Steve Higgins/Contributor FLORIDA: F EBRUARY 2022 came to a climatic and exciting end on Monday, February 28, in Miramar, Florida, as Jamaica’s international performing arts troupe ASHE brought the house down with an exciting performance for Black History Month. ASHE’s energetic and poignant portrayal of Marcus Garvey in their musical theatre presentation brought home the theme ‘Garvey & Reggae’ and was well received by the full house at the Miramar Cultural Center. The troupe flew into Florida for the celebration put on by Miramar City Commissioner Max Chambers, under the patronage of Jamaica’s Consul General Oliver Mair. “We are so delighted to have ASHE as guests of Miramar for this celebration,” said Commissioner Chambers. This celebration was organised by the legislative aide to the commissioner, Sharon Christie. Also performing were crooner Bunny Rose, and reggae artiste Anthony B, who had the throng of attendees singing along with him as he showcased his signature dance moves. Awards were given to artistes, activists and advocates who have excelled in the South Florida community, including widow of Marcus Garvey Jnr, Jean Garvey; Geoff Philp; Jabulani; former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness; Michael Dawson; Ky-Mani Marley; Anthony B; Norman ‘Humble Lion’ Lawrence; Priest Douglas Smith ; and artist Andy Ballentine. This was the final in a series of Black History Month events presented in South Florida. AFRO CARIB FESTIVAL Miramar was also host to the AFRO CARIB Festival on Saturday night, which welcomed over 3,000 patrons dancing and singing to the pulsating rhythms of Protoje, Afro B and EIX. On the preceding Thursday night, the city of Miramar also welcomed icons, including Bob Marley’s widow, Rita Marley, and the Marley family, as they presented the‘Black History Meets Reggae Icon Awards ‘22’. The city honoured international reggae band Inner Circle; legendary radio host Clinton Lindsay; former Commissioner and Mayor of Broward County Dale Holness, who received the Marcus Garvey Award. The new Jamaica 60th Legacy Award was given posthumously to the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley. Rita Marley received a proclamation from the City, naming February 24 2022, Rita Marley Day. The Jamaica 60th Legacy Award was received by Cedella Marley, while the proclamation was received by Rita Marley’s grandsons and will be on display at the BobMarley Museum on Hope Road, Kingston. Skip Marley gave a compelling performance of his grandfather’s iconic Redemption Song to a full house of adoring fans, while Sharon Marley and WesRock sang for the awards function. The emcees were Norman Hemming III and Julie ‘Mango’ Bodley, social media ambassador. This function was presented under the auspices of Commissioner Alexandra Davis, with support from the Jamaican Consulate in Miami and Top Klass Entertainment International. February 2022 will go down as a redefinition of Black History Month in South Florida, with a multiplicity of top acts, Reggae Month events, and ongoing recognition of our community and key cultural figures. A constant theme throughout Black History Month 2022 was the recognition and celebration of Marcus Garvey’s legacy and teachings, and the petition for his full exoneration by the US government. 11 MIRAMAR REDEFINES BLACK HISTORY MONTH! Recipients of the Marcus Garvey R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Awards along with Consul General Oliver Mair. ASHE in their Musical Theater Presentation: Excerpts from “Garvey -The Musical”. THE WEEKLY GLEANER | MARCH 3 - APRIL 2, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS Jean Garvey, widow of Marcus Garvey Jnr. receives her award. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Miramar’s mayor- Wayne Messam, commissioner Alexandra Davis and commissioner Yvette Colbourne present the RITA MARLEY DAY Proclamation.
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