In many South Florida areas, poverty and substance abuse ravage young people and their families. Through its five Pillars of Service (Positive Youth Development, Family Strengthening, Community Upliftment & Partnerships, Health & Wellness and Workforce Development), GA offers free resources to alleviate these challenges and empower lasting community change.
Courtesy of Gang Alternative
Community Coalitions
As an experienced coalition-builder, GA understands that only through collective action can true community change be made. Through its Urban Partnership Drug Free Community Coalition (UPDFCC), GA has worked toward reducing underage drinking and marijuana use for over 10 years using a 12-sector approach to bring community members from all levels together to enact change. To build capacity among the youth it serves, UPDFCC is also guided by the Youth Frontline Coalition (YFC), which operates in several middle and high schools in Little Haiti, Liberty City and the surrounding areas.
YFC is a youth-led/adult-guided movement where young people learn valuable life skills and connect with their peers to combat social norms that encourage substance abuse. GA also leads the Urban Partnership for Success Collaborative Miami (UPSCM), seven drug-free community coalitions that convene monthly to dissect data and determine substance abuse prevention policy needs.
Gang Alternative Turkey Drive 2021, Tatiana Teo Photography
In addition to community coalitions addressing alcohol and marijuana use, GA leads a Service Partnership coalition through its United People Lifting Individuals and Families Together (UPLIFT) program. The UPLIFT Service Partnership is a place-based coalition of social service providers working together to deliver coordinated services to families. UPLIFT also provides direct services to families in need, providing access to public benefits, housing, mental health services and more.
Leonard F., a husband and father of two who was recently referred to UPLIFT, says, “This staff always reserves a warm welcome when serving me. I got a fee of $1,000 to pay my rent, and [the Care Coordinators] took care of all my files before reactivating my food stamp card.”
There is no wrong door at GA — the faith-based organization has programs that are all interconnected, so no matter what you need, one of GA’s programs can help.
To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit Gang Alternative at www.MyGA.org.
It’s a Caribbean Christmas! Looking to spruce up your holiday shopping? Give the gift of Caribbean style to the women, men and kids in your life with these unique finds by island-proud designers. Use the links below to shop this year’s Christmas gift guide 2021.
Founded in 2018 by Karibbein Ann-Mariee, this brand makes a mark in accessible luxury footwear. See these sexy, olive-hued thigh-high boots as proof with a twist.
Barbados-born accessory designer Blessing Olaniyi sews all her pieces by hand and each is uniquely made with love. As one of her signature styles, the Keza bag comes in multiple prints and tones and is accented by wooden handles.
Designer Nicole de Gale McIntosh offers a fresh take on classic pearls but with a modern flair. The Eutropia Earrings offer a perfect example, featuring freshwater keshi pearls and 14k gold-filled studs.
Designer Nicole de Gale McIntosh offers a fresh take on classic pearls but with a modern flair. The Simplicity Necklace offers a perfect example, featuring a freshwater keshi pearl pendant available in shades of white, peach and lavender.
Available in baby pink, yellow, aqua blue or a multicolor rainbow, these festive rings by designer Rochelle Y. Lewis are made for parties. Add this as a staple to your jewelry collection to dress up any holiday outfit.
Inspired by the infamous 1692 earthquake that gave way to modern-day Kingston, this menswear collection is an ode to beauty born from the rubble. Their Marble Jacket is made with premium heavyweight cotton twill and features utilitarian detailing like brass metal zips and plentiful pockets.
This Trinidadian men’s fashion brand is all about craftsmanship and gentlemanly elegance. Their vintage-inspired Voyager travel bag is proof positive, made from durable full-grain buffalo leather and brass hardware.
Designed with versatility in mind, these cap-toed Oxfords are made from genuine leather and a rubber sole for comfort and durability. Featuring a distinctive oxblood hue, this classic lace-up is perfect for any debonair Caribbean man in your life.
Haitian-American designer Kerby Jean-Raymond is redefining fashion ― as shown by his futuristic Sculpt shoe, featuring an unusual, disproportionate sole. The piece is finished with the brand’s signature white topstitch and is made from suede and mesh, making the perfect addition to our Christmas Gift Guide 2021.
Elevate your bar stock with this decadent dark rum founded by Trinidad-born Marc-Kwesi Farrell. Featuring notes of tobacco, cedar, nut loaf and leather, the brew is a blend of 8-year-old Bajan, Dominican and Trinidadian column still rums aged to perfection.
Founded by a Haitian mother-and-daughter duo, this brand is inspired by their love of teas and passion for supporting Haitian women farmers. The perfect gift set for any tea fanatic, the travel kit is made from eco-friendly bamboo and can keep your beverage hot for up to six hours.
Handcrafting in Trinidad and Tobago, The BusyBoard Co. makes hands-on toys to promote play and motor skills development. Personalize this creative name puzzle for your little one with a customized color scheme and fun icons like stars, moons and even dinosaurs.
Created by children of Caribbean descent, this drinking card game celebrates the unique joy and hilarity of growing up Caribbean American. With 120 cards and five different game modes, Tek A Tups is the perfect nostalgic game for your next gathering with thirsty friends. This game makes a perfect interactive Caribbean Christmas gift to enjoy at your next holiday party!
Majah Hype — or Nigel, for those closest to him — knows he’s a big deal. Before 2020, the social media sensation’s star was on the rise. From the feisty, loveable, relatable characters he played in video sketches online to sold-out performances and his own BET Digital series, Majah Hype was riding high as the Caribbean King of Comedy.
Then came allegations of physical abuse by his ex-fiancée and a rapid fall from grace. But Hype is proving that laughter really is the best medicine. He maintains that the allegations are false and has worked his way back into the hearts and minds of even more adoring fans.
Here’s a bit of my conversation with the self-made star, with insight into his characters and comedy, his life off-camera and his side of the controversy.
Photo: David I. Muir
A One-Man Show
“My sole purpose is to bring the culture together,” he says. “I don’t care where you’re from — you could be Jamaican, Guyanese, Trinidadian, Grenadian, St. Lucian — my main objective is always to build the numbers in the strength of the diaspora. We’re all Caribbean. We’re all from the West Indies. So why not build up a family?
Majah Hype has just shy of two million followers across his social media channels, all looking for moments of comic relief. In Jamaican, Haitian, Trinidadian, Guyanese, Dominican, Barbadian and other spot-on Caribbean accents, he portrays a cast of characters evoking nostalgia and hysteria in anyone with a close Caribbean connection.
“My comedy always has to be relatable, so that’s why it’s situational. I love the fact that I can make a joke about something that somebody probably went through that wasn’t funny at the time but now, watching Majah Hype, it’s hilarious. I also try to shed light on the stereotypes that we face.”
He still refuses to say exactly what his own Caribbean heritage is, even though he is known as the Caribbean King of Comedy. But as he shares the background of some of his most beloved characters, through a little deduction, we conclude that he’s got at least some Jamaican blood.
“Di Rass [a Jamaican] is based on my father, just a no-nonsense type of guy. Mitzy was actually a mixture of my experiences going to beauty salons and from my kids’ mothers. I think that life in general is an influence. The first two characters that I’ve ever created were Grandpa James and Di Rass and I really had to look at the characteristics that would make them have longevity and be relatable.”
Grandpa James
Mitzy
Di Rass
Because no one knows his heritage for sure, every Caribbean community claims him.
“I’ve traveled to four different countries where they’ve all said, ‘Welcome home’ without even looking at my passport. It’s a beautiful feeling to be accepted by so many people. That means I’m doing a good job of representing these cultures. And I’ve never had someone feel like I’m disrespecting their culture.”
The accents he’s given his characters are the ones he grew up around in the homes of friends and family. I ask about his process for perfecting an accent. He says it’s the same research you’d do for any job.
“You always go to the source. One of my neighbors is Bajan, so I picked up certain strategic parts of the accent. But now and again, I have to listen to Bajan music, watch Bajan interviews. You have to pick up the mannerisms in the tone difference between city and country… uptown and downtown. I want everybody to be able to relate to my videos.”
Photo: David I. Muir
His acting is all self-taught, and his production outfit consists of himself, a mic stand and his cell phone.
“There’s no multi-camera, it’s one camera. I don’t have a script, I just have a scenario. I actually do each character by themself first. For example, if I’m doing Grandpa James and Di Rass, I will do every line that Grandpa James has to do and then I’ll change the frame, change the angle of the camera and I will do every line in response that Di Rass says. I do the edits myself as well.”
Regarding whether he prefers making videos or interacting with a live audience —
“It’s the best of both worlds. I get to be creative in my own space and see the reactions of the people through their comments. But the ultimate goal is to go on stage. I love to interact with my fans. I love to hear how I helped them through situations or how my videos saved their lives. To actually hear those stories is more gratification to me than money. Those are the things that make me feel good about my job.”
His connection with his fans propelled him to produce his own show on BET Digital and led to performance opportunities alongside A-list comedians.
“A lot of people don’t know this but I’m with the Gersh agency — the same agent as Dave Chappelle, Jamie Foxx and a host of other comedians. I’ve done shows with Mike Epps, Michael Blackson, Tony Woods, Guy Torry, Marlon Wayans. I’ve stood up amongst the best and held it down for my culture.”
When I saw him live, it was at the Hard Rock’s Guitar Hotel in Hollywood, Florida.
“[Performing at the Hard Rock] is a great accomplishment for us — not just me, but for us because it’s opening doors for other people to walk through. I’ve done The Wilbur in Boston, Howard Theatre and The Comedy Store, which is one of the most historic comedy venues. We’ve been breaking barriers in Caribbean culture and Caribbean comedy.”
Behind the Hype
His self-made bonafides go beyond the digital realm too. Rather than accept cut-rate offers made by some promoters as he was gaining popularity, he invested in his own live performances, booking his 2018 “Are You Dumb?” tour and 2021’s “Majah Issues” tour.
Photo: David I. Muir
“We work for ourselves. We don’t wait on a promoter to try to downplay our worth and our value. There’ve been so many times when I’ve told my price and they’ll say, “But I could get such and such for five bills yuh know. I could get such and such a $1,500 you know. Well then go for them! You’re not going to devalue me.”
“For me, I just build my own revenue by investing in me, because to be honest with you, if I did sit down and wait on a promoter, I’d probably be broke right now.”
I ask about the origins of his comedic aspirations. Did he always have dreams of becoming a comedian?
“Absolutely not,” he says. “Growing up I was always the one who was joking and had the room laughing, but it was never what I wanted to do… I was laid off as an electrician and I just started doing the videos because it was just something to pass the time and have fun with. But then it just started to work, the audience started to grow. And when they called me back to work I took the leap of faith and continued in comedy.”
Majah Issues
It hasn’t always been smiles for Hype. In 2020, his then-fiancée made a series of allegations that he had physically and mentally abused her. He responded by sharing intimate details about their relationship, pointing to the support of his other exes and exposing a pattern of behavior that brought her motives into question.
He stopped talking about it for a while. Then he ventured out on the Majah Issues tour, ready to address the controversy head-on.
“Who can joke about you more than yourself? They’re serious allegations, but I know the truth and whoever was in my corner from day one, remained in my corner. When the first allegation came out, I didn’t respond to it because I knew that it was foolishness and I knew that it was preying on people’s sensitivity. Then there was a second video of allegations about things that anybody who knows me or my character knows I don’t stand for.
I don’t regret responding, but now I wouldn’t have responded the way I did. I was in a dark place, I was in a place of hurt, I was in a place of betrayal. I genuinely loved that person, but I don’t think that was the same interest from the other party… You don’t try to destroy somebody that you love. She had love from Nigel, not just Majah Hype.”
As far as the lessons he learned —
“I don’t think God makes any mistakes. It showed me that I still know how to love and that was the lesson, that you can love through absolutely anything. I won’t go into anything blindly, without knowing goals or intentions. I was humiliated, I was embarrassed, my kids went through traumatizing situations, but perseverance is everything and I’m in a much better place now.”
As he moves forward, he’s gained insight and perspective to share.
“Always invest in yourself. And stay positive. We have to look past those toxicities we know are familiar. We have to lift each other, love each other and support each other. That will be the thing that will better our future and our kids’ future.”
As his star once again rises, Hype is staying on the ball with multiple plans and projects ahead.
“[I’ve gotten into] real estate, I’m going to be filming a movie with Ky-Mani Marley and I’m also creating a Black-owned business directory called For Us 360.”
You can follow Majah Hype across social media channels @majahhype.
In his 1995 autobiography, “My American Journey,” Colin Powell recalls a near-death experience in Jamaica during his visit there three years earlier while representing the United States as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Flying in a Jamaica Defence Force helicopter, Powell heard a sudden, sharp crack. The helicopter’s transmission had seized. As a former soldier who had survived a helicopter crash during his tour in Vietnam, he knew well what would happen if the aircraft that carried him and his wife Alma failed ― plummeting them into the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea below.
In November 1968, during his second Vietnam tour, Powell survived a helicopter crash and pulled others to safety. (Courtesy Colin Powell)
Reflecting later on their swift rescue by Jamaican pilots, Powell could not help but marvel at the irony of the moment. “What had been the land of my folks’ birth,” he wrote, “had nearly become the site of their son’s death.”
Powell was thousands of miles away from Jamaica when he passed away from COVID-19 complications on October 18, 2021, at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Yet the land of his family’s birth shaped so much of the man he became: the four-star general who made history as the first Black national security advisor, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and secretary of state. As an unyielding public servant dedicated to fortifying a more perfect union, he will forever be remembered not only as a great American but also as an embodiment of the Caribbean-American ideal.
An American Dream in the South Bronx
So much of Colin Powell’s journey represents the hopes of American immigrants for their children. Perhaps Jamaican immigrants Luther and Maud Ariel Powell had lofty wishes for their son when he was born on April 5, 1937, in Harlem, New York. They were among the earliest waves of West Indian migrants ― the proverbial “tired and poor, those huddled masses” that came to this country in search of a better life. But the America Powell met at his birth was in turmoil. The country was still recovering from the Great Depression, and would soon be plunged into the fog of World War II.
Colin Powell shortly after his rise in ranks to four-star general. [Public Domain]
Yet in his memoir, Powell remembers his early years living in the South Bronx defined not by darkness, but by light ― bathed in the warmth of his close-knit West Indian community. In true Caribbean fashion, Powell recalls being simultaneously scolded and fussed over by matriarchs “who set the standards, whipped the kids into shape, and pushed them ahead.” He remembers watching his father, a shipping clerk who first came to America on a banana boat, toil “to become something more than he had been, and to give his children a better start than he had known.” These experiences, both mundane and extraordinary, taught him that success came only through hard work and personal sacrifice.
“Education, personal achievement, respect, [and a] God fearing” nature were vitally pressed in Powell’s home, says Jamaican-born scholar Dr. Basil Bryan, who grew acquainted with Powell while serving as Jamaica’s consul general in New York and deputy ambassador in Washington D.C. The enduring lessons learned from this West Indian community helped Powell forge his own work ethic and moral compass, which the U.S. military would put to the test.
The Birth of a Leader
In his memoir, Powell remembers feeling transformed when he first donned the simple olive-and-brown uniform of City College’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Back then, his uniform was bare and unadorned, devoid of the insignia which would later symbolize his distinguished career.
The military has long given first-generation Americans a way to claim their nationhood, display their patriotism and find rare opportunities for advancement. This proved true for Powell, even when forced to swallow the bitter medicine of playing “the good Negro” in the newly desegregated U.S. military. Powell managed to find a sense of belonging within the institution and cleaved to its structure and discipline while serving two tours in the Vietnam War.
Colin Powell with Ambassador Sue M. Cobb. (Courtesy of Cobb Family Foundation Inc.)
A young Colin Powell with his Jamaican father, Luther, in New York. (Courtesy Colin Powell)
Colin Powell with new bride Alma (left) and Jamaican parents Luther and Maud. (Courtesy Colin Powell)
His star would rise quickly as a leader in the military and later at the State Department. Sue M. Cobb, former U.S. ambassador to Jamaica during the George W. Bush administration, notes that Powell was “one of the kindest, most thoughtful, careful, and loyal leaders and friends” she had ever known. Pamela E. Bridgewater, former U.S. ambassador to Jamaica during the Barack Obama administration, shares this sentiment. “He wanted people to be the very best that they could be,” says Bridgewater. And though he “demand[ed] excellence, he helped others reach that level if they hadn’t gotten it.”
Secretary of State Powell with President Barack Obama. [Public Domain]
Bridgewater continues to hold dear a Powell mantra: “take care of the troops and the troops will take care of you.” This human-centric approach to military leadership provided the foundation for what would become known as the Powell Doctrine: a set of criteria dictating the use of force abroad, predicated on the protection of U.S. strategic interests, a clear plan for winning, a set exit strategy and wide public support. In summary, war should be decisive, but only as the last resort. These principles helped him guide America through the 1991 Gulf War ― a conflict defined by calculated military intervention and international support.
Litmus Test
Powell’s record made him a rare breed among an increasingly partisan nation. Serving both Republican and Democratic presidents, he became a Washington figure respected by politicians on both sides of a thorny aisle. Still, any honest interrogation of Colin Powell’s life must contend with a singular, uncomfortable truth: Powell may have been a high-ranking military and political leader, but he could not overcome America’s imperialistic ambitions. In the name of this country, he ultimately played a part in decimating the lives of many peoples of color abroad.
Powell sits with Ronald Reagan circa 1980s. [Public Domain]
A young Colin Powell meets with Richard Nixon. [Public Domain]
Powell was accused of whitewashing his 1968 investigations into the Mỹ Lai massacre of unarmed South Vietnamese civilians by U.S. troops. And in 1989, during the U.S. invasion of Panama to overthrow dictator and former CIA ally Manuel Noriega, Powell, as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, oversaw the bombing of impoverished communities like Panama City’s El Chorrillo, a neighborhood first populated by Caribbean migrants who came to work on the Panama Canal. One of Powell’s most enduring legacies will be his role in the Iraq War while serving as secretary of state. History will remember how he contradicted his own doctrine when he advocated for invasion before the United Nations Security Council in 2003.
The America he represented that year, however, differed dramatically from the nation that launched the measured military operations of the 1991 Gulf War. This was America post-9/11 — scared and fearful of unseen enemies seemingly emerging everywhere. Internally, Powell’s advocacy for a more calculated response could not deter a presidency primed for war. Instead, taking advantage of Powell’s staunch reputation, the administration intentionally selected him to sell the Iraq War to the world, using erroneous evidence that ignored marked objections among America’s own intelligence community. He would later describe that event as one of his most momentous failures.
Secretary of State Powell, President George W. Bush and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice prepare for an international meeting in 2001. (Photo: Smith Collection/Gado)
Through it all, Powell’s ethos, successes and defeats serve as inspiration for the next generation of Caribbean-American leaders. These future luminaries must confront systemic racism, climate change and gender inequality. To their great benefit, they will have the indomitable legacy that Powell left behind, proof that people of West Indian descent belong comfortably among the leadership of the highest offices on the world stage.
Powell invested his hopes into this next generation when he founded the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at his alma mater, City College of New York (CCNY). The nonpartisan institute is dedicated to nurturing more minority voices in shaping American policy ― ensuring the future of the nation need not depend on one great man. It will be left in the hands of prepared and capable people.
Everyone’s heard of superfoods by now. Some foods just pack a stronger punch than others! On the islands, you probably already have some coconut in your diet. Why not branch out and try some other foods? Check out some superfoods you can incorporate into your diet today.
Yogurt
Loaded with probiotics, a serving of yogurt every day will keep your gut healthy. Plain yogurt is also a perfect base for a superfood parfait—throw in a handful of blueberries and a sprinkling of chia seeds. Fermented products like yogurt, kombucha, and even sauerkraut are great for your gut.
Tomatoes
Talk about an easy superfood to slip into your diet! Tomatoes are crisp, delicious, acidic—and loaded with vitamin C. You’ll also find plenty of lycopene, which may help prevent some kinds of cancer. Cook tomatoes into a sauce or stew to draw out that lycopene.
Wagyu Beef
It may seem counterintuitive, but some kinds of red meat are massively beneficial for your health. Even though Wagyu beef has that extra fat content, it’s all monounsaturated, so it won’t clog your arteries. It’s also packed with iron and other essential minerals! If you’re not a big red meat eater, or if you’re transitioning away from a vegetarian lifestyle, eat smaller portions of only the finest cuts of meat. Incorporating beef back into your diet can greatly benefit your health.
Seafood
Living an island life, you’re surrounded on all sides by the sea. Let it work for you! Pick up some fresh fish from the market (or catch it yourself). Fish are particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids and healthy oils that help prevent heart disease.
Garlic
Human beings have known for centuries that there’s something special about garlic. People used wreaths of garlic and its blossoms to ward off the evil eye (not to mention vampires!). In actuality, garlic has antibacterial qualities and can help ward off high blood pressure. Don’t be afraid to be generous when using garlic in your cooking!
It can be super easy—and super delicious—to get superfoods on your plate. Think beyond the traditional nuts and berries as you amp up your meals. Let this list of superfoods you can incorporate into your diet inspire you next time you’re at the grocery store.
Plantation, Fla. (January 3, 2022): Heralding the new year with a bold step into the world of fine art, Island SPACE Caribbean Museum will kick off its 2022 calendar with a one-man show by world-renowned fine artist Joel Gresham. Joel Gresham: Life as a Canvas will run from January 15th through March 13th, with an opening reception on January 15th from 6 to 9p.m. The collection of Gresham’s work spans the decades of his 42-year career.
The energy and contained movement of figures pictured in his work are a direct link to his Caribbean heritage and a contagious beat of the region’s artistic and musical traditions. “As an expressionist, I am moved emotionally through a creative process of the way I see the world… allowing me to use my imagination to experiment on this canvas we call earth,” said Gresham.
With a fine art education from Atlanta, Georgia, his work has brought him significant acclaim over the years. Gresham’s pieces can be found in public and private collections, including those of Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones and the late Muhammad Ali. His personal roots include connections to Jamaica and Haiti, as well as time spent living in Jamaica and Cuba.
“Joel Gresham’s voluptuous human figures, with their vivid movement, vibrancy, obscured faces and distinctive dispositions are an emotionally charged joy to behold,” said Island SPACE co-founder Calibe Thompson. “Each image is intrinsically Caribbean, conjuring the imagination. The collection, which also includes pop art and abstract pieces, offers a perfect start to our upcoming ‘Year of the Caribbean Story.’ We look forward to art-lovers across the spectrum visiting to enjoy it.”
Access to the gallery is included with general museum entry. Visit islandspacefl.org to learn about this and 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 Florida Power & Light Company, Grace Foods, Westfield Broward Mall, the Broward County Cultural Division, Florida Humanities, National Endowment for the Arts, and the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund, David and Francie Horvitz Family Fund, Ann Adams Fund, Mary and Alex Mackenzie Community Impact Fund, Blockbuster Entertainment Unrestricted Fund, Robert E. Dooley Unrestricted Fund for Broward, Harold D. Franks Fund, and Jan Moran Unrestricted 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.
About the Community Foundation of Broward
Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Broward helps families, individuals and corporations create personalized charitable Funds that deliver game-changing philanthropic impact. 473 charitable Funds represent more than $212 million in assets, distributing $119 million in grants over the past 35 years. The Community Foundation provides bold leadership on community solutions and fosters philanthropy that connects people who care with causes that matter. The Foundation empowers visionaries, innovators and doers to create the change they want to see in the community – and to BE BOLD. www.cfbroward.org
Maybe you just bought a fixer-upper with a dated kitchen, or perhaps you want to spruce up the cooking environment in your home. Regardless, you may want to shop for new appliances, browse backsplashes, and order new cabinets—and that’s just the start. A remodel can feel overwhelming at times. But with a couple of tips for making a kitchen reno easy, you can smooth out the time-consuming process.
Discover Your Decorating Taste
If this is your first time personalizing a kitchen, you finally get to explore your decorating preferences. So take the time you need to browse the following:
Cabinet options: Do you like white wood, dark wood, or a mid-tone?
Backsplashes: Do you want a decorative backsplash or something plain?
Counter types: Do you prefer granite, quartz, or another material?
When it comes to kitchen counters, you should also decide whether you’d prefer the look of a peninsula or island since this could impact the overall layout. Depending on the shape of your kitchen, you may want to replace a peninsula with an island for added space or vice versa.
Keep Appliance Shopping Simple
Buying new appliances is sometimes easier said than done because your options are nearly endless. And sometimes, it’s easy to become caught up in all the upgrades. After all, companies make products like smart refrigerators that you can connect to with your phone to ease grocery shopping. The question is, what do you need and where should you spend the most money?
As you shop around, you should keep your priorities in mind to lessen the risk of a stressful experience. For instance, you could investigate the difference between range tops and cooktops to narrow your options. Finding the best appliance comes down to your needs, cooking habits, and kitchen space since you don’t want anything looking bulky or out of place.
Get an Expert’s Help
If you have a hard time knowing what colors pair best or how to go about revamping your kitchen, hire an interior designer. With an expert’s eye, you’ll have a picture-perfect kitchen that you love cooking in. Not only will this tip for making a kitchen reno easy help narrow your options, but it can also help you explore avenues you may not have otherwise considered.
Pro-Tip
Hiring an interior designer doesn’t fit into everyone’s budget, and that’s perfectly fine. Check out kitchen designs online to see what seems popular. For example, White cabinets and blue accents are common in coastal areas, but that doesn’t mean you must follow this trend. Buy what you like best. By searching out decorating inspiration, you also make it easier to find the best accent pieces to make the kitchen fit into your beautiful home.
Great food is the gateway to connection and conversation within the household. The kitchen is the perfect setting for whipping up a delicious Caribbean dish for the whole family. However, a sloppy cooking environment makes the entire preparation process much more difficult and stressful. Don’t let a mess hold you back by using these three simple methods to organize your kitchen.
Keep Counter Tops Clear
Keeping your surfaces clear of food, appliances, and dishes not only makes a kitchen more organized but also enhances the room’s visual appeal. If your cabinet space permits it, store your toaster, blender, or any other cooking device off the counter. Make sure your appliances are easily accessible for regular use.
Don’t put your fresh produce in a bowl and instead save space with hanging baskets. They keep your fruits and veggies within arm’s reach and add style to your kitchen. Hooks are great for hanging pots, pans, and large utensils.
Divvy Up the Drawers
Without proper organization, drawers quickly become messy and even hazardous. A simple fix is placing dividers in each drawer that accommodate utensils of all sizes. Many divider products have quality materials and elegant, subtle designs. Keep silverware separate from your more oversized items like spatulas and knives. Alternatively, a knife block can allow for more drawer space and makes injury less likely when reaching for a blade.
Focus on the Pantry
Anyone who’s ever had a pantry knows how disorganized they get over time. Since most of your food comes from the pantry, don’t waste time searching for an item in the middle of cooking. Instead, regularly reorganize to ensure order and functionality about once a month.
Keep your different food items clearly grouped and separated. For smaller items, such as spices, consider a hanging spice rack that rests on the back of the pantry drawer. Proper spice organization allows for more accessibility and helps them last longer.
Use these three simple methods to organize your kitchen and maximize your cooking abilities. The art of food preparation demands attention to detail and timeliness, so don’t let clutter slow you down.
When the temperature falls, traditional Caribbean winter comfort foods come to the table. From drinks to entrees, these recipes are perfect for your winter island-inspired meals alone or with friends and family.
Gather all ingredients except the cinnamon stick, place into a large blender and blend for about two minutes or until all ingredients are incorporated and the mixture is slightly frothy.
Pour the mixture into an airtight container or mason jar and refrigerate until cold.
Before serving, shake well to make sure the settled spices are incorporated.
Serve the coquito in short glasses with sprinkled cinnamon and cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!
Jamaican Escovitch Red Snapper
This dish is tangy from vinegar and spicy from Scotch bonnet pepper flavors that will delight as an appetizer or main course. Winter comfort foods with a healthy serving of spice will always make our list.
What you need:
4 medium fresh red snapper, scaled
lemon juice, to clean
1 Scotch bonnet pepper
12 pimento seeds
1 onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded
1 carrot, grated
½ cup rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sea salt
cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
vegetable oil, for cooking
What to do:
Rinse the red snapper in water and lemon juice. Cut three to four diagonal lines across the sides of each fish to absorb the seasoning.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, sea salt and black pepper. Season the fish using this mixture.
Add vegetable oil, pimento seeds and ½ of the Scotch bonnet pepper to a pan set on medium heat. When oil is hot, add the fish. Fry for five minutes on each side until brown and crispy.
Once cooked through, remove from heat and place on a paper towel to absorb the oil.
In a separate pan, heat ½ cup of vegetable oil on medium heat.
Cut bell peppers into strips, add them to the pan and stir. Add the sliced onion, grated carrot and the other half of the Scotch bonnet pepper with seeds and saute.
After about five minutes, add the rice wine vinegar and cook for another five minutes.
Add the sauteed vegetables on top of the fish and serve.
Trinidadian Pastelles
These classic snacks are meat-stuffed, savory cornmeal pies prepared in banana leaves. Winter comfort foods that are also fun to unwrap? Sign us up!
What you need:
store-bought banana leaves
strings, to tie
For the filling:
1 pound lean minced beef or lamb
2 onions, chopped
2 shallots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ stalk celery, chopped
½ cup olives, pitted and chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon capers
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
For the dough:
2 cups corn flour
3 cups hot water
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
What to do:
Add the meat to a pan on medium heat and saute until browned. Add the seasonings and stir until combined and the meat is brown and cooked through. Remove the filling from the heat and set aside to cool.
To make the dough, combine the corn flour with the hot water, salt and sugar and knead until pliable. Divide into a dozen small dough balls.
Dip one of the dough balls in the olive oil and flatten it out into a rectangle on top of a piece of banana leaf.
Add about three tablespoons of filling to the center of the flattened dough and fold over to gently seal the sides. Fold the leaf around the pastelle to seal and tie it shut with a piece of string.
Boil in a pot of hot water for 18 to 20 minutes. Drain the water, unwrap and serve hot.
The Bahamas | Lobbyist at Florida State Capitol and Attorney at Becker & Poliakoff
“Treat yourself as a professional who happens to be a minority rather than a minority who happens to be a professional.” Yolanda Cash Jackson
A member of national legal firm Becker & Poliakoff’s management committee, Yolanda Cash Jackson works with policy-makers as an attorney and lobbyist in South Florida and at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee. The Bahamian-American will chair the Miami-Dade Beacon Council starting in 2022, is a co-founder of the National Black Lobbyist Association, has been a member of numerous prestigious boards and has multiple awards and recognitions for her work.
Based on her direct efforts, Florida became the first state to honor an African-American woman — civil rights leader and educator, Mary McLeod Bethune — in the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall. In 2020, Yolanda Cash Jackson created the HBCU Pathway to Law fund — the University of Florida law school’s largest endowed fund — to grant full scholarships to at least five HBCU graduates annually.
Yolanda Cash Jackson gravitated to law because:
I wanted to be in a field where I could affect change and be my own boss at the same time.
Some of the biggest challenges faced:
The “isms,” whether it be race or sex or fear or stereotypes. Going into this field, that was challenging at first. I think also challenging is the imposter syndrome. Coming from being the first in my family to attend law school, graduate from law school and then to work at the oldest firm in Florida as the first African-American female, imposter syndrome was real.
What was your first job and how did you rise in the ranks?
My first job was a gift wrapper at Jordan Marsh and I was also on The Jordan Marsh team board in 1973.
What is your greatest career strength?
Knowing how to connect the dots, which in my business of intersectionality between government, law and community is absolutely necessary. We have a very diverse community and you need to understand how different communities interact with government, lobbyists, advocates and even elected officials. It’s important to be culturally competent to be able to connect the right people at the right place at the right time.
Photo: David I. Muir
What would you like to see change within the Caribbean or the diaspora?
I am my family’s historian. I’ve spent probably the last 15 years on and off reconnecting with the family that left the Caribbean in the early 1900s. That has to change. We cannot lose the very thing that drove our ancestors to come to this country. The pride, the culture, the moral fiber, the strength, the history. We cannot allow that to be diminished, it is so important to the continued success of what they came for in the first place and that was to build a better life to provide opportunity that they didn’t have in the islands.
What does the word family mean to you?
It’s my support system, my source of pride and strength. It’s my understanding of who I am. Particularly COVID, we got even closer to family. In my travels, I have met with cousins from all the way from California to Canada. So, family has completed a circle that I never ever thought would be complete.
What is your favorite traditional childhood meal from your home country?
The meal that my grandmother used to prepare like every Friday: stewed conch with pigeon peas and rice. My second favorite is boiled fish, grits and Johnny cake.
What was your upbringing like and how has that influenced who you are today?
I did not realize until I got older the influence of the Bahamian culture on my upbringing. Family was very, very important. I am still very family-oriented. I’m the one who cooks on Sunday, my weekends are built around church.
What would people you know find surprising about you?
I would say that I really enjoy cooking and I can cook.
