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Jack Daniel’s Inaugural Black Achievers Awards Celebrates South Florida’s Changemakers and Trailblazers

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Guest Admin
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2023 Black Achievers Awards

Event Curated by Three Black Women Owned Companies – SocialXChange, Sweet Butter Hospitality & Hy-Lo News

Ten Miami-based changemakers were honored at the inaugural 2023 Black Achievers Award presented by Jack Daniel’s for their outstanding work in their respective fields. The award ceremony and mixer were created to recognize and celebrate South Florida’s Black professionals, community organizers, and activists who have made significant contributions to the South Florida community. Jack Daniel’s partnered with local Black-owned women’s businesses to curate and produce the award’s presentation that closed out Black History Month at the Historic Hampton House in Miami.

Honorees of the Black Achievers Awards included: Isiah “Zaybo” Thomas (Co-founder-Roots Collective), Whenda “Wanda” Tima (Founder L’Union Suite), Stichiz (103.5 The Beat Radio Personality), Dr. Geden Franck (Sports Medicine Physician-Memorial Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine), Michaeljohn Green (Deputy Director of Economic Development-Miami-Dade County), Barbara Jaques (Founder JACQ’S Skincare), Ashley Gantt, Esq, (Florida State Representative), Chanel T. Rowe, Esq. (Founding & Managing Partner at Uriel Law),Daniel Agnew (Co-founder-Roots Collective ), and James “Munch” Mungin (Roots Collective).

Jack Daniel's Inaugural Black Achievers Awards

The award’s presentation celebrated Jack Daniel’s brand commitment to highlighting and celebrating Black professionals and entrepreneurs in the South Florida market. The event was headed by LaJuane Mack, Region Multicultural Manager – Central at Brown-Forman. The invite-only event featured a vintage Black excellence theme that naturally flowed with the ambiance of the Hampton House’s décor.

The Black Achievers Awards event was curated by a collaborative venture by Black Miami women entrepreneurs Alexis Brown – Founder of SocialXChange; Ernisha Randolph- Founder of Sweet Butter Hospitality Group; and Janéy Tate, Publisher of Hy-Lo News.

“We’re excited to come together and recognize our peers and new rising stars in South Florida. There is so much commentary about the brain drain and losing talent and millennial talent leaving South Florida, but this is a counter-narrative to that,” said Alexis Brown, Founder of SocialXChange. “The Black Achievers Awards celebrates what is great about Black South Florida and our contributions.”

The three Millennial Black women entrepreneurs joined forces to pull their resources and used their expertise in their industries with the mission to highlight the Black entrepreneurial leaders and community activists in South Florida.

Jack Daniel's Inaugural Black Achievers Awards Hosted by Three Black Women Owned Companies- SocialXChange, Sweet Butter Hospitality & Hy-Lo News
L-R, Ernisha Randolph, Founder of Sweet Butter Hospitality Group, Alexis Brown, Founder of SocialXChange and Janéy Tate, Publisher of Hy-Lo News

“We are celebrating Black entrepreneurship and excellence and recognizing our Black entrepreneurial ecosystem who have undeniably impacted the South Florida community,” said Ernisha Randolph, Founder & CEO of Sweet Butter Hospitality Group and owner of We Shuckin restaurants.

The three women want to focus on people in the community who go unsung but deserve recognition.

“This is an amazing opportunity to work with great people to honor dope people from our community. I love that Jack Daniel’s is committed to being a brand that cares about the community and is committed to being plugged in by sponsoring the Black Achievers Awards,” said Janey Tate, Founder, and CEO of Tate Media Enterprises, which produces Hy-Lo News. “Hy-Lo News’ mission is to share the untold stories from the Black community in South Florida. This collaboration allows us to bring that work to life. I look forward to bringing more events like this to our community through this partnership.”

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select, and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world, as recognized by Interbrand.

About SocialXChange

Curating Cool Since September 2013. SocialXchange Miami is South Florida’s Premier Event & Marketing Agency that specializes in experiential marketing, events, experience, and outreach for Multicultural/ Urban Millennials, Young Professionals, and Influencers. They’ve got cred because they filled a long-standing void in the Miami market by creating innovative lifestyle events targeted to a previously untapped market of pretty awesome, college-educated, trend-setting, upwardly mobile local African-American+ Afro-Caribbean professionals primarily between the ages of 24-35.

SocialXchange has created new trends/ event concepts previously not seen in the creative event space in South Florida. Socialxchange curates all things cool such as lifestyle events such as monthly meet-ups, happy hours, day parties, nightlife events, community service projects, health initiatives, annual travel abroad events, and more. Visit: https://www.socialxchangemiami.com/

About Sweet Butter Hospitality Group

Sweet Butter Hospitality Group is a multi-conceptual hospitality group that manages, develops, and features a portfolio of various brands. These brands include WeShuckin Restaurant, Juanitas Kitchen Catering, The Candy Girls Gourmet Confectioners, The Sweet Butter Pop-up Dinner Show Tour, The Smash Room Multi-Media Company, The Juke Joint Restaurant, and other associated products.

Our Restaurants are set to have an edgy vintage restaurant experience, mostly with a live performance component. Our company seeks to develop a conglomerate of brands in and around hospitality showcasing foods, music, history & culture from the various regions of the United States that were more affected by the Southern culture created by African Americans. Visit: http://sweetbuttergroup.com/

About Hy-Lo News

Hy-Lo News was created after founder Janéy Tate discovered that Black residents were not properly provided coverage from local news outlets on matters, events, and issues they cared about most. As a result, in 2015, Hy-Lo News was brought to life. Hy-Lo News, short for “hyper-local,” is driven by its mission to provide a platform for hyper-local news for South Florida Black and Brown millennials. The media company is South Florida’s only news site dedicated to urban millennials.

Publisher Janey Tate knows firsthand, from her more than 13 years as a journalist, that having access to local information and news has helped people in the community to be informed and engaged citizens. Hy-Lo News believes all people should have access to local news and information that is engaging, betters their lives, and improve their community. Visit: https://hylonewsmiami.com/.

Try These 3 Helpful Skincare Tips For Your Skin Tone

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Guest Admin
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As your largest organ, your skin has to be taken care of. Given the many available products, it may take time to decide where to begin. The best place to start with skincare is by first understanding your skin type and special needs through a dermatologist. Knowing your skin type will help you choose the items that will work best for you.

The following helpful skincare tips will maintain your glow whether you have lighter skin, an olive complexion or deep undertones. Learn more by reading on!

*Be sure to consult a dermatologist before making any changes to your skincare routine.

Lighter Skin Tones

If you have lighter skin, you know how difficult it can be to find the right skincare products. Many products are too harsh and can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated. Here are skin care tips for more fair skin tones that will help you find the perfect products for your skin type:

1. Use a Gentle Cleanser

Choose a soft, non-abrasive cleanser for as a starting point. Stay away from strong cleansers and exfoliating beads because they can irritate your skin. You should pick a cleanser that removes oil, grime and other impurities without leaving any residue. 

*See a dermatologist before using any cleansers if you have a skin issue.

2. Apply Your Moisturizer Immediately

After getting out of the shower or bath, apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to really lock in moisture before going outside. Your skin naturally loses water through evaporation, but it must be replenished to avoid drying out. If you have dry skin, try using a moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid. This aids in the retention of moisture in your skin’s pores.

3. Remember to Wear Sunscreen

You should wear sunscreen every day; even when it’s cloudy UV rays can penetrate  through. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of more than 30 at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. If you have sensitive skin, look for a zinc oxide-based product that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. This will help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, which can age you much faster than usual, while also avoiding any pimples or flair ups. You should reapply sunscreen every two hours if exposed to the sun. You should also wear hats with wide brims and stay in the shade whenever possible. 

Olive Skin Tones

Olive skin tones are beautiful and unique. They tend to be warm, golden and sometimes even tan. If you have olive skin, you may have noticed that your skin care needs differ from those with other skin tones. 

So what should you look for in a skincare product if you have olive skin? First, you’ll want to ensure it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. You’ll also want to look for oil-free and hypoallergenic products, as these are less likely to irritate. And finally, you’ll want to choose products containing natural ingredients known to be gentle on olive skin. Here are some of the best skin care tips for olive skin tones:

1. Keep Your Moisturizer Light

Olive skin tones are unique and require special care. While many people opt for heavy, greasy moisturizers, a light moisturizer is the best skin care tip for those with olive skin tones. Light moisturizers are formulated to provide just the right amount of hydration without leaving the skin feeling oily or weighed down. They also help protect against environmental damage while allowing natural oils to balance out your Caribbean complexion. With a light moisturizer, you can keep your olive skin tone looking healthy and vibrant all year round.

2. Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and increase cell turnover, which can help keep your complexion looking bright and healthy. Exfoliating products come in various forms, such as scrubs, cleansers, masks and even chemical peels. 

Choosing the right product for your olive skin tone can be tricky, but with dermatologist recommended products, you can find one that works best for you. Regular exfoliation will help keep your complexion looking clear and radiant while preventing breakouts and other common problems.

3. Avoid the Use of Harsh Products

Opt for natural ingredients such as aloe vera, honey, and coconut oil that can nourish and hydrate the skin without causing any harm. 

Helpful Skincare Tips Based on Your Skin Tone
Photo by Lumin on Unsplash

Darker Skincare Tips

Darker skin tones require special care and attention when it comes to skincare. You can keep your dark skin looking its most healthy and radiant with tips and advice from a dermatologist, but here are some of our general tips for taking care of your dark skin:

1. Moisturize Regularly

One of the best tips for keeping your dark skin tone looking its best is using a hydrating moisturizer daily. Hydrating moisturizers help keep your skin hydrated, which helps reduce dryness and dullness and keeps your skin looking healthy and glowing. They also help protect against environmental damage, such as sun exposure or pollution. These can cause premature aging in dark skin tones. 

2. Use Sunscreen With High SPF

Dark skin tones are prone to sun damage and hyperpigmentation too. Protecting it from the sun’s harmful UV rays is essential to keep your skin looking healthy and glowing. One of the best ways to do this is with a high SPF sunscreen. Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher will provide maximum protection against UVA/UVB rays and other environmental factors that can damage your skin. 

3. Use Products That Contain Antioxidants

]Antioxidants help protect the skin from free radicals, which can cause premature aging, wrinkles and discoloration. They also help fight off environmental stressors like pollution and sun damage. By incorporating antioxidant-rich products into your skincare routine, you can help keep your dark skin looking vibrant and youthful for years to come.

Some of the best antioxidants for dark skin include vitamins C, E and retinol. Look for products that contain these ingredients and use them regularly to help keep your skin looking its best.

Conclusion 

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for skin care. What works for you will work differently for another, despite the skin tone. The best way to care for your skin is to consult a dermatologist for skin cancer to find a customized plan that works for you. This article provided some general tips for caring for different skin tones, but everyone’s skin is unique. If you want the best possible results, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist near you today.

5 Must-Know Vacation Skin Protection Tips For Women

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Guest Admin
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Vacation Skin Protection Tips For Women

Traveling in the Caribbean, though exciting, fun and luxurious, is demanding. A great vacation can also mean improper diet, exhaustion, hectic schedules, fluctuating weather, or adverse temperature differences — and women are typically more likely to see the effects of this than men, particularly when it comes to skin health.

Breaking away from a normal routine can interrupt your body’s equilibrium, especially your skin. So, ensuring healthy skin is crucial to avoid ruining your glow.

In this article, we’ll explore the essential Caribbean vacation skin protection tips every woman must know to have healthy and glowing skin while on vacation.

Top 5 Caribbean Vacation Skin Protection Tips For Women

There are a lot of skincare essentials you need as a woman when it comes to protecting your skin during vacation. These range from wearing sun safe clothing to protecting the skin from UV rays, tissue or blotting paper to control oily skin, and many more.

Before we go deeper into these vacation essentials for women, let’s look at the skin and the importance of skin protection. Plus, what UV rays are, and how it affects the skin.

Skin and Importance of Skin Protection 

The skin is the organ that offers a barrier to protect the body from attack by bacteria and other likely ecological hazards that can be unsafe for human health.  

When it comes to the importance of skin protection, there are many reasons why you need to protect your skin, a few of which include:

  • Skin is the first line of defense between the outside world and our bodies. Hence, skin protection will help protect you from viruses, bacteria, and chemical substances.
  • The skin protects us from external factors such as changes in humidity and temperature. Failure to protect your skin means your body cannot control moisture loss, regulate body temperature and maintain fluid balance.
  • Prolonged exposure to UV rays to the skin can make the skin vulnerable to skin cancer. So one of the best ways to protect the skin is opting for proper protective clothing, like UV Skinz, which can help reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Let’s explore the skin protection tips to have a sun- safe journey, while traveling. 

Essential Skin Protection Tips to Follow While Traveling

Here are some smart tips to keep your skin supple and healthy while on vacation in the islands!

1. Don’t Forget Moisturizer

On a Caribbean vacation, you will likely be exposed to strong wind or direct sunlight, which can dry the skin and harm the texture. Moisturizer, therefore, prevents breakouts and skin issues caused by excessive dryness.

Moisturizer will help protect your skin from sunlight while exploring during your vacation. The application of moisturizer makes your skin healthy by keeping your skin hydrated, saving you from the adverse effects of weather conditions.

So, to maintain supple, soft skin, regardless of the weather conditions, keep your moisturizer handy while traveling.

2. Go for Comfortable/UV Protective Clothing for Women

While going on vacation, comfort should be a high priority. You will do a lot of activities such as games, trekking, or merely roaming around to explore the place. It does not only stop there, it might be beneficial to pack UV clothing to save you from the irritation and rashes resulting from tight, uncomfortable attires and sun.

This comfortable sun-protective clothing for women will ultimately protect your skin even when you are exploring under the sun during your vacation.

3. Consider Going Makeup-Free

Skipping makeup or wearing as little makeup as possible on your trip day is an easy way to have perfect skin during your vacation. Makeup settles into your pores and can invite  microorganisms into your skin. 

Foundations can also make your skin oily, depending on your skin type. So, sticking to your daily day cream and SPF is best to allow your skin to breathe. This will save your skin from breaking out from unforeseen weather conditions and temperature changes.

5 Must-Know Vacation Skin Protection Tips For Women

4. Avoid Touching Your Face

Most people touch their faces much more than they think, which is one of the biggest blunders you can make for your skin while on vacation. The truth is you come in contact with many germs or unknown bacteria in public spaces, and touching your face could automatically spread those germs onto your skin. This could lead to multiple skin issues.

Even if you have to touch your face, sanitize or wash your hands with an antibacterial hand wash as much as possible. You can also use an oil blotter or tissue as a guard between your skin and your hands to prevent pimples from bursting up.

5. Drink Enough Water for Hydration

Aside from making your body happy, water helps your skin as well. More often than not, we skip drinking enough water during a vacation simply because we’re too busy or  want to avoid the hassle of finding a public fountain while exploring or having fun. However, this act not only disturbs your system by getting you dehydrated but also ruins your skin.

Conclusion

It’d help to know that traveling can significantly ruin your skin if you ignore the basic essentials to protect your skin, especially from UV rays. 

However, these 5 must-know skin protection tips for women are your best bet. So, keep your skin spot and flake-free by following these 5 tips to protect and keep your skin glowing during your vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Skin Protection on Vacation?

Traveling to various places can result in abandoning your skincare routine or failure to protect your skin while on vacation, which can leave your skin too dry, too oily, prone to breakouts or at risk for sun damage. Sun protection clothing, a good moisturizer, and SPF are important for women specifically on vacation to avoid dry skin. It is essential to keep to as much of your regular skincare routine as possible.

Can You Take Skin Care Products on A Plane?

Yes, you can go on a plane with your skin care products. Nevertheless, go through the airline instructions to know the acceptable quantity of stuff you can carry.

What Are The 3 Most Essential Things You Can Do For Your Skin?

Less is more when it comes to healthy skin. Using excessive products, particularly multiple anti-aging products, can lead to skin irritation. Rather, focus on the basics, like sunscreen, gentle cleansers and moisturizers.

4 Things To Consider Before Moving to the Caribbean

By
Emma Radebaugh
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Things To Consider Before Moving to the Caribbean

Although you probably already know that the Caribbean is one of the top tropical destinations, you may not know much else about the region. It’s no secret that most of the islands are full of fun, sun, and gorgeous scenery, but there’s more than meets the eye. In fact, life may look completely different in Aruba, Barbados, or Grenada than it does in your home country. Follow along to discover a few important things to consider before moving to the Caribbean.

Cost of Living

As with any country or region, the cost of living in the Caribbean depends on the island. While you can expect to spend significantly more on imported items, local produce, transportation, and attractions are much cheaper than in the United States. With that said, purchasing a home in a gated community or a high-end part of an island may cost you more than it would elsewhere. However, countries like Aruba, the Virgin Islands, Barbados, etc., are tax havens that have little to no taxes.

The dollar exchange rate depends on the exact area in the Caribbean, so you should double-verify before making any big decisions. You probably know that the dollar exchange rate can change anytime, but right now, 1 US dollar equals about 2.7 East Caribbean dollars, 2 Barbadian dollars, and 1 Bahamian dollar.

Pro-Tip

Renting is much cheaper than purchasing a home in the Caribbean. Consider doing this initially to determine whether or not you’re there to stay.

Language Barriers

Fortunately, many Caribbean natives speak English across various islands, but it varies from country to country. Although you’ll most likely be able to get away with always using English, you should consider learning a few words or phrases in the other widely spoken languages to ensure you can communicate with others. Some of the other languages you’ll encounter in the Caribbean are:

  • Spanish
  • Dutch
  • French
  • Haitian Creole
  • Papiamento

The Island Lifestyle

The island lifestyle can be an adjustment for many people, as island time is real. Almost nobody is on time, and you should expect delays in all aspects of life. From restaurant service to transportation to meeting friends, everyone believes in a laidback, move-at-your-own-pace timeline.

Laissez-Faire

Aside from island time, you can also expect various changes in society and government. Caribbean natives practice laissez-faire principles, meaning that the government stays out of their financial, business, and economic affairs with little to no interference or regulation.

Housing

Finding housing works the same way as it does anywhere else, and you can benefit from the help of a real estate agent. Although an agent will help in any way they can, it can’t hurt to know a few things about the Barbados real estate market in advance.

Visiting Beforehand

While you may find the perfect listing online, you should always visit a few times before making your final decision. If you’re unsure of where you’d like to settle down, you can visit a few different islands to decide whether or not it’s a good fit for you.

Moving is a big decision, but you can make the right choice with these things to consider before moving to the Caribbean. It’s a beautiful region, and you can find the perfect place to spend your life after retirement.

North Beach Social Presents Cuban Funk Band PALO! In Celebration of the Wolfsonian FIU’s New Exhibit

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Guest Admin
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North Beach Social Presents Cuban Funk Band PALO! at FIU

Thursday, February 16th

Presented by Rhythm Foundation and the Wolfsonian FIU at the Miami Beach Bandshell

The Rhythm Foundation and the Wolfsonian FIU Museum proudly present Cuban funk band PALO! as the performers for this month’s North Beach Social at the Miami Beach Bandshell (7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach). North Beach Social is a free monthly concert presented at the Miami Beach Bandshell as part of the City of Miami Beach’s Third Thursday Culture Crawl. The show begins at 8:00 PM; Doors at 6:30 PM. Attendance is free with RSVP here. 

This month’s social celebrates the Wolfsonian FIU Museum’s ‘Turn The Beat Around’ exhibition with an evening of classic Cuban music and visuals. The Wolfsonian’s exhibit, which explores cultural exchange and collaboration between Cuba and the U.S. from the 1930s to 1960s, runs through April 30th. The concert, presented free to the public and via live-stream, features PALO!, one of South Florida’s most popular Cuban bands, playing a set of their signature funky, jazzy salsa. 

PALO! ‘s performances highlight the group’s extraordinary musicians, including vocals by charismatic Cuban singers Miriam Martinez, Julio Cesar Rodriguez Delet, and Dannah Santiago, who also plays flute. The scorching percussion of Dayron Gallardo (congas) and Otto Santana (timbales) punctuate the shows with Cuban fire. Latin Jazz saxophonist Aldo Salvent electrifies every song. Bandleader and founder Steve Roitstein fuses these elements with a foundation of edgy, unforgettable rhythms. 

The Wolfsonian’s programming partners include Miami Soundscapes and The Wolfsonian Public Humanities Lab.

North Beach Social Presents Cuban Funk Band PALO! at FIU

About the Rhythm Foundation

We create shared cultural experiences that build and strengthen the diverse communities of South Florida through the presentation of live music. We believe:

  • International cultural exchange injects empathy and positivity into the global conversation
  • Cultural activity develops community and builds neighborhoods
  • Miami is a global city, and our artists and audiences are world-class

About The Wolfsonian – FIU

The Wolfsonian is a museum that explores the inventive and provocative character of the modern world. Through objects and design, we reveal how the past influences the present and shapes the future.

The Wolfsonian uses objects to illustrate the persuasive power of art and design, to explore what it means to be modern, and to tell the story of social, political, and technological changes that have transformed our world. It encourages people to see the world in new ways and to learn from the past as they shape the present and influence the future.

The Past 10 Reggae Album of the Year Grammy Award Winners

By
Hannah Gulics
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While the usual headlines for the Grammy Awards tend to honor the pop and R&B winners from the ceremony, there are a number of lesser-known talent that also take home a golden gramophone on these stages. One of the genres is Reggae, more specifically the award for the year’s Best Reggae Album. So take a journey with us as we reveal the winners of the past 10 years, and all the music you might have been sleeping on.

2023 – Kabaka Pyramid

Kingston-born Kabaka Pyramid is quickly stepping into the spotlight as a must-listen artist, as revealed further by his Grammy win for Best Reggae Album for his newest album “The Kalling.” His acceptance speech at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards gave gratitude to those who worked on the album with him, his family and specific love to Jamaica and the entire Caribbean for supporting him and his music. 

The album, produced by Damian Marley, has a unique sound, blending classic mystic reggae music with lyricism and beats that speak to the rap industry, with many fans even saying the album reminds them of the iconic music of the late Peter Tosh.

Listen to the full album here

2022 – Soja

The 2022 Grammys saw Soja take home Best Reggae Album for “Beauty In The Silence.” The roots reggae album was their first after a 4-year dry spell, but the Grammys proved the time was well spent. Before stay-at-home orders were issued in the height of the pandemic, the band was recording the album in various iconic spots, like Miami’s Circle House Studios, and even worked with producers who have had a role in the success of names like A$AP Rocky and Pharrell. Aside from the artistic genius, “Beauty In The Silence” was a much needed positive escape for many during the pandemic’s dark times.

2021 – Toots and the Maytals

Toots and the Maytals’ “Got to Be Tough” won Best Reggae Album today at the 2021 Grammy Awards. The album was the first studio release from the band in over a decade after band leader Toots Hibbert’s head injury. While the music remains soulful with the band’s classic rocksteady and ska reggae sounds, the lyricism digs a bit deeper with political tropes and a call for unity.

2020 – Koffee

In 2020, rising-reggae star Koffee won Best Reggae Album at the Grammy Awards for her 2019 EP “Rapture.” Hailing from the historic Spanish Town in Jamaica, the then 19-yr-old made history as the youngest and the only woman to be awarded a Grammy in that category, giving thanks to the likes of Julian Marley and Sly & Robbie and paying her respects to Jamaica. The album’s gritty sounds mixed with dance music makes it a favorite for hard-core reggae lovers and those just getting into the genre.

2019 – Sting and Shaggy

For the 2019 Grammy Awards, Sting and Shaggy both took home the award for Best Reggae Album for their collaboration on “44/876.” The win marked Sting’s whopping 17th career Grammy award and Shaggy’s second. An unlikely duo, the rock pop sounds of the album from Sting complement Shaggy’s heavy reggae influence.

2018 – Damian Marley

Taking home the 2018 Grammy for Best Reggae Album was Damian Marley with “Stony Hill.” The 2017 release of “Stony Hill” was Marley’s first solo album in a near decade, and the 18-track album has been called “inspiring” with a delicate mix of roots, dancehall, modern reggae, R&B and rap.

2017 – Ziggy Marley

2017 saw another Marley win Best Reggae Album with Ziggy Marley’s 2016 self titled album taking home the gold gramophone. The win marked his 7th Grammy award for Best Reggae Album, officially earning him the title of most wins in that category. The pop-reggae album follows in suit of Marley’s 2014 “Fly Rasta” with uplifting, positive messages of love and some interesting 90s sounds found on the third track “Ceceil” and more recognizable roots sounds on the seventh song, “Butterflies.”

2016 – Morgan Heritage

Morgan Heritage’s “Strictly Roots” album won the Best Reggae Album at the 2016 Grammy Awards ceremony after topping the reggae charts in both 2015 and 2016. Though the artist is known to make more mellow music, “Strictly Roots” contains quite a bit of heavy bass, weaving between roots, dancehall and even dubstep to create a more modern sound.

2015 – Ziggy Marley

The 57th Annual Grammy Awards saw another Ziggy Marley win for his 2014 album “Fly Rasta.” The album was Marley’s fifth studio album and featured a new type of reggae sound with the addition of electric guitars and percussion beside the traditional ska anthem of the album’s calling card track, “Fly Rasta.”

2014 – Ziggy Marley

Ziggy Marley scored another win at the 2015 Grammy Awards with his “Ziggy Marley In Concert” album, which encompasses some of the trademark songs of his career including the opening track “Higher Vibrations,” “Beach in Hawaii” and “True to Myself,” among others.

2013 – Jimmy Cliff

Jimmy Cliff took home his fourth Grammy in 2013 for his album “Rebirth” released the previous year. Released partially in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jamaican Independence at the time, the album features classic roots rock reggae with catchy sounds and thoughtful lyricism. Aside from the Grammy, “Rebirth” was also included in Rolling Stone’s ’50 Best Albums of 2012′ list.

Pregnant Rihanna Lights Up the Super Bowl 2023 Halftime Stage

By
Hannah Gulics
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As Bad Gal Riri took to the Super Bowl 2023 Halftime stage, her packaged setlist ranging from her opening trap song “Bitch Better Have My Money” to the widely popular “Rude Boy” was not the only star of the show. Rihanna’s unzipped, candy apple red jumpsuit seemed to be revealing a bump that quickly led fans to widespread social media speculation that the Barbados-born singer was pregnant with her second child. Shortly after the performance, one of Rihanna’s reps confirmed that she and her partner A$AP Rocky are indeed expecting.

And while she’s not the first star to sneakily reveal a pregnancy mid performance — hello Beyoncé’s onstage bump reveal at the 2011 VMAs — she is the first to perform with child as the solo halftime performer at the most watched annual sporting event in the world.

Pregnancy rumors aside, Rihanna’s Super Bowl set had a whopping 12 smash-hit songs performed solely by the singer with no other on-stage appearances besides her talented team of dancers sporting all white outfits and dark shades. Riri belted familiar songs like “Where Have You Been” and “Only Girl (In the World)” perched on top of sky-high, moving platforms suspended between 15-60 feet into the air, which left fans shocked, amazed and slightly worried for the singer.

And while it looked risky, CTV’s interview with the halftime show production designer, Bruce Rodgers, revealed that Rihanna and her team were heavily strapped in with Brunel trusses that are “strong enough to ‘carry a freight train.’” The added height also gave Riri a bird’s eye view of her massive firework display lighting up the outside of Arizona’s State Farm Stadium.

Her performance of catchy club tunes like “Work,” “We Found Love,” “All of the Lights” and “Run This Town” had her grooving along with her backup dancers on more stable ground before finishing the show back in-flight with her 2007 hit “Umbrella” and an emotional rendition of “Diamonds.”

It’s safe to say Rihanna’s five-year performance hiatus is officially over, and her thrilling, and revealing, Super Bowl spectacle is sure to keep the singer in the headlines for a long while to come.

Watch the full performance HERE.

Jamaica’s Consul General Oliver Mair to Serve as Dean of South Florida Caribbean Consular Corp

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Guest Admin
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CG Mair (right) accepting a contribution of tablets from President of the Louise Bennett-Coverley Heritage Council (FLA), Inc. Colin Smith (left), 2020.

Jamaica’s Consul General Oliver Mair will serve as the Dean of the Caribbean Consular Corp in South Florida. Making the announcement recently, Ambassador Gilbert Boustany, Consul General of Antigua and Barbuda, and Dean of the Consular Corp of Miami, proudly recognized CG Mair as the first Dean of the Caribbean Consular in over seven years. He added that Mair’s inspirational, engaging and dynamic leadership has been well recognized across the Diaspora community.

Since his appointment at the Consulate General of Jamaica, Miami in October 2018, Mr. Mair has fully embraced the community engaging in a record-breaking number of events in an effort to strengthening the Diaspora connection of Jamaican nationals across the 13 Southern States under his jurisdiction. Along with Florida, these include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North and South Carolinas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Mr. Mair has received several awards for his outstanding and creative leadership qualities by local and regional bodies including the US Senate Congressional Award for the Diaspora and Global Community. He was also acknowledged Man of the Year-2020, an award he shared jointly with Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, Woman of the Year-2020, by the Caribbean National Weekly (CN Weekly), a leading South Florida newspaper and online media.

Consul General Oliver Mair to Serve as Dean of South Florida Caribbean Consular Corp
Consul General Oliver Mair

Along with his Caribbean counterparts, his emphasis on community engagement is evident in the various Outreach activities in which the Caribbean Consular Corp were able to provide assistance in areas affected by natural disasters including hurricanes in Belize, Bahamas, and volcano in St. Vincent. This has also been extended to Caribbean nationals affected in areas in the Southern US region. The Consular Corp was also instrumental in leadership as they rose to providing assistance to their Caribbean nationals at home and locally, who were affected during the COVID pandemic. During the pandemic the Corp was able to acquire large shipments of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the region. These included container loads of masks/shields and sanitizers for personal and industrial use.

Regarding the Jamaican Diaspora, Consul General Mair continues to engage nationals in projects to benefit the Jamaican economy as well as the local communities in the Southern USA. These include Outreach activities including the Jamaica Stock Market, Tourism, Agriculture and Real Estate which aims to highlight investment opportunities in Jamaica and in the Diaspora. Through various fundraising initiatives, the Consulate continues to work closely with charitable organizations including the alumni associations generating much need resources to Jamaica especially in the areas of Health, Education and Culture.

The Jamaican Consulate General is one of several Florida based Consulates under which the fraternity of the Caribbean Consular Corp was established. The Florida Consular Corp is the third largest diplomatic Corp in the USA with over 80 countries. The South Florida based Caribbean group consists of several countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Stepping into his new role, Mr. Mair has stated that he looks forward to serving with his counterparts in areas of mutual interest to benefit the Caribbean region and the United States of America. Some of these include disaster awareness and preparedness, improving trade and commerce, tourism, transportation, health and education. “We look forward to producing great results for the individual countries working together in unity” he said. He reiterated that with greater numbers and stronger unity, far more can be achieved.

Let’s Talk About a Living Will

By
Dr Naima Stennett
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What is a living will?

A living will is a term used to describe a “legal” document you can create which summarizes your care preferences if you are incapable of making medical decisions. This can be as a result of a terminal condition or a present vegetative state. Some individuals may be suffering from an end-stage condition that also makes them incapable of deciding the care they need.

A living will can indicate a person to carry out your medical wishes. This provides an opportunity for individuals to state what type of life–prolonging procedures they would want (or not want), including circumstances under which they would choose certain procedures or have them withheld or withdrawn. An example would be staying on life support after an individual has been determined to be “brain dead” or clinically they will never regain consciousness or start breathing on their own without life supporting machines.

It is also providing an opportunity for conversations about other issues which may be important to you; for example, how an individual’s religious preference will play in end-of-life decisions. One of the most common examples I have encountered are with individuals who identify as Jehovah’s Witnesses. They believe that it is against God’s will to receive blood and, therefore, they refuse blood transfusions, even if it is their own blood. 

A lawyer is recommended but is not necessary to complete a living will, but it is advised that it should be signed, dated, and witnessed by 2 people. At least one of the witnesses must be someone who is not your spouse or relative. You should discuss your wishes with your family and your physician. It is important to discuss your decisions with your doctor because a living will become a part of your permanent medical record. 

What is a DNR also known as DO NOT RESUSCITATE? 

This order identifies a person who does not wish to be resuscitated from respiratory or cardiac arrest through life saving measures such as CPR or intubation.    

Let's talk living will

What happens if I do not have an advanced directive? 

If you do not have a living will or have not designated a healthcare surrogate (individual who makes decisions for a patient who is unable to do so themselves), and a physician has determined that you lack the capacity to make healthcare decisions, the law requires that a healthcare proxy is appointed on your behalf. A healthcare proxy follows an order of priority which includes legal guardian, spouse, adult child, parent, adult siblings, adult relatives and a close friend. Treatment decisions about your health can be difficult when there is no surrogate of healthcare or no proxy appointed. A living will gives you and your loved ones peace of mind that your preferences for end-of-life care are done.

What decisions can a healthcare surrogate make for me? 

There are certain decisions that your surrogate can make based on prior conversations of your expectations. Some of these authorized decisions include convulsive therapy, voluntary admission to mental health facilities, abortion, experimental treatments and sterilization. You are ultimately in control of what decision you allow a healthcare proxy or your healthcare surrogate to make as it relates to your health, including the ability to consent to withholding or withdrawal of life–prolonging procedures. 

What should I do once I have created a living will? 

Once you have a living will, you should talk with your family, friends or attorney and provide them with a copy as well as inform your physician so that it can be added to your medical records.

Copies of your living will should be easily accessible to those who need them. Some individuals keep a small card in their wallet that identifies the presence of a living will or that they have an advanced directive. The card can identify the location of the document as well as the name and telephone number of the healthcare proxy. Your healthcare proxy should always have copies of your advance directive. 

Planning a Valentine’s Day Staycation at a Caribbean Resort? Here Are Some Ideas to Make it Extra Special

By
Guest Admin
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Planning a Valentine's Day Staycation at a Caribbean Resort? Here Are Some Ideas to Make it Extra Special

A Valentine’s Day staycation provides couples with an excellent opportunity to reconnect, unwind, and create special memories together. And there’s no better time to consider taking one than on Valentine’s Day. 

Treat yourself to some rest and relaxation in a Caribbean hotel, surrounded by the beauty of the sea, the paradise islands, and all that they have to offer. Spend your time indulging in deliciously prepared meals and stargazing from your private balcony.

Take advantage of exclusive special packages that guarantee you’ll make lasting memories with your loved one. Curious? 

Keep reading to find out how you can tailor a mix-your-own staycation, making it just as romantic as it is unforgettable!

1. Floral Embraces: Fill your Room and Balcony with Gorgeous Flowers

Valentine’s Day, and rightly so, is never complete without the site of beautiful blooms, right? Make an impression this Valentine’s Day by surrounding yourself with elegant luxurious flowers.

Have a bouquet of roses sent to your room or opt for exotic floral arrangements filled with fragrant lilies, tulips, and peonies. You can even order roses online on Valentine’s Day yourself or through the hotel’s online concierge service, if it is offered.

If you’re looking for something extra special, consider booking a private dinner complete at your Caribbean resort with rose petals scattered across an intimate table setting fit for two.

Valentine's Day Staycation at a Caribbean Resort
Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash

2. Get the Picture Perfect Room

This one should actually have come first, but you most probably picked the ideal room by the fact that you’re reading this. All you need to do now is turn your staycation into a luxury retreat by creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in your room or suite.

Go ahead and curate luxurious additions like soft and cozy bedding, high-quality towels, plush bathrobes, and slippers to heighten the vibe of relaxation.

Focus on details such as flowers placed around the room and champagne glasses awaiting you on ice – at turndown service. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea? Enhance those incredible sunset views even further with bright pillows and curtains to frame each moment perfectly!

3. Romance at Every Meal: Enjoy Decadent Caribbean Meals for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

A truly romantic experience requires exquisitely prepared meals. Have a delicious Valentine’s Day breakfast in bed with fresh fruits, omelets, and freshly brewed coffee or tea.

Arrange for lunch on your balcony where you can enjoy spectacular scenery while dining on gorgeous homemade salads and sandwiches made with local ingredients.

Finally, plan an intimate evening meal by the beach featuring sumptuous seafood platters complete with French champagne to toast each other to the starry Caribbean sky!

4. Candlelit Nights for Evening Magic 

Nothing quite beats candles when it comes to setting a romantic ambiance that’s just perfect for a special V-Day staycation dinner date. They can help you create a magical evening with your special someone and take advantage of the warm Caribbean breeze without having to leave the comfort of your hotel room.

Ask for complimentary candles, or purchase some votive candles from the local shops and strategically scatter them around your balcony for subtle yet impactful illumination during the night. 

To make it cozier – and even more romantic, consider lighting scented candles in woody fragrances like sandalwood or cedarwood.

5. Relaxation Redefined

For the ultimate relaxation, book yourself a spa session from your hotel room, paying attention to convenience and complete privacy! 

Whether it’s for a full or half-day service, enjoying health and wellness treatments that leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated is key to making your Valentine’s Day staycation even more special.

If you’d rather take advantage of onsite facilities like hot tubs, pools, or saunas available as part of a resort package, there are plenty of options to choose from to give both you and your partner some restful indulgence filled with tranquility!

Valentine's Day Staycation at a Caribbean Resort
Photo by Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash

6. Special Surprise Packages

Fancy going all out to really make this Valentine’s Day staycation extra special? Take advantage of the full service packages – which are offered by many resorts – to ensure a unique and memorable experience for you and your loved one.

From Champagne breakfast surprises to romantic dinners under the stars, decadent chocolates, or custom gift baskets, you will be sure to find that perfect treat for two!

For an extra last-minute flourish, you can have hotel staff prepare bathroom amenities like petals floating on bath water with aromatherapy candles surrounding it. Not only is this a special way for you to celebrate as a couple but… hey, it’s also guaranteed unforgettable memories!

This February 14th, there are various ways to make Valentine’s Day an affair to remember – and very few of them beat enjoying a luxurious staycation surrounded by the beauty of the Caribbean. With the above few tips in mind, making your stay extra special and romantic in a Caribbean resort should be a breeze.

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ISLAND ORIGINS MAGAZINE is a lifestyle brand that reflects the Caribbean American community. It celebrates the accomplishments and seeks the advice of our high achievers, explores the complex social issues that affect us and our neighbors, and enjoys the frivolities of design, fashion and entertainment inspired by our colorful cultures.

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