City of Miramar Hosts Kick-Off Event to Announce Celebrations In Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Meets Reggae Month
MIRAMAR, FL – The City of Miramarhas planned a series of events to honor the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to celebrate Black History Month and Reggae Month, while safely following CDC guidelines for COVID-19. At Tuesday’s press conference, the City announced a six-week long celebration that will recognize the achievements of African Americans and also recognize the contribution of Reggae music to our community.
City officials including Mayor Wayne M. Messam, Vice Mayor Maxwell B. Chambers and Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis delivered a preview of all the exciting events lined up for residents of all ages to enjoy. The kick-off event also featured a special video message from Honorable Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaican Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment & Sports. Special guests included Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, Oliver Mair, West Park Commissioner, Joy B. Smith and THIRD WORLD band members, AJ Brown and Richie Daley.THIRD WORLD will be honored by Commissioner Davis at the Reggae Icon Awards on February 27, 2021 at the Miramar Amphitheater.
THIRD WORLD is one of the longest-lived Reggae bands of all time with 9 Grammy nominations and catalogue of charted smash hits (including“Now That We Found Love”, ”96 Degrees in the Shade” and “Try Jah Love” ) spanning over four decades, sold-out tours, a vibrant and loyal fan base and inspirational messages.
Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis stated, “THIRD WORLD has brought us some of the best reggae music of my lifetime and I am happy to be honoring the members with the prestigious Reggae Icon Award in February. February is Black History Month and Reggae Month and I'll continue my initiatives to highlight them both under the theme, 'Black History Meets Reggae'.”
The events and programs planned for the months of January and February are all free of charge and offer entertainment and art to our community members of all ages.
Below is a listing of events and programs planned. All events are open to the public and free of charge:
In Time of ProtestArt Exhibition - Black Lives Matter themed
Organized by Rolando Chang Barrero, Curator of The Box Gallery, in recognition of Black History and the Black Lives Matter movement as a part of American History.
When: Monday-Thursday, January 11th through March 14 | 9:30am-4:30pm
Where: Miramar Cultural Center Ansin Gallery (MCC), 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar Fl 33025
Admission: Free
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Parade
Hosted by Vice Mayor Maxwell Chambers
When: Monday, January 18th | 10:00am
Where: Starting at Multiservice complex, 6700 Miramar Parkway, Miramar Fl 33023
In Time of ProtestArt-On-The-Go @MCC
Hosted by Commissioner Yvette Colbourne
MCC ArtsPark now features multicultural art installations. One of the murals spotlights Black History: Artist Jenny Perez celebrates Black History through her creation of lively expressionist figures and are both beautiful and colorful. Her work reflects her energy and excitement.
Stroll through the Ansin Art Gallery and experience the In Time of Protest art exhibition tied to Black Lives Matter in celebration of Black History month.
When: Saturday, January 30th | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Miramar Cultural Center Arts Park (MCC), 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar Fl 33025
Admission: Free
Freeform Art Saturday @ MCC - Special Black History edition
Hosted by Mayor Wayne Messam
Join us for our very own Family Freeform Saturday where MCC will offer a variety of outdoor activities, live music and local food. Suitable for all ages. The event will include
- Youth Panel Discussion (City Chambers)
- Student Light Boxes Live Art performance
- Film (theater)
- Artisan Vendors
When: Saturday, February 6th | 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Miramar Cultural Center Arts Park (MCC), 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar Fl 33025
Admission: Free
Black History Meets Reggae Month (February)
Black History Month coincides with Reggae Month, which we will be celebrating for the second time this year. The events planned for the month will also celebrate the history of Reggae music and the impact it has on a global level.
Virtual Panel Discussion
Reggae and the Resistance to Black Lives Matter…The Journey!
Virtual discussion in partnership with the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association. Panelists: Senator ShevrinJones, Attorney/
Activist Alex Audate and Pastor Terrance Wilson, Cool Church.
When: Thursday, February 11 | 6:00pm–8:00pm
Where: Facebook Live and Comcast Chanel 78, Miramarfl.gov
Reggae Icon Awards Event
Black History Meets Reggae
Honoring International Reggae Artists from THIRD WORLD and NEW this year a Marcus Garvey Award recognizing a local
champion for change in equality and immigration.
When: Saturday, February 27 | 6:30pm–10:00pm
Where: Miramar Amphitheater, 16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar Fl 33027
Admission: Free
Drive-In Movie - SELMA
Hosted by Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis
Feature movie is SELMA which is about the 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery.
When: Saturday, February 13th | Gates open at 6:00pm; Movie time: 7:00pm
Where: Ansin Sports Complex, 10801 Miramar Blvd, Miramar Fl 33023
Art in Public Places
Championed by Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis
2 new art installations planned during February Black History Month:
- Bravo Supermarket (Historic/ east Miramar) mural unveiling
A call for art submission posted to Miramar residents. Themed: Marketplace to reflect the vibrant and diverse cultural make up of the city and ties in Bravo Supermarket via a public-private partnership.
Unveiling date: Late February
Location: Bravo Supermarket 6819 Miramar Parkway, Miramar Fl 33023
- Black History Month themed traffic light box wraps
Miramar Cultural Center is partnering with local schools to promote Black Lives Matter and Black History month on 15 Traffic Light Boxes across the City.
The art contest is geared towards high school students Grades 9 – 12 who are encouraged to create a poster depicting Black Lives Matter in conjunction with MCC's "In Time of Protest" Art Exhibition.
15 winners will be chosen with their artwork featured on MCC virtual gallery, social media and installed on traffic light boxes throughout the City of Miramar as part of the City’s Art in Public Places program.
Installation date: Late February pending Broward County approval
Locations: 15 traffic light boxes in central and west Miramar
For more information on any of these events, please call the Office of Marketing and Communications at 954-602-3254 or visit MiramarFL.gov.
