¡Fiesta de Cultura! Island Rhythms & Latin Roots Event Recap

On Thursday, September 26th, 2025, more than 110 guests gathered at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum for an evening that blended the rhythms of the Caribbean with the spirit of Latin America. This special Hispanic Heritage Month program featured a lively mix of discussion, culture, music, and community connection.

An Evening of Heritage, Leadership, and Culture

The evening opened with a warm welcome from Island SPACE Co-founder and Executive Director Calibe Thompson, followed by greetings from City of Sunrise Commissioner and event moderator Jacqueline Guzman, who spoke about the importance of community and the lasting impact of Hispanic contributions.

Commissioner Guzman then led a dynamic panel discussion featuring esteemed leaders: Mary Sol Gonzalez, President & CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Chamber of Commerce; Felipe Pinzon, President & CEO of Hispanic Unity of Florida; and Linda Becquer Pritchett, Mayor Pro Tem and District 7 Councilwoman of South Fulton, GA.

Following the discussion, the program continued with the unveiling of Island SPACE’s new “Wall of Broward’s Hispanic Elected Officials,” honoring leaders who serve the county’s diverse community. 

Guests were then treated to a high-energy performance by Melina Almodóvar, whose music and dancing had the audience moving. The evening also included the unveiling of a special display honoring the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz—a moment that drew admiration and applause.

Throughout the night, attendees enjoyed light bites, refreshments, and the opportunity to network while exploring the museum’s exhibits, including the newly unveiled additions. This event, the first of many, highlights Island SPACE’s mission as a cultural hub and community gathering place.

Relive the evening here:

About Island SPACE

Island SPACE is supported in part by Visit Lauderdale, the Broward County Cultural Division, BBX Capital Foundation, the Community Reinvestment Alliance of Florida, “King” George Jograj, Dr. Lydia Malcom of Authentic Behavioral Health LLC, and her husband, Mr. Waynewright Malcolm, Alexandra P. Davis, and the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Judith Cornfeld Fund for the Arts, Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund, and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund.

Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education (Island SPACE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives that represent the Caribbean region, in South Florida and the broader diaspora. The public is invited to visit the Caribbean museum Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General museum entry is $15 per adult and $7 per child. Visit www.islandspacefl.org to learn more.