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Celebrating Our Women and Taking Care of Our Seniors
March was International Women’s History Month. Miami Gardens is fifty-four percent (54%) women, and we have four (4) women Councilmembers. As the very first Bahamian-American to sit on the council, I’m able to recognize the contributions of women in our City in the areas of economics, politics, education and social issues. I am living proof that the women of Miami Gardens are global-thinking women. We think global, but act local. I also recently launched a Women’s Empowerment Conference recognizing and celebrating twenty-one (21) women in our community as Women of Distinction — unsung heroes. It was a virtual program where all women in Miami Gardens were welcome.
In March, I launched the very first “Made in Miami Gardens” economic public-private partnership grant where $500 went towards ten (10) business owners, primarily women, to assist them with basic business needs. We recognize that those young women are struggling and we want to encourage them. The pandemic is forcing women to think outside the box, and I will continue to advocate for them.
In keeping with my promise to work with seniors, I continue to lead various food drive initiatives.
I’ve partnered with our local churches: Mount Zion AME and Mount Hermon. We serve hot meals to our seniors, and make sure that they have boxed lunches or dinners, and fresh produce when needed.
Moving Forward
One of the next things I’m going to do is launch my Uni’TEA monthly town hall, where all of our residents can come together in unity to find out about what is going on around the City. I’m very proud to say that our guest speaker for April is Congresswoman Frederica Wilson.
I am Caribbean-American, and Miami Gardens is a melting pot of people from all around the world. I want to be able to celebrate all cultures.
I also have an upcoming program focused on “Unmasking the Face of COVID.” In it, we’ll recognize our residents who have been impacted by the pandemic, allowing them to share their stories, and we’ll remember the faces of those who have been lost. It’s important for people to have an outlet to talk about their feelings and express their grief. In terms of COVID-19, my message is that our residents should remain vigilant and continue practicing all the safety protocols. Although we’re one year into this, it’s not time to let our guards down. The human need we face must precede the economic aspect of anything we do.
