A Night of FIYAH! and Pride: Island SPACE Caribbean Museum’s 5th Anniversary Gala in South Florida
Photo Courtesy of RJ Deed
written by Mary Montrichard
Under the dazzling lights of the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum ignited South Florida’s cultural landscape with its fifth annual gala FIYAH! Gala Milestones: Fashion. Folklore. Future. It was an evening where elegance met heritage, where the past and present danced to the same rhythm and where the Caribbean diaspora—vibrant, diverse and resilient—stood proudly, center stage. The gala marked not only five transformative years of Island SPACE’s work in preserving and celebrating Caribbean heritage but also reaffirmed the museum’s growing place as a cultural pillar within the South Florida community.
Culture at the Core
The gala marked the official launch of Island SPACE Museum’s $1 million fundraising campaign, which would serve to sustain the museum’s operations, strengthen its growing team and secure a permanent home by 2027.
More than a gala, FIYAH! was an expression of what makes South Florida a tapestry of nations. From Haiti to Trinidad, Jamaica to the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean diaspora is woven into every corner of the region its music, food, language and rhythm shaping South Florida’s very soul. Island SPACE, short for Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education, stands proudly as the only Caribbean heritage museum in the continental United States. Its existence is a testament to the power of representation: a place where islanders from every background can see themselves reflected in art, photography and history unified under one roof.
A Celebration of Caribbean Excellence
The night unfolded like a love letter to the Caribbean spirit. Guests, adorned in couture inspired by island folklore and modern fashion, mingled among art installations, cultural icons and community leaders. The air was electric, alive with steelpan, reggae, soca and the rhythmic pulse of belonging.
The Gala has become much more than a fundraiser; it’s a reunion of visionaries, artists, activists and allies. It’s a celebration of a people whose roots stretch from Kingston to Port of Spain, from Bridgetown to Georgetown and beyond. This year’s honorees embodied that global Caribbean narrative: leaders whose impact resonates across civic, business and cultural spheres.
Photo Courtesy of RJ Deed
Photo Courtesy of RJ Deed
Photo Courtesy of RJ Deed
Honoring Those Who Shape Our Story
Guests heard the museum’s mission come to life through moving messages from its founders and a keynote address by Marlon Hill, Esq., a respected attorney and civic leader known for championing Caribbean culture and diaspora empowerment. His inspiring words set the tone for an evening that balanced celebration with purpose. His message called on the diaspora to continue building bridges of influence through education, policy and cultural investment.
“The Caribbean story is not just one of migration. It’s one of contribution — of excellence, innovation and belonging,” Hill shared.
Hill was among many Caribbean powerhouses. A few notable figures include the following:
Commissioner Hazelle Rogers
A trailblazer in South Florida’s political and cultural evolution, Commissioner Hazelle P. Rogers continues to represent the heartbeat of the Caribbean-American community. As Broward County Commissioner and former State Representative, her leadership has long championed equitable representation, economic empowerment and the advancement of Caribbean voices in government. Her recognition at the FIYAH! Gala underscored how cultural pride and public service intertwine to shape the future of diaspora identity.
“Commissioner Rogers reminds us that leadership rooted in culture can be the most transformative kind,” said a museum spokesperson.
Lesly Simon
A force for cultural diplomacy and business collaboration, Lesly Simon of the Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce was celebrated for her role in bridging Caribbean and Latin American communities. Her efforts to create space for shared heritage, entrepreneurship and social impact reflect the intertwined fates of the Caribbean and Latin diaspora in Florida. Through her work, Simon continues to highlight how diversity, when nurtured, builds stronger economies and more compassionate communities.
Neki Mohan
The dynamic Neki Mohan, journalist and cultural ambassador, brought warmth and grace to the evening as co-host of the FIYAH! Gala. Beyond her presence on stage, Neki’s voice is a familiar one — literally. As the voice of the Island SPACE guided museum tours, she brings to life the narratives of migration, artistry and resilience that define the Caribbean experience. Her storytelling invites visitors to see themselves in the museum’s exhibits, a voice that speaks not just to history, but to heart.
Co-founder David I. Muir reflected on the milestone event.
“This evening was an embodiment of the cultural work we’ve done over the past five years and a prelude to the path along which we see our future unfolding,” Muir said.
[Additional Read: Scholar Keisha Oliver Addresses Bahamas’ Forgotten History Through Art History and Cultural Preservation]
Photo Courtesy of RJ Deed
Photo Courtesy of RJ Deed
The Next Chapter: Building the Future
FIYAH! not only celebrated Island SPACE’s achievements but also illuminated its future — a future rooted in cultural pride, unity and legacy building. With community support, the museum is well on its way to expanding its reach and securing a permanent home that will continue to tell the Caribbean story for generations to come.
The campaign hopes to expand its exhibitions, youth education programs and digital accessibility — paving the way for a new, state-of- the-art facility by 2027. Each donation fuels not only the museum’s operations but also its vision to amplify Caribbean contributions to the world — from calypso to carnival, from literature to legacy.
“We are building a home for the diaspora,” David Muir co-founder of Island SPACE said.
“A space where all Caribbean people — and everyone who loves our culture — can come to learn, celebrate and connect,” Muir added.
To support Island SPACE and learn more about ongoing initiatives, visit www.islandspacefl.org or follow @IslandSPACEFL on social media.
