Island SPACE Represents Caribbean Americans at Florida Capitol

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum was proud to represent the more than 2.6 million Caribbean Americans in Florida at the 2025 Caribbean American Day at the Capitol.

Caribbean Culture on Display

Led by State Representatives Lisa Dunkley of Broward County and Susan L. Valdés of Tampa, more than 15 delegates from across Florida participated in a full day of civic engagement, heritage appreciation, and cultural exchange. As fiscal sponsor of the celebration, Island SPACE was invited to set up a display highlighting items from its museum collection.

The exhibit featured a vibrant array of artifacts including dolls in traditional island attire, a Lechón mask from Dominican Carnival, and a commemorative briefcase from the 1988 Caribbean Congress of Labor. The display drew curiosity and admiration from lawmakers and staff alike as they passed through the halls of the House of Representatives.

Inside the Capitol

The group was given a tour of the Florida Capitol and the Capitol Museum. One standout moment was seeing a dress worn by Trinidad-born Jennifer Carroll, Florida’s first elected woman lieutenant governor, now part of the museum’s historical archive.

From the gallery, the group observed a live session on book censorship and was formally acknowledged by Representatives Dunkley and Marie Woodson. Their names were entered into the official House documentation, marking the moment as a proud milestone for the Caribbean-American community.

Celebrating Caribbean American Day

The day culminated with courtyard festivities alongside lawmakers, aides, and invited guests. Island SPACE executive director Calibe Thompson engaged with Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll, Commissioner Hazelle Rogers, Senators Daphne Campbell and Rosalind Osgood, and other Caribbean-American leaders.

Thompson also had the opportunity to briefly address the gathering, calling for continued support for its mission and the establishment of a permanent home for the museum.

We extend heartfelt thanks to Representative Dunkley and her team, Varrol and Debbie, for their hospitality, and to all who joined us in Tallahassee to uplift Caribbean heritage at the state level.

Check out some images from the day!

To support our mission or learn more, visit islandspacefl.org.