress, anxiety and exhaustion. Prioritize your well-being by recognizing your limits and giving yourself permission to decline tasks, commitments or even social plans that may negatively impact your mental health. For example, pushing yourself to go to the gym every single day even if exhausted can quickly turn into something you resent rather than an opportunity to better yourself. Balance is essential.
Seek Connection
In a world that often feels digitally connected but emotionally distant, prioritizing meaningful connections with others can really make a difference. Sure, you see what your friends and family are doing when they post online, but often what the internet sees is only the positive aspects of someone’s life. Schedule time to catch up with friends, family or colleagues over a quick coffee, happy hour or a night in to really talk and grow that connection.
Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences with someone you trust. More often than not, other people understand what you are going through. If needed, consider seeking professional help through therapy or counseling. A mental health professional can offer valuable insights and coping strategies tailored to your individual needs. And remember, going to therapy is nothing to be ashamed of — these professionals are here to help you navigate everything life throws at you, just as a doctor would for your physical health! Let’s all work to break down the stigma surrounding mental health in 2024. Taking care of your mental health is not just a resolution, it’s a lifelong commitment to yourself.
Owning a waterfront property is a dream for many, but maintaining it can be challenging and requires extra attention compared to a property that is not on the water. Essential maintenance for waterfront properties helps protect the land and buildings from potential damage, so ensure your home remains in top shape with these simple tips.
Look for Signs of Erosion
Over time, the continuous action of waves, currents and tides can cause erosion that gradually wears away the shoreline, leading to an encroachment of water toward the property. In severe cases, this can even undermine the structural integrity of buildings and other structures located on the property.
By identifying early indicators of erosion, you can take steps to prevent further damage. Look for visible changes in the shoreline, such as new cracks, slopes or depressions in the soil. If you notice any of these indicators, bring in a professional who specializes in erosion control and shoreline management to assess the extent of the damage and recommend solutions.
Maintain Bulkheads
Bulkheads significantly reduce the impacts of wave action, water flow and the encroachment of water onto the property. They protect against loss of land, preserving the value and aesthetics of your waterfront asset.
Any damage or flaw in the bulkhead can potentially compromise its effectiveness. One of the essential tips for maintaining bulkheads and seawalls is to clear vegetation away to prevent damage caused by roots.
Inspect your bulkhead regularly for signs of damage, such as cracks, holes or deterioration. If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to consult a professional to determine the best course of action, whether that means repairing the existing bulkhead or investing in a replacement.
Use the Right Landscaping
Implementing protective landscaping is an essential maintenance task for waterfront properties. Consider adding native plants that are well-adapted to the waterfront environment and can help stabilize the soil by creating a natural barrier against water and wind erosion.
Some examples of native plants ideal for waterfront properties include beach grass, salt-tolerant shrubs and groundcovers. Rocks and boulders can also provide a stylish and effective barrier against erosion.
Regularly inspecting for signs of erosion, maintaining bulkheads, and implementing the right landscaping are crucial steps to prevent potential property damage. By taking these measures, you can enjoy the beauty of your surroundings while ensuring your home’s longevity.
As the cool breeze of a Caribbean “winter” continues to sweep over the sun-kissed islands, we’re excited for a fresh start to the new year. If one of your goals is to further embrace the rich culinary options of the region while committing to a healthier lifestyle, we’re here to help. Here are five healthy island recipes that are sure to become the talk of the archipelago.
Coconut-Crusted Mahi-Mahi
With the Caribbean Sea teeming with fresh catch, embrace the bounty of the ocean in this mouthwatering recipe. Baked to perfection, the coconut crust adds a crunch to the flaky fish, while the lime zest brings a nice kick. To top it off, this recipe offers a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids!
What you need:
4 Mahi Mahi filets
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
1 cup flour
3 tablespoons water
2 eggs
½ cup shredded toasted coconut flakes
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons coconut oil
What to do:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread coconut flakes on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes. Cool completely and then combine with breadcrumbs.
Turn the oven up to 425°F.
Make an egg wash by whisking together the water and eggs in a bowl.
Pat each filet dry and sprinkle the smoked paprika, sea salt and black pepper on each side of the fish.
Dip each filet into flour, then the egg wash mixture, and finally coat it in the coconut-breadcrumb mixture.
In a large pan, melt coconut oil over medium heat. Sauté the fish for 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
Serve with rice or greens and enjoy!
Jerk Chicken Lettuce Wraps
As the heart of Jamaican cuisine, jerk seasoning is a must. For a healthier alternative to plain jerk chicken, swap out your rice and peas for crisp lettuce leaves as a wrap and generously fill with diced mangoes and cilantro. Bursting with flavor and low in carbs, these jerk chicken lettuce wraps offer a perfect balance between health and taste — and they’re great for lunch on the go!
Blend the peppers, garlic and onions with all of the seasonings, olive oil, soy sauce and lime juice in a blender to make the jerk marinade.
Cut any extra fat off of the raw chicken and dice into pieces. Rub a majority of the marinade into the meat, setting some aside for basting later. Leave the chicken in the fridge to marinate overnight.
Grill the meat slowly until cooked, turning regularly, basting with some of the remaining marinade while cooking for extra flavor. (For best results, cook over a barbecue heated with pimento wood. Or, bake in the oven for 30 minutes, turn the meat then bake for a further 30 minutes.)
Chop up the chicken into bite sized pieces. Add the chicken atop freshly washed lettuce leaves, top with diced mangoes and freshly chopped cilantro / parsley and enjoy!
Callaloo Soup
Full of tropical goodness, this soup features the leafy green callaloo, a staple in Caribbean cuisine, alongside a medley of vegetables, coconut milk and savory spices. The result is a hearty and nutritious bowl to warm your soul.
What you need:
1 bunch of callaloo leaves
1 cup diced okra
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 scallion, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
4 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
What to do:
Wash the callaloo leaves thoroughly. Remove tough stems and chop.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, scallion and carrots. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
Add sweet potatoes, okra and red kidney beans to the pot. Stir well.
Sprinkle thyme, paprika, salt and pepper over the vegetables. Stir to coat the vegetables with the seasonings.
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
Add the chopped callaloo leaves to the pot. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Squeeze a bit of lime juice over each bowl before serving and enjoy!
Mango and Avocado Salsa with Baked Plantain Chips
In the land of abundant mango trees, celebrate the marriage of these two delights in a refreshing alternative to plain chips and salsa. The combination of the sweet and savory salsa with the crunchy plantain chips will become a favorite guilt-free snack, perfect for any occasion.
What you need:
For the salsa
1 ripe mango
1 avocado
1 roma or beefsteak tomato
1 jalapeño, seeds removed
⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the plantain chips
2 large plantains, pealed
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
What to do:
For the salsa, dice or chop all of the vegetables, then combine them in a bowl with the garlic, lime juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set in the fridge as you make the plantains.
For the plantains, preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Thinly slice the plantains, place in a large bowl and thoroughly cover with olive oil.
Arrange the slices in a single layer on the baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden.
Remove from the oven and allow the plantain crisps to cool completely.
Dip the plantains in the fresh salsa and enjoy!
Caribbean Fruit Salad with Ginger-Lime Dressing
The year-round abundance of tropical fruits inspires a refreshing fruit salad that celebrates the diversity of flavors. This light and hydrating salad is a go-to option for those seeking a fresh dessert or a refreshing side dish to complement their meals.
What you need:
6-8 cups fresh fruit (oranges, pineapple, kiwi, mangos, strawberries and bananas)
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root
½ cup fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
What to do:
In a bowl, combine freshly grated ginger, lime juice and zest to form the “dressing.” Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes before adding to the salad.
In the meantime, gather and cut the fruit into bite-size pieces. Arrange into a large bow in whatever layers you like.
Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss. Enjoy immediately!
In this file photo, FFTP-Haiti team members distributed 661 food and personal care kits at the Port-au-Prince office to poverty-stricken families from neighborhoods in the metropolitan area. Photo/Food For The Poor
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Jan. 11, 2024) – As Food For The Poor (FFTP) commemorates the 14th anniversary of the devastating 2010 earthquake that struck Haiti, the charity remains steadfast in its commitment to the country and its citizens, providing lifesaving aid and support in an increasingly challenging environment.
The promise of an international police force to help restore security is the catalyst that could open the door to a massive response by FFTP.
The charity is poised to respond on two fronts: meeting the immediate humanitarian needs for aid and delivering on a much bigger campaign focused on Haiti’s long-term recovery.
“We know this crisis needs to be addressed on a much grander scale,” FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine said. “Our position has always been that we cannot give up on Haiti or its citizens. The work to bring stability to Haiti and lift its people out of poverty is ongoing, and we are enormously grateful that our donors continue to embrace our mission.”
Working in Haiti for 38 years, FFTP is uniquely positioned to get work done as the country faces some of the most severe economic challenges it has ever experienced, Raine said.
With the help of generous donors, FFTP has built more than 13,940 homes in Haiti. In this 2023 file photo, a family in Caneille, Haiti, stands in front of their new home. Photo/Food For The Poor
FFTP maintains a staff of nearly 400 people from Haiti and two warehouses. From there, the charity supports 13 distribution centers through the churches and 3,800 distribution endpoints.
Because of its history of working in Haiti, FFTP was in place to provide immediate and ongoing assistance when the catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, at 4:53 p.m. A reported 250,000 people died, including four students and two faculty advisors from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla., who were on a Journey of Hope mission with FFTP. An estimated 1.3 million were left homeless.
In the last four years, Haiti has struggled with the COVID-19 pandemic, the assassination of its president, civil unrest, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace in August 2021, gang violence, a fuel shortage, and a resurging cholera outbreak.
Gang attacks on neighborhoods have forced some 200,000 people to flee their homes, a tenfold increase in the last two years, the United Nations reported. More than 2,500 Haitians were killed in 2023, and more than 900 kidnapped.
In early October 2023, the U.N. Security Council approved a new Kenyan-led international policing mission to Haiti to address rampant gang violence and insecurity. The mission will place international police on the front lines of law enforcement alongside their Haitian counterparts.
Despite these challenges, FFTP team members in Haiti put their safety at risk to distribute aid to people in desperate need of food, water, and basic items for survival.
Fourteen years after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti, Food For The Poor (FFTP) remains committed to the country and its citizens. In this December 2023 file photo, FFTP’s team in Haiti distributed 762 food packages containing rice from the Republic of China (Taiwan), canned beans, canned Mackerel and MannaPack rice meals from Feed My Starving Children, as well as personal hygiene items to pregnant women, nursing mothers, and infants from the Center of Nutritional Recovery and to beneficiaries of the charity’s Canteen Program. Photo/Food For The Poor
In the years since the 2010 earthquake struck, FFTP has built more than 13,940 homes in Haiti. In the past year, FFTP has:
Shipped 880 containers of food, health-related items and other goods to Haiti.
Sent 14,000 family food kits and 10,000 disaster hygiene kits to Haiti, all packed by volunteers in the charity’s Coconut Creek warehouse and distributed to families in need.
Shipped two disaster relief kits with enough supplies to support 500 families.
FFTP also partnered with USAID and Airlink to deliver emergency relief supplies to Haiti through a humanitarian air bridge to Port-au-Prince.
The first shipment included 107 pallets containing 3,852 cases of MannaPack rice meals from Feed My Starving Children and 88 cases of IV solutions plus medical gloves from St. Louis Park, Minn.-based MATTER.
In this file photo, boxes of MannaPack rice meals from FFTP partner Feed My Starving Children arrive at FFTP-Haiti’s warehouse. A total of 107 pallets of MannaPack meals were among the items sent to Haiti through a partnership with USAID and Airlink to deliver emergency supplies in response to a cholera outbreak. Photo/Food For The Poor
A second shipment included 18 pallets of MannaPack rice meals, two pallets of MannaPack Potato-D, a specially engineered meal to treat children and adults suffering from cholera symptoms such as diarrhea and help to replace lost nutrients, two pallets of gloves donated by partner Matthew 25: Ministries, one pallet of medical gloves and two pallets of hygiene kits from partner Brother’s Brother Foundation, and two pallets of Liquid I.V. oral rehydration powder.
In addition, Airlink shipped five pallets of family emergency kits on behalf of FFTP partner GlobalMedic, a charity based in Canada. The kits included P&G Water Purification Sachets, buckets and lids, cloths, bars of soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and solar-powered lights. Those supplies were distributed to 400 families. In a second shipment, GlobalMedic with assistance from the FFTP team in Canada, shipped an additional 2,800 family emergency kits to Haiti, each with enough supplies to help four families.
FFTP continues to ship tractor-trailer loads of aid to Haiti each week, including containers of rice from partner Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as in-kind and purchased goods.
On Saturdays, FFTP’s team in Haiti has opens its doors to safely distribute food to families in need. During the week, the charity is providing items such as rice, beans, MannaPack rice meals, water purification tablets, hygiene products, and baby items to pregnant women and nursing mothers from the Nutritional Recovery Center.
In this September 2023 file photo, hundreds of people who were forced to flee their homes because of gang violence assemble to receive family food kits containing rice, pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, and vegetable oil. The distribution, which was at a makeshift shelter in Port-au-Prince and included rice from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was enough to feed 230 families. Photo/Food For The Poor
In 2023, the FFTP’s team in Haiti distributed 197,242 bags of rice to people across the nation as part of its regular distribution process and provided medicine to 157 health centers and 77 hospitals. In addition, the team:
Responded to the nation’s growing food insecurity crisis by distributing 28,317 bags of rice, working in partnership with churches throughout the nation’s 10 departments, bringing food to 42,856 people.
Distributed 10,054 boxes of food items to 5,160 internally displaced people who were forced to flee their homes due to gang violence, as well as 4,894 boxes for other families impacted by the food shortage.
Distributed 1,837 bags of rice and emergency supplies to 5,612 families impacted in June by floodings in Port-au-Prince and the Southeast.
“The earthquake brought devastation to Haiti more than a decade ago, and the tremendous need for assistance continues,” Raine said. “Working with our incredible team in Haiti, and with the generous support of our donors, we will continue to do all that we can to provide emergency aid and support in its hour of need.”
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry children and families living in poverty primarily in 17 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, water, medicine, educational materials, homes, support for vulnerable children, care for the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.
Have you been searching for ways to enhance your guests’ experience at your beachside hotel? Look no further. We have some essential tips to elevate your beachside resort that you won’t want to miss. By the end of this post, you’ll have plenty of ideas on how to make your paradise an even more unforgettable vacation spot for your guests.
Get as Much Light as Possible in the Rooms
Breathtaking views and ample sunlight are two of the key attractions of a beach resort, so make sure you provide them! Focus on improving lighting in your hotel rooms, specifically by maximizing natural light. Invest in large windows, transparent curtains and strategically placed mirrors to bounce light around the room. The abundance of light will have your guests sunbathing from their beds and soaking up all the vitamin D that a beach vacation should provide.
Keep Things Open and Breezy
Rooms that are open and breezy bring the essence of your beachside location into the resort itself. Open floor plans and balconies with seating areas encourage guests to relax and soak up the natural beauty of their surroundings. Additionally, lightweight furniture, materials and color schemes can also help create a sense of space and airiness in rooms.
Play Off a Central Theme
Weaving a central theme throughout your resort allows guests to feel a cohesive atmosphere from the moment they step onto your property. This theme could be related to the local culture, historical significance or even a signature color palette that connects the interior and exterior spaces. For example, if you run a resort in South Florida, a Caribbean theme will suit your property nicely and make guests feel enthralled in their vacation setting.
Offer Resort-Sponsored Activities
Your guests will undoubtedly want to explore and experience the pristine beach, and offering resort-sponsored activities can turn their stay into an unforgettable adventure. Be it water sports, yoga classes, cultural workshops or guided nature walks, providing attractive options will encourage guests to try new experiences and create unique memories during their stay. You could even do something as simple as providing free bike rentals to guests to help them fly through their daily adventures.
Following these essential tips to elevate your beachside resort can make a significant impact on the overall experience of your guests. These suggestions will help you attract potential guests and ensure they return to relive their unforgettable beachside experience.
On Saturday February 17th, 2024, the City of Miramar celebrates Black History Month and Reggae Month with music, culture & cuisine from the Caribbean and the African Diaspora
MIRAMAR, FL (January 3, 2024) – The City of Miramar is proud to announce its 4th Annual Afro-Carib Festival (ACF), presented byVisit Lauderdale and Memorial Healthcare System, and hosted by Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis, happening on Saturday, February 17, 2024, 6pm-11pm ET, at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater, located at 16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33027. The 2024 lineup includes afro-beats megastar Fireboy DMl, Grammy award winner reggae artist Kabaka Pyramid, andold school dancehall hitmaker Nadine Sutherland, and as well as local conscious rap artist Yung Wylin, famous for his IG hit “Good Energy”, and more artists to come.
Kabaka Pyramid Nadine SutherlandYung Wylin Photo: LA Productions
Each year, the Afro-Carib Festival celebrates the blended cultures and shared bonds rooted in African origins and the Caribbean islands. These powerful roots have created a people rich in music, culture, and cuisine. Ticket holders will enjoy live performances by a carefully curated, first class roster of unique and soulful artists representing afrobeats, reggae, dancehall. konpa, and more genres from the African Diaspora.
Miramar Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis
Miramar Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis commented, “We’ve had major success with the last three years of Afro-Carib Festival and our 4th year will be even bigger and better! We have discovered that South Florida is hungry for an entertainment event that offers this particular combination of musical genres which bring the best of Black music and culture together on one stage. It has been an honor to produce an event that celebrates the African Diaspora in such a beautiful way, and highlights different cultures within the Diaspora through music, culture, and food.”
Headlining the Festival is Nigerian afrobeat sensation Fireboy DML, best known for his catchy hit song, Peru, with pop star Ed Sheeren. This catchy afro-pop song boasts almost 200 million YouTube views, making it a mega hit in the genre. Also performing is Jamaica’s own reggae sensation, Grammy award winning reggae artist Kabaka Pyramid, a conscious revolutionary lyricist with a signature musical style, blending the power, energy and melody of reggae with the lyricism of hip hop. Rounding out the lineup is the beloved dancehall artist, Nadine Sutherland, considered by fans and critics alike to be the premier Jamaican female vocalist of her generation, garnering international success and acclaim as the co- lead for the widely recognized dancehall anthem “Action”.
“Visit Lauderdale is proud to support the City of Miramar and its incredibly popular Afro-Carib Festival, which brings thousands of attendees and visitors to Southwest Broward for a fun and exciting day of celebrating music and culture from the Caribbean and African Diaspora. We are committed to supporting rich cultural events in our community and the Afro-Carib Festival has proven its viability and importance to the South Florida economy”, commented Stacy Ritter, President & CEO, Visit Lauderdale.
Local food vendors will serve up their specialty Caribbean and African dishes and merchandise vendors will offer unique finds, representing the many cultures of the Diaspora. Now on sale are general admission tickets for $30, premium tickets for $45 and VIP tickets for $150, while supplies last. Parking is $10 in advance online or $15 at the gate.
TAMARAC, Fla. (December 15, 2023) – During the City of Tamarac’s Dec. 13, regular City Commission meeting, the Tamarac City Commission unanimously voted to appoint District 2 Commissioner, Morey Wright, as the City’s Vice Mayor.
Wright will serve as Vice Mayor for a one-year term, with the responsibility of acting as Mayor in the Mayor’s absence.
He was elected to the Tamarac City Commission in November 2022. During his time in office, he has represented the City of Tamarac as a voting delegate for the 97th Annual Florida League of Cities Conference. Wright also served as chair of the auditor selection committee.
“I’m honored to be appointed as Tamarac’s Vice Mayor,” said Wright. “I am excited to continue to work with the Commission, residents and community members to develop meaningful programs and initiatives that will positively impact Tamarac and ensure that our City remains a vibrant and thriving community for all.”
Born in the Virgin Islands to a Virgin Islander mother and a Jamaican father, Wright is a University of Florida alumnus who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He also earned two master’s degrees in business and government from Johns Hopkins University.
Professionally, Wright is an executive at a South Florida-based e-commerce company. He also owns a small business that consults on digital technology and marketing.
Jamaican musical icons, living and gone, will find representation in the narrative story of the Reggae Genealogy outdoor concert and musical showcase. (Left: Mykal Rose of Black Uhuru, who will make an appearance at the show. Right: Dennis Brown (deceased.))
Plantation, Florida: On Saturday, February 10, 2024, in celebration of Reggae Month, the story of the Caribbean’s most prolific music genre will be presented to South Florida in a bold new way. The inaugural historical retrospective and concert event “Reggae Genealogy – The Origins, Evolution and Influence of Jamaican Music,” produced by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, will be presented in the city of Plantation, Florida. A blend of entertainment and education, this event will showcase live performances including music and dance, archival video elements and contemporary narratives for a fully immersive experience. Reggae Genealogy will take place in the northeast parking lot of the Broward Mall.
The entire history of Jamaican music will find representation. Beloved icons who are no longer with us, such as Harry Belafonte, the first recording artist to sell a million records in the U.S., will speak to the audience in recorded video. Living legends like Mykal Rose of Black Uhuru, the first reggae band to win a Grammy, will make special guest appearances.
Reggae Genealogy event is presented in partnership with Broward Mall and the City of Plantation, and made possible in part by the support of the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Broward County Cultural Division, Grace Foods, Jamaica Tourist Board, Blue Mahoe Capital, the Beach Channel, Visit Lauderdale, Only the Best Printing and the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Judith Cornfeld Fund for the Arts, Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund.
The three-hour showcase will trace the early beginnings of popular Jamaican music, prior to Jamaican independence from Britain in 1962, to the present, touching on mento, ska, Nyabinghi, rocksteady, lover’s rock, dub, reggae and dancehall. The showcase will also highlight the influence of Jamaican music on genres such as hip hop, reggaeton, EDM and Afrobeats.
To execute the inaugural staging of Reggae Genealogy, Island SPACE has assembled an experienced team of experts in reggae music history, event production and business. The team includes Lloyd Stanbury – one of the founders of Reggae Month and of the first Jamaican all-reggae radio station, IRIE FM, and Calibe Thompson and David I. Muir – the former producers of The Taste the Islands Experience culinary festival, and co-founders of Island SPACE. Other team members include authors, documentarians, television and video producers, radio personalities and choreographers.
The gates open at 3 p.m. with showtime at 6 p.m. Pre-sold tickets are $20 or $25 at the gate. Afternoon attendees can enjoy restaurant and artisan vendors and tours of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum inside the Broward Mall. Find tickets, general, sponsorship, vendor and volunteer information at www.reggaegenealogy.org
Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education (Island SPACE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives that represent the Caribbean region, in South Florida and the broader diaspora. The public is invited to visit the Caribbean museum Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General museum entry is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Visit www.islandspacefl.org to learn more.
Plantation, Florida: The heartbeat of reggae is set to echo through Plantation, Florida, as Island SPACE Caribbean Museum orchestrates an insightful panel discussion that promises an exploration of the roots and offshoots of Jamaican music. On Saturday, January 20, 2024, the panel, “The Roots & Fruits of the Reggae Family Tree,” will be held at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum inside the Broward Mall, to examine the captivating path of reggae music’s evolution. The discussion is a prelude to the eagerly awaited Reggae Genealogy outdoor music festival planned for Reggae Month celebrations in February.
From 5-7 p.m., industry experts Willie Stewart, Maxine Stowe and Copeland Forbes will discuss their personal experiences with the music, the greats, and the conditions that prompted phases in the life cycle of Jamaican sounds.
Stewart was a member of the legendary Third World Band, and has a decades-long history in percussion, production and performance. Stowe has played instrumental roles at iconic labels like Island Records, Studio One, Skengdon, VP Records, and Columbia Records, and in collaborations with influential artists like Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, Diana King and Jimmy Cliff. She has also made pivotal contributions to soundtracks including “Cool Runnings” and “Bad Boys.”
Stowe offers Jamaican music and cultural heritage consultancy for government organizations and works with Indigenous communities for the recognition of their intellectual property rights. Forbes is a former tour and personal manager and assistant to a roster of artists including Bob Marley and the Wailers, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Jimmy Cliff, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Third World and Black Uhuru. He is the author of the insightful book “Reggae My Life Is.”
The panel will be moderated by Richard Blackford, producer and presenter of Sunday Scoops, a reggae history interview series. Panelists will delve into the rich tapestry of Jamaican popular music, encapsulating its evolution, influences, and unarguable impact on the global music scene. The genealogy of reggae is a story about the ancestors, relatives and offsprings of the music. Like the Reggae Genealogy concert event taking place the following Saturday, February 10, the panel will explore the progression from mento through nyabinghi, ska, rocksteady, reggae, and dancehall, as well as Jamaican music influence on hip hop, reggaeton, EDM and Afrobeats.
Island SPACE president Calibe Thompson said, “I’m always fascinated when I think about all the types of music Jamaica has produced and how genres like ska, reggae and dancehall have been adopted and adapted by many other cultures and made into their own.” The power and influence of reggae music were inspirational to the museum’s decision to explore it in a deeper way.
Jamaican music has been featured on the soundtrack of transformative and revolutionary moments in global history. Panelist Willie Stewart reflects, “Reggae is the heartbeat to the world. It expands and touches countries and nations everywhere in a positive and amazing way. When ANC South Africa went out to defend their rights they played Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, Third World and more reggae music to inspire them.”
Tickets to the panel are available pre-sold at $15 or for $20 at the door and may be purchased at islandspacefl.org/reggaepanel2024. Later in the evening, attendees and media will linger for an evening of music and celebration at the Reggae Genealogy Launch Party which follows from 7-9 p.m.
Reggae Genealogy and its related events are presented in partnership with Broward Mall and made possible in part by the support of the City of Plantation, Broward County Cultural Division, State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Jamaica Tourist Board, VP Records, Grace Foods, Blue Mahoe Capital, Visit Lauderdale, The Beach Channel, Only the Best Printing and the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Judith Cornfeld Fund for the Arts, Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund, The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund and Samuel F. Morrison Community Impact Fund.
Meet the Artists
Willie Stewart
Chairman/Co Founder of Embrace Music Foundation curators and presenters of South Florida’s Rhythms Of Africa annual concert series, was the principal drummer and percussionist for the international supergroup Third World, the reggae ambassadors of Jamaica. With an illustrious career spanning 23 years as its principal drummer and percussionist, Willie co-produced 13 albums, 5 of which received Grammy nominations. He has received world acclaim as the recipient of the NAACP Image award, The Diamond Award and the United Nations Peace Medal. He received the African American Achievers Award Nomination (2009) and the Knight Arts Challenge Award (2010).
Known for excellent collaborative skills and musical genius. He was a recipient of the Jamaica Diaspora Honors 2012, in the category of “Vanguard Award for Significant Contribution to Culture and Entertainment art, presented by the Consulate General of Jamaica, Miami. ICABA saluted Willie Stewart as one of the 2012 South Florida “100 Most Accomplished Caribbean Americans.” He was also featured in the August 2012 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine.
Maxine Stowe
Maxine Stowe is one of the most recognized and authoritative voices in the music industry today. Her experience and command of the field spans decades of service both in the diaspora and her native country Jamaica.
Maxine’s professional aspirations began with studying Political Science at Barnard University, which was enhanced by social issues into advocacy and Rastafari Community living from the mid to late 1970’s between New York and Jamaica.
While living in New York, she maintained strong links to Jamaica, and the Jamaican music industry via her uncle the late Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd and the late Lincoln ‘Sugar’ Minott. Maxine was part of the Who is Who in Jamaican music through working relationships with Studio One, Black Roots/Youth Promotion, Skengdon, VP Records, Columbia Records/SONY, Island/Motown/Universal, Ghetto Youths International/Tuff Gong and Solomonic Records.
She was an integral part of the international success of artists such as Shabba Ranks, Diana King, Lady Patra, Super Cat, and Mad Cobra.
Copeland Forbes
Copeland Forbesis one of the most consequential figures in the history of modern Jamaican music. He has been personal assistant, tour manager and personal manager for some of the most iconic artists in Reggae music including Peter Tosh, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Third World, Luciano and Black Uhuru.
His recently published book “Reggae My Life Is” recounts memorable incidents on his journey and dispels some of the myths and erroneous accounts of incidents involving artists such as The Wailers, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Forbes is a much sought after speaker at music symposia and seminars across the world where his name is often a prime attraction and his vast knowledge a source of enlightenment and entertainment.
Copeland has received numerous awards for his outstanding contribution to the music industry, including the Order of Distinction from the Government of Jamaica in 2017.
About Reggae Genealogy
On Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 3-9 p.m. at the Broward Mall northeast parking lot, Island SPACE Caribbean Museum will host a unique musical concert event. The audiovisual journey explores the origins, evolution, and influence of Jamaican music, and features live music, DJs, dancers, narrators, and even video messages from industry leaders current and past. Learn more at reggaegenealogy.org.
About Island SPACE
Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education (Island SPACE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives that represent the Caribbean region, in South Florida and the broader diaspora. The public is invited to visit the Caribbean Museum Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General museum entry is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Visit www.islandspacefl.org to learn more.
