On Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, Island SPACE Caribbean Museum hosted a special youth recognition and educational program honoring the students who participated in the 13th Annual Rhythms of Africa: Run Di Riddim – Every Beat for Jamaica production held at the Miramar Cultural Center. The event welcomed approximately 40 guests, including student performers, chaperones, educators, and invited community supporters for a meaningful afternoon celebrating culture, creativity, and youth achievement.
The celebrated students participated in the large-scale musical and cultural showcase under the mentorship of legendary reggae drummer Willie Stewart. With Stewart and his daugher present, the students gathered at the museum for an interactive experience centered on Caribbean heritage, reflection, and community engagement.
The program began with welcoming remarks and a guided museum tour facilitated by Calibe Thompson, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the museum. During the tour, students explored exhibits highlighting Caribbean history, migration, music, and cultural identity while engaging in thoughtful discussions about the importance of preserving and celebrating Caribbean contributions and traditions.
Following the tour experience, students participated in a presentation and discussion led by event oranizers Dr. Camille Edwards, Youth and Education Committee Lead for Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, alongside Marcia Ward, Island SPACE Board Member and Secretary. Together, they encouraged students to reflect on how Caribbean awareness, cultural pride, and artistic expression can inspire leadership, community involvement, and future opportunities.
Attendees also viewed highlights from the Rhythms of Africa production and engaged in conversations about the impact of music, mentorship, and cultural storytelling on youth development. The event created a supportive environment where students were able to share their experiences participating in the production and connect with museum leadership and community mentors.
Students enjoyed a catered lunch sponsored by Tamara Lobban of TLC4Youth, featuring chicken and chickpea wraps, salads, chips, coleslaw, watermelon, cookies, and refreshments while continuing conversations and networking throughout the afternoon.
The program concluded with a special awards and recognition ceremony honoring the student participants for their dedication, performances, and commitment to celebrating Caribbean culture through the arts. Each student received a certificate recognizing their participation and contributions to the successful Rhythms of Africa production.
This activation reflected Island SPACE Caribbean Museum’s ongoing commitment to youth education, cultural preservation, and community engagement while celebrating the next generation of Caribbean cultural ambassadors.
View photos from the visit here.
About Island SPACE Caribbean Museum
Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is the only pan-Caribbean heritage museum in the world, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history, culture, art and legacy of the Caribbean and its diaspora. In five years, Island SPACE has welcomed thousands of guests and students and mounted dozens of exhibitions by Caribbean fine artists. Through its museum, rotating gallery, educational programming and signature cultural festivals, Island SPACE serves as an important cultural home for Caribbean stories in South Florida and beyond.
The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Broward Mall, 8000 W. Broward Blvd., Suite 1202, Plantation, FL 33388. Museum admission: $15 adults | $7 children under 12. Group tours are available by reservation. Learn more at islandspacefl.org or call 954-999-0989 for details.
