“Pieces of Jamaica” Exhibition Set to Launch at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum

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June 2, 2022

Wha Sweet Yuh - David I Muir Pieces of Jamaica Jamrock Edition — “Wha Sweet Yuh?” from Pieces of Jamaica®: Jamrock Edition. Photo by David I. Muir

Plantation, Fla. (June 2, 2022): In honor of Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence, artists David I. Muir and Sean Henry have collaborated to produce the new Pieces of Jamaica®. This project and exhibit coming to Island SPACE Caribbean Museum showcases Jamaica through an expansive lens that captures overlooked cultural aspects of the island. With a series of events planned, The Pieces of Jamaica® exhibition opens on June 4th with an opportunity to meet the artists from 4-7 PM.

On June 23rd, Island SPACE Caribbean Museum will host a Pieces of Jamaica® reception where friends of the museum, distinguished guests, and art lovers alike can mingle and enjoy the showcase over wine and light refreshments. The exhibition’s events culminate on August 18th, providing visitors with the opportunity to purchase the coffee-table book and interact with project sponsors the Jamaica Tourist Board and Sagicor, as well as local Jamaican dignitaries.

The exhibition is curated by Anna Visnitskaya, Island SPACE’s curatorial consultant. Reflecting on the curation process, Visnitskaya states, “David Muir shares his access to the authentic Jamaican experience in a way that celebrates how many Jamaicans in the diaspora think of their country. In choosing images to include in the show, two main criteria were considered: the artistic quality of the shot and its importance to the narrative.” She adds, “Every photograph was impactful in some way, but the final selection beautifully summarizes this particular series in David Muir’s body of work.”

A photographer, entrepreneur, community leader, and author, David I. Muir has the experience and passion to capture the essence of Jamaica’s beauty. His photography, proudly displayed in his native land and the U.S., centers candids depicting Jamaican culture and lifestyle. David is currently the president of Island Syndicate, a multiple-award winning publishing company dedicated to storytelling excellence. He is also the co-founder of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, a non-profit organization promoting the excellence and vitality of arts and cultural projects representing the Caribbean and its diaspora in South Florida.

According to Muir, “This exhibition is important for many reasons. Firstly, it brings visitors to Island SPACE Caribbean Museum. Secondly, it brings visitors to Jamaica and exposes those who have never visited Jamaica and those who haven’t visited Jamaica in a long time to what life currently is like in Jamaica. My artwork reframes Jamaica in terms of a beautiful, loving, and progressing culture rather than in the way that mainstream media presents the island and has allowed people to make their minds up about what Jamaica really is.”

“Pieces of Jamaica” Exhibition Set to Launch at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum — Sean Henry (left) and David I. Muir in White Hall, St. Elizabeth

Sean Henry works with various mediums, drawing realistic illustrations of Jamaican scenery and portraits in watercolor, pastel, ink, charcoal, and mixed media. His fine arts pieces are known for instantly transporting viewers into aesthetic worlds. Henry notes, “The fine art pieces that I’ll include will bring a different element to the project. Some of the places we capture, to some, are no longer in their glory days. My watercolor pieces will show the beauty that they still possess today, in another form of art.”

With this vision, it is no surprise that Henry graduated from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and later founded IYA Limited, Jamaica’s leading screen printing and graphics company, known for developing custom-made apparel for individuals and businesses.

Access to the Pieces of Jamaica® gallery exhibition is included with general museum entry. Visit islandspace.org to learn about this unique experience or other activities and exhibitions at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum.

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00a.m. through 7:00p.m. and Sundays from 11:00a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General entry fees are $10 per adult and $5 per child. Donations, sponsorships, memberships and volunteer commitments are encouraged.

Island SPACE is supported in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Florida Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, Florida Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, Florida Power & Light Company, Grace Foods, Broward Mall, the Broward County Cultural Division and the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund, Jack Belt Memorial Fund, Ginny and Tom Miller Fund, Stearns Weaver Miller Fund for the Arts, Harold D. Franks Fund.

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 community.

The Fort Lauderdale Film Festival and Island SPACE Museum Present Madan Sara at Savor Cinema

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June 2, 2022

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Fort Lauderdale, FL (May 26, 2022) — In recognition of Caribbean American Heritage Month, the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and the Island Space Museum present the documentary film, Madan Sara at Savor Cinema on Thursday, June 9. The evening starts with a 7 p.m. reception in the courtyard featuring a sampling of Haitian patties and pate Kode, paired with tastings of Haitian-owned wine brands supplied by Abbey Creek Vineyard, and Cremas by Valmas Cremas.

Additional sponsors include South Florida’s Voice of the Caribbean, WZPP 92.7 FM and 96.1FM, Taste of Haiti Brand – a subscription box of Haitian goods, and Tap Tap – an app dedicated to showcasing Haitian restaurants worldwide. The film will be screened at 8 p.m. followed by an audience Q&A with Writer/Director and Producer, Elant Dupain, and Co-Executive Producer, Lulaine Childs.

Madan Sara tells the stories of the indefatigable women in Haiti who are at the forefront of the battleground for a more robust and inclusive economy. Despite facing intense hardship and social stigma, the work of the Madan Sara puts their children through school, houses their families, and helps to ensure a better life for generations to come. This documentary amplifies the calls of the Madan Sara as they speak directly to society to share their dreams for a more just Haiti.

The Fort Lauderdale Film Festival and Island SPACE Museum Present Madan Sara at Savor Cinema

For over a decade Dupain, a journalist, filmmaker, and community organizer, has produced documentaries for international news media outlets, including Al Jazeera, TeleSur, BBC, CNN, Netflix, PBS, and Vice. Dupain founded an alternative media project in Haiti to enable citizen journalists to provide access to information in Haitian Creole for and about internally-displaced people, aid accountability, and politics. Now, moved by the strength of his mother and the women known as the Madan Sara, he’s making his first personal film.

Tickets: $10 General Admission. Free for FLIFF and Island Space Members
Venue: Savor Cinema, 503 SE 6 Street, Fort Lauderdale 33301
Parking is free in the Courthouse Garage at the last entrance on SE 5^th Ave, on the west side of the theater.

Common Sense Boating Tips Everyone Should Know

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Emma Radebaugh

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June 1, 2022

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Common Sense Boating Tips Everyone Should Know

It is critical to maintain safety when pursuing the boating lifestyle; doing so allows you to enjoy the experience fully. Whether sailing with passengers or alone, safety should always come first. Following common sense boating tips everyone should know ensures that everyone has a pleasant time on the water.

Do Your Research

Before hitting the open waters, determine the boating activity you plan on doing and make sure you meet any necessary watercraft registration requirements. The license process and fees pertaining to it differ depending on the location, so you must take the appropriate steps to obtain it.

If you think paying a fee for your license seems unfair, know that money is going back to improving the waterways you are traveling. Without these fees, the clean, pristine waters could take a turn for the worse.

Bring Emergency Items Along for the Ride

While you should always have safety jackets for each passenger, you should also have additional emergency equipment. Items as basic as duct tape can be advantageous, or a bucket that can assist you in the event that water enters the vessel.

Create a checklist of all the essential safety gear that can handle a multitude of situations; it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Finally, if you are lost at sea, leaving a float plan is a sound strategy, especially if it’s going to be a multi-day affair. A float plan gives the authorities a good idea of where they can start looking for you if something goes awry.

Slow It Down

Since there are no lanes and plenty of areas to roam, boating speed limits may feel pointless to a rookie rider. However, responsible boaters should always abide by the speed restrictions.

Everything may be going well until you skid over another boat’s unexpected wake. Traveling over a wave you weren’t expecting at high speed could result in disaster, causing serious damage to your vessel or severe injuries to people onboard. Thus, err on the side of caution and take it easy.

Check the Weather Report

Surely, you are excited that the day has finally come to enjoy the day out in the water. However, Mother Nature can be fickle, and she undoubtedly doesn’t care about the vacation plans you set. Even if skies are clear in the morning, that doesn’t mean a thunderstorm isn’t expected later in the afternoon.

That’s why it is imperative that you always look at the weather report before stepping onboard. The weather report can change drastically overnight, so don’t take for granted what you thought you knew 24 hours ago.

Everyone should know that learning these common sense boating tips doesn’t require you to be a nautical mastermind. Anyone can follow these tips when it comes down to it, as long as they put their mind to it.

Helpful Tips When Shopping for Home Décor

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Emma Radebaugh

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May 18, 2022

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There’s a special kind of feeling that comes from designing your space. Whether picking out some new drapes or an exotic-looking area rug, home décor is ideal for your living space. There are a few helpful tips when shopping for home décor that I’d like to share with you today, and hopefully, they will help you brighten up your own space.

Account for Your Space

A significant problem that many people run into is failing to account for the amount of space they have. When decorating, it’s a good idea to allow your room to feel open and inviting. One of the fastest ways to diminish that is having an excess of items that leave the room feeling cramped.

Home decoration is less about filling your space and more about finding the best way to utilize that space.

Consider Your Theming

Having a theme in mind is one of the most helpful tips when shopping for home décor. Sometimes, having an eclectic take is fun, but themes allow you to use your items to bring the room together. If you aim for more tropical vibes, warm colors and plants fit much better than antique Victorian furniture.

If you follow a motif when decorating a room, it helps prevent you from buying pieces that you don’t need. Sticking with colors and design choices that fit what you have in mind narrows things down and removes a lot of pressure from you.

Take Advantage of Online Pre-Shopping

Before you drive down to the store to be overwhelmed and tempted by everything on offer, it helps to check out the online site. Not only do most store websites have a large variety of items not sold in the physical location, but you can also usually examine the item description to get measurements to see if it fits you. Take time to create a shopping cart that allows you to account for your budget and area without leaving the comfort of your home.

The Best Reasons To Live on a Caribbean Island

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Emma Radebaugh

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May 13, 2022

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The Best Reasons To Live on a Caribbean Island

You might think that moving to the Caribbean is a stretch, but it could be exactly what you need to break away from your hectic lifestyle. You’ve probably heard that leaving your hometown is an excellent way to build character. Moreover, stepping out of your comfort zone and moving outside of your home country is the best way to gain wisdom and become more cultured. Dive into the best reasons to live on a Caribbean island and decide if it might be a suitable adventure for you.

White Sand Beaches

The Caribbean is widely known for its beaches, and for good reason. The weather is almost always perfect, and the white sand and crystal-clear water make the region an absolute paradise for beach-lovers. Whether you want to lounge in the sand or learn how to surf, the beautiful beaches are highlights of the Caribbean experience.

Incredible Cuisine and Culture

The Caribbean is the place to be for unique cuisine. The popular dishes draw influence from Spanish, African, European, and other cultures, and each of the islands has a unique entrée you must try. For example, conch fritters—deep-fried conch meat—are an iconic dish from the Bahamas. However, you’ll be eating cou-cou and flying fish if you choose Barbados. Although the food is a significant part of the Bajan lifestyle, Barbados’s traditions and culture are the foundation of life on the island.

Friendly Faces

Although many cultures and ethnicities are represented in the Caribbean, everyone is incredibly friendly and welcoming. Even if they don’t know you, anyone and everyone on the island will greet you in passing. You’ll feel nothing but love and positivity no matter where you go.

A Lifestyle With a Slower Pace

If you’re looking for a change, a lifestyle with a slower pace is one of the best reasons to live on a Caribbean island. You might be used to the hustle and bustle of your daily life, but you’ll have no choice but to slow down here.

Uprooting your whole life isn’t always the best option, but sometimes finding yourself again is necessary. You don’t have to stay forever, but moving to a new place will offer you a fresh start. You might experience some culture shock when you first move to the Caribbean, but it’ll be an enjoyable experience you’ll never forget.

What To Know Before Moving to an Area With Hurricanes

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Emma Radebaugh

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May 9, 2022

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What To Know Before Moving to an Area With Hurricanes

For countless generations, hurricanes have been a part of life in the Caribbean. Our ancestors learned how to detect their arrival and marked their time by the coming of hurricane season. However, it’s easy to lose touch with the nature of these storms, especially for those who don’t live near the ocean.

That’s why re-educating yourself is essential if you’re planning on moving back to the islands or to other tropical areas. Here’s what to know before moving to an area with hurricanes.

Hurricane Terminology

There is a lot of jargon associated with hurricanes, and knowing the terms will help you understand weather forecasts. Here are a few essential things to know before moving to hurricane-prone areas as far as terminology goes:

Eye: The center of a storm system where winds are comparatively lighter.
Eyewall: The area surrounding the eye where the weather is most severe
High wind warning: When winds are expected to be 40mph or more for over an hour.
Storm surge: A sudden rise in ocean levels during a storm
Watch: It means storm conditions are likely (Usually in the context of “tropical storm watch” or “hurricane watch”.)

Safety Risks of Hurricanes

It is difficult to imagine just how destructive a hurricane can be if you haven’t experienced it before. There are safety risks associated with it that aren’t always obvious to an outside observer. Being aware of these risks can help you take evasive action in the event of a hurricane. A few key risks include:

Inland and coastal flooding
Damaged buildings from winds and fallen trees
Debris being carried by high winds
Inland tornados
Contaminated water and air
Rip currents

Power outages are also common during hurricanes which can disrupt communication and impact medical facilities. Power surges, which are different from power outages, are also common and can be dangerous.

Pro Tip: Have a Hurricane Kit

Because of widespread damage and the potential need to evacuate, your family should have a survival kit that they can grab at a moment’s notice. This kit should include non-perishable food, water, flashlights, a first aid kit, and backup batteries.

Necessary Insurance

With the increased risk of property damage, insurance is necessary. However, it’s important you make sure your insurance offers the coverage you need. For instance, homeowner’s insurance doesn’t always cover flood damage, so you may need to purchase additional flood insurance to protect your home.

Hurricanes are powerful forces of nature, but that doesn’t mean we have to retreat from the sea. Just like our ancestors, we can learn to recognize hurricanes and take the action we need to protect ourselves and our homes.

What Are the Benefits of Visiting Natural Places

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Emma Radebaugh

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May 9, 2022

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What Are the Benefits of Visiting Natural Places

Nature is one of the most valuable things in the world, with nothing else coming even close. That’s why natural places are so important for people and hold many benefits for those who appreciate them. So, if you are planning on a trip, you should first find out what are the benefits of visiting natural places.

A Break From Busy Life

The most obvious of these benefits is the break from your normal life. Being in nature separates you from the normal places you’re accustomed to. It also helps you break away from the things that bog you down every day, like work and other issues.

Stress Reduction

Nature has a unique effect on people, as it not only separates us from our busy lives but calms us down as well. People who go on nature trips often report that they reduce their stress at the same time. Something about nature can put your problems in their proper place and make big issues much smaller, at least for a little while.

Physical Health

Going out into nature isn’t just about your mental stress and a break from the regular, but it also boosts your physical health. Getting out and moving around can help you exercise, especially if you make your outings a regular occurrence.

Discovery

Nature is a whole new world for your exploration and is a place you can see some true wonders. For anyone who’s adventurous and wants to explore, nature is the best place to accomplish that. Here are some of the must-see places in the USA that everyone should try checking out at least once in their lifetime.

For those who still wonder what the benefits of visiting natural places are,this is your answer. Nature holds many benefits for people and is worth exploring. For your mental health and your desire to see the world, there are few things better than a trip through nature. Plus, the physical benefits are well worth the effort of going out and walking about.

5 Ways To Make Your Patio More Inviting and Beautiful

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Emma Radebaugh

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May 9, 2022

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5 Ways To Make Your Patio More Inviting and Beautiful

You’ve seen gorgeous outdoor living areas on TV. But your dream patio doesn’t have to stay a dream. Whether you want to start big or small, you can build a space you love.

Create your backyard oasis and enjoy it this year. Consider these five ways to make your patio more inviting and beautiful.

1. Arrange Comfortable Furniture

Invite your guests to sit back and relax on comfortable furniture. Think about your entertainment needs and choose furniture that doesn’t crowd the area.

If you prioritize outdoor dining, opt for a dining set. If you enjoy lounging, choose an outdoor sofa and loveseat with a coffee table. No matter your preference, get comfortable furniture with weather-resistant fabric that can withstand the elements and look great.

2. Layer Multiple Types of Lighting

Having multiple sources and types of lighting adds depth to your space. Having several lighting options means you can customize your patio’s look based on the occasion or season. Whether you’re entertaining on your patio during a balmy summer or enjoying your outdoor living space during a cold season, lighting makes people feel welcomed and comfortable.

Place different types of lights around your patio. For example, you can decorate your patio with warm string lights or light an edge of your patio with solar-powered lights staked into the ground. For cozy gatherings, nothing beats flickering candlelight. Place candles throughout the space to spread cheer.

3. Add Some Greenery

Plants add color and vibrancy to your patio. You can use plants to fill bare areas or make your space more dynamic. With potted plants, you can bring natural color to your patio wherever you live.

For example, you can hang baskets of flowers for vertical charm. If you have the floor space, consider filling large planters with clusters of different plants for eye-popping flora. Or decorate a wall with a trellis of growing plants or a mini herb garden. Whatever you choose, greenery will make your patio more inviting and beautiful.

4. Consider Throw Pillows and a Rug

Adding throw pillows can help your guests get more comfortable. They’re also easy to swap out for different patterns or colors if you want to refresh your decor. These small and affordable additions are great ways to make your patio more inviting and beautiful.

An outdoor rug provides style and comfort. A rug can also make your patio feel more finished, coordinating different areas. And if you want your patio to have a theme, such as a beach theme, a rug is an easy way to anchor the look.

5. Keep It Clean and Bright

One of the best ways to make your patio more inviting is to keep it clean. Sweep or hose the patio off regularly. You can use a lightweight power washer on the gentlest setting to blast away caked-on dirt.

Wipe down surfaces such as tabletops and chairs. Generally, you can gently blot stains with a cloth and warm, soapy water, but clean your furniture’s fabric as specified by the manufacturer.

If you have a covered patio, be sure to remove dust and cobwebs from the ceiling regularly. All of these steps will keep your patio in the best condition for relaxing and entertaining.

The Slap Seen Around the World is a Teachable Moment about Black Men and Mental Health

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April 28, 2022

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Being a Black man in America often means being your brother’s keeper. Yet, when it comes to mental health, many Black men still struggle to tackle this important issue.

Today, this topic is being discussed more openly since actor Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Academy Awards. Just moments later, Smith received his first-ever Oscar win, a milestone overshadowed by his earlier confrontation with Rock. Viewers watched Smith experience a rollercoaster of emotions, including happiness, anger and remorse, within the span of one award show.

Dr. Rahn Bailey, a psychiatrist with the W. Montague Cobb/NMA Health Institute and Department Head of Psychiatry at LSU’s School of Medicine, believes this moment highlights the mental health struggles many Black men are grappling with in America.

“Part of the issue is that Black men are not respected and valued at the same level as some other human beings in our society,” Dr. Bailey said. “I don’t think that would have happened if the comedian was not a Black male. Had he been a woman, I don’t think that would have happened. And perhaps had he been a white male, that may not have happened either. It could certainly be those roles are valued more.”

Depression remains one of the most common, yet underrecognized and undertreated mental illnesses among Black men, according to the National Institute of Health. Their mental health is more complex than statistics or clinical diagnoses indicate, as they are forced to balance many unspoken pressures, unrealistic expectations and unfair stereotypes. “But violence, in any form, does more harm than good 99% of the time — other than self-defense,” Dr. Bailey said. “And we should be very cautious, initially, when we quickly run to the defense of violence.”

The Slap Seen Around the World is a Teachable Moment about Black Men and Mental Health — Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi on Unsplash

The COVID-19 pandemic has only made matters worse. People are facing new and challenging realities: working from home, unemployment, virtual schooling, lack of in-person interactions. Mental health, especially for Black men, is more important today than ever before. “As far as COVID, I think the misinformation our society is exposed to now in the healthcare domain is frightening,” Dr. Bailey said. “We have to keep our eye on the ball.”

Worrying about COVID-19, coupled with the devastating loss of loved ones, continues to be a mental health stressor. Whether Black men are on stage, in the board room or on the block, their emotions and state of mind need to be taken seriously. Their mental health matters.

About Dr. Rahn Bailey

Dr. Rahn Bailey is board certified in Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. He is a nationally recognized expert on gun violence, intimate partner violence, health disparities in minority populations and forensic psychiatry. Dr. Bailey has authored and co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications, and he has written books about healthcare reform and gun violence. He is excited about returning to LSU School of Medicine, where he began his faculty career.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit vaccines.gov. For more information about the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ COVID-19 public education campaign, visit We Can Do This.

Paula Penebaker is a member of the Public Relations Team for CMRignite, a strategic marketing agency in Milwaukee and a partner of the Cobb Institute.

Social Justice and Pride Issues Explored in Groundbreaking Caribbean Museum Program Series

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April 21, 2022

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G. Wright Muir Queer Caribbeans — G. Wright Muir, Jamaican-American co-founder of Black LGBTQ Liberation Inc| | Photo courtesy of G. Wright Muir

Caribbean LGBTQ+ activists and advocates recognized in two-month exhibit.

In a groundbreaking move, the United States’ first and only Caribbean heritage museum, Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, will host an exhibition exploring advancements made by members of the LGBTQ+ community. On Tuesday, May 10, a special opening event will launch the first in the museum’s lineup of social justice issues programming. “Queer Caribbeans: Resilience, Resistance and Reimagining,” will present a multimedia, historical retrospective showcase of the racial and cultural achievements of Caribbean LGBTQ+ rights activists. The project will focus on leaders who set the foundation for victories within the Caribbean LGBTQ+ diasporic community and their contributions to broader LGBTQ+ liberation movements in the United States.

Island SPACE has partnered with nonprofits Black LGBTQ+ Liberation, Inc. and Caribbean Equality Project to curate the project. The “Queer Caribbeans” exhibition will document the intersection of Caribbeanness and LGBTQ+ rights activism with an extensive repository of photographs, news footage, oral histories and videos featuring well-respected Caribbean LGBTQ+ rights advocates. Visitors will enjoy the works and words of personalities including beloved Trinidadian-American activist Colin Robinson, Guyanese-American founder of Caribbean Equality Project Mohamed Q. Amin, Jamaican-American co-founder of Black LGBTQ+ Liberation G. Wright, Tobagonian-American actress Dominique Jackson, and Jamaican-American writer and spoken word artist Staceyann Chin.

The public is invited to join special guests and enjoy live entertainment at the opening reception on Tuesday, May 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A virtual panel will explore issues and progress within this community in the Caribbean region on Wednesday, June 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m, during Pride Month. An in-person panel will discuss advancements made among the Caribbean LGBTQ+ diaspora on Wednesday, June 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

From May to October 2022, Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, with funding from the Community Foundation of Broward, will present an exhibition and event series highlighting social justice issues affecting Caribbean and Caribbean-American communities. The first in the six-month series addresses issues affecting LGBTQ+ people. Subsequent themes will include Emancipation and the region’s complex history with the concept of freedom, and colorism and gender roles among Latin-Americans. To learn more about “Queer Caribbeans” and the Island SPACE social justice issues series, visit islandspacefl.org/social justice.

Support for Island SPACE and the social justice series has been provided by Broward Mall, Florida Power & Light Company, Grace Foods, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the National Endowment for the Arts and the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund, Jack Belt Memorial Fund, Ginny and Tom Miller Fund, Stearns Weaver Miller Fund for the Arts, Harold D. Franks Fund.

Island SPACE (Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and advancement of arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives that represent the Caribbean region in South Florida and the broader diaspora community. The organization produces events, and supports independent artists, organizations and groups who deliver high-level presentations, in various art forms. Its flagship project is Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, the first and only Caribbean heritage museum in the United States. Find more information at islandspacefl.org.

Black LGBTQ+ Liberation, Inc. (BLL) is a nonprofit global organization focused on achieving positive outcomes for BIPOC lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. Their mission is to provide programming and services to eradicate homophobia, transphobia and achieve positive outcomes in the lives of marginalized LGBTQ+ people. They focus on the arts, social justice, health and wellness. Find more information at thouartwoman.com.

The Caribbean Equality Project is a community-based organization that empowers, advocates for, and represents, Black and Brown, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming and queer Caribbean immigrants in New York City. Through public education, community organizing, civic engagement, storytelling and cultural and social programming, the organization’s work focuses on advocacy for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights, gender equity, racial justice, immigration and mental health services, and ending hate violence in the Caribbean diaspora. Find more information at caribbeanequalityproject.org.