Miramar Juneteenth Celebrations, Hosted by Commissioner Yvette Colbourne Highlighted Unity, Heritage and Education

The City of Miramar hosted a series of impactful events commemorating Juneteenth, underscoring the importance of black history as part of America’s history. One of the event’s highlights was an awards dinner at the Miramar Cultural Center, featuring renowned civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton. Reverend Sharpton passionately elucidated the historical significance of Juneteenth, emphasizing its role in promoting awareness and unity across communities. He remarked, “Black history is American history, and Juneteenth is a pivotal moment that must remain at the forefront of our national consciousness.” During the evening, he was presented with the keys to the city by Commissioner Colbourne, while master of ceremonies Rodney Baltimore skillfully guided the proceedings.

At the start of the event, both the United States National and the Black Negro Anthems were joyfully sung by Angee Griffin. The event also highlighted the contributions of Edward Hill and Joyce Barry, who were each presented with the One Miramar Community Service Award by Commissioner Colbourne.

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who was in attendance, presented Commissioner Yvette Colbourne with a Congressional Record in recognition of her steadfast dedication to community enrichment. This honor comes especially considering Colbourne’s recent appointment as the first person of color to chair the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) board, where she plays a significant role in transportation planning and funding allocation for Broward County. Additionally, Wilson presented Colbourne with one million dollars ($1,000,000) towards the development of a future community center in the Sherman Circle area, an initiative championed by Commissioner Colbourne.

The celebration continued with the well attended Juneteenth Family Day on June 19th, held at City Hall Plaza, where families enjoyed a rich tapestry of activities. Children delighted in hair braiding, bead and doll making workshops, and engaging book reading sessions, fostering cultural pride and creativity. Every child received a free book, promoting literacy and community engagement. The event also featured spirited performances from local schools, church and dance groups, showcasing the vibrant talents within Miramar.

The Priscilla Dames Alar Odessey Art Collection, curated by Christopher Norwood, showcases African art and artifacts was also a feature at the Miramar’s Juneteenth celebrations. Commissioner Yvette Colbourne stated, “Today we pause to acknowledge our struggles and our achievements. The Juneteenth celebrations is Miramar’s way of bringing together our community to celebrate our shared heritage and the progress we continue to make.” Colbourne added, “These activities underscore the City’s commitment to honoring history, promoting education, and fostering unity among its diverse population”. As Miramar looks toward the future, events like these serve as powerful reminders of the importance of cultural heritage and community solidarity.