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Island SPACE President Wins Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick?s EmpowHER Award

marzo 19, 2024

Caribbean museum co-founder recognized by Representative Sheila Cherfilus McCormick among local leaders for Women?s History Month

Plantation, Florida: Board members at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum are bristling with pride this week, as their president and co-founder received news that she would be presented with US Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus McCormick?s EmpowHer Award for the category of ?Women in Arts and Culture.? The sold out awards event will take place on Saturday, March 23rd in Fort Lauderdale. Thompson will be recognized for her ?exceptional achievements within Florida’s 20th congressional district.?

Building a Legacy

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, the flagship project of the nonprofit organization Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education (Island SPACE), is the only pan-Caribbean heritage museum in the United States. Located near the northeast entrance at Broward Mall in the City of Plantation, the museum, its associated gallery and event space, were conceptualized by Thompson and co-founder David I. Muir, with a mission of elevating the profile of Caribbean art, history and culture in every form throughout South Florida and the broader diaspora.

Since the museum?s establishment in 2020, Thompson has led the charge in the areas of strategic planning, project management, fundraising and programming development, with the support of a small staff, a dedicated board of directors and exceptional volunteers.

Most private Caribbean nonprofits have avoided the commitment required to maintain brick and mortar facilities. Thompson admits the responsibility of operating the museum is heavy. ?Sometimes it can feel like you’ve taken on more than you can manage, even though you love what you do,? she said. ?It’s really gratifying when someone with the stature of Congresswoman Cherfilus McCormick takes a moment to let you know that they see you, and that the work you’re doing is important.?

Island SPACE Board Members Lasana Smith, Caren Muir, Calibe Thompson and David I. Muir receive an award from the Caribbean Bar Association. | Photo: Christian Ossohou (Island Syndicate)

Community Programs at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum

Since the beginning of the year, Island SPACE has hosted a successful inaugural music festival ? Reggae Genealogy ? where lifetime achievement award-winner Cedella Marley promised the organization one of her father’s guitars and costumes from the I-Threes for a new Bob Marley exhibit, slated for a summer unveiling.