MIAMI, FL —  Back by popular demand, Miami-Dade County Parks’ Redland Blues & Barbecue Festival returns to Preston B. Bird/Mary Heinlein Fruit & Spice Park  (24801 SW 187 Ave., Homestead, FL) on Saturday, April 2, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The deadline for submitting nominations for the Jamaica National Honours and Awards for 2022 is March 21, 2022. The nomination forms and guidelines are available online through the Chancery of the Orders of the Societies of Honour, Office of the Prime Minister, (www.opm.gov.jm) or through the overseas locations of the Jamaican Foreign Missions.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – On Saturday, February 12^th, United Way of Broward County partnered with Publix Super Markets to distribute more than 1500 Publix gift cards, totaling $30,700, to Broward County Public School Teacher of the Year Nominees during the “Tools for Teachers of the Year” event.

Staten Island, NY — The New York Public Library hosted a grand opening this morning for its newest location, Charleston Library, located at 225 Bricktown Way on Staten Island. NYPL President Anthony Marx was joined by construction partners at New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Library staff, elected officials, and community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 10,000-square-foot building, which makes its debut as the 14th branch in the borough.

The Miami National College Fair returns to an in-person event on Sunday, March 13 with representatives from nearly 100 colleges and universities ready to meet with students and their parents to discuss topics such as financial aid, college planning and admission requirements.

Brooklyn, NY —  New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and Newlab unveiled the eight companies selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Founder Fellowship program. This initiative will provide urban tech startup founders from underrepresented backgrounds with the resources to build and scale their companies in NYC.  

Brooklyn, NY – Tomorrow, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Evergreen Incorporated: Your North Brooklyn Business Exchange (Evergreen), and elected officials will gather to celebrate the opening of 500 Stagg Street, a new $6.8 million manufacturing facility in East Williamsburg made possible with significant City and State funding.  

TALLAHASSEE, FL —  A new area code, 645, will soon join the existing 305/786 area codes to serve Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys. Approved on February 1 by the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), the new area code will ensure residents and businesses have access to a sufficient supply of new telephone numbers to serve this area.

MIAMI-DADE – Small Business owners in District 3 may apply for the Keon Hardemon Small Business Grant Program. Business owners who meet the eligibility requirements can receive up to $10,000. Grants awarded may be used to purchase equipment, supplies, advertising, marketing, inventory, building liability insurance, security systems, local or state licenses, software, rental deposits, and minor renovations.

MIAMI, FL - The South Dade Black History Center, recently hosted the opening night ceremony for the Senator Larcenia J. Bullard Exhibit. Attendees enjoyed an evening of food, live music, and a gallery walk through of the exhibit which chronicles the life and legacy of Senator Bullard.

MIRAMAR, FL – The City of Miramar Education Advisory Board (EAB) is pleased to announce the opening of its 5th Annual Scholarship on Friday, February 18, 2022. The Board is excited to provide a scholarship opportunity for the fifth consecutive year to support the academic achievements of the City of Miramar’s high school seniors. To date, the EAB has awarded $10,500 in scholarships and an additional $50,000 in education assistance through its partner in excellence, Keiser University of Pembroke Pines.

Boston, MA - The Authentic Caribbean Foundation (ACF) will be holding its fifth annual Afro-Caribbean Black History Gala & Awards on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at the Florian Hall, Boston, MA. The gala evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by an exciting program at 7:00 p.m. which will feature a live band. State, City and County representatives as well as Community Leaders, Caribbean Diaspora members and other invited guests, are expected to be in attendance.