Latest news with #CaribbeanHeritageMonth
Black America Web
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Marsha P. Johnson: The Black Pioneer Of Pride
SOPA Images A post that went up on our Instagram earlier this month sparked a bit of controversy in the comments (seen below) when we declared the month of June as an intersection between Black Music Month, Juneteenth, Caribbean Heritage Month and Pride Month. Of course, the issue came down to the latter's inclusion as some still fail to believe that Black culture can be connected to the LGBTQIA movement — yes, homophobia on various levels unfortunately still exists within our community. However, on the eve of commemorating the Stonewall Riots Anniversary (June 28) that sparked Pride Month altogether, we wanted to take a brief look at the Black drag queen that pioneered the movement from its violent inception to marching in the very first Pride Day Parade: the late Marsha P. Johnson. RELATED: Happy Pride Month: Celebrate 10 Black OG Influencers Who Paved The Way [Gallery] Marsha P. Johnson stands as an enduring symbol of courage, resilience, and activism. A Black transgender woman and revolutionary figure in LGBTQ+ history, Johnson's contributions transcend time, inspiring generations to fight for equality. Marsha played a pivotal role in the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ rights. Her presence at the uprising—widely regarded as the spark that ignited modern Pride movements—was marked by defiance and solidarity. At a time when queer individuals were criminalized and marginalized, Johnson stood on the frontline, embodying the fight against systemic oppression. Her courage underpinned a broader struggle for freedom, reminding the world that Black queer voices are an integral part of social progress. Beyond Stonewall, Johnson co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) alongside Sylvia Rivera. This organization provided shelter and support to homeless LGBTQ+ youth, particularly trans people of color. Through STAR, Marsha championed the rights of those overlooked by mainstream society, offering safe spaces and a voice to the most vulnerable. Her impact endures as a intersectional icon—her identity as a Black, transgender individual highlights the struggles and contributions of people living at the intersections of multiple forms of discrimination. Today, Marsha's legacy fuels Pride Month celebrations and underscores the necessity of equity in both LGBTQ+ and racial justice movements. Johnson's life was tragically cut short in 1992 under suspicious circumstances, yet her memory remains a beacon of hope and action. Pride Month is a time to amplify her powerful message: equality is non-negotiable, and the fight for liberation requires unity across all communities. Marsha P. Johnson's bravery continues to inspire, cementing her place as a towering icon of resilience and unyielding activism. The article 'Marsha P. Johnson: The Black Pioneer Of Pride' was created with the help of SEE ALSO
Miami Herald
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
44 percent: Black film in Miami, Larenz Tate, Victoria Rowell and Ananda Lewis
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of attending one of South Florida People of Color's Awkward Dinners. This particular dinner centered on Caribbean heritage, as June is Caribbean Heritage Month, and featured a showing of Haitian-American artist Vickie Pierre's latest exhibit Vickie Pierre: The Maiden is The Warrior, which features her Poupées in the Bush series of collages. But it was her piece 'I Birthed You a World with a tear in My Heart' that captured me, displaying a youthful innocence before the world has yet revealed itself to us for how harsh and unkind it can be. The piece, in some ways, was an allegory for the stories told during the dinner conversation, which focused on Caribbean heritage and eventually gave way to Immigration and Customs Enforcement patrols and cancellation of temporary protection status for many immigrants in the United States. Some noted their parents came to America for what they perceived as more opportunity for their children, but those who were first- or second-generation immigrants felt the dream their parents were sold was a lie, as one woman put it. Others noted that there needs to be more care and attention to what is happening in their home countries, even as they make their way in the United States. But many longed for what they considered home: the ability to go back to the island that shaped them and their lineage and served as a vessel to learn about their heritage. It begs the question: What is home when you're in a country that consistently tells you you're not wanted and your home country, or your parents' land, is in such disarray that returning is not possible? INSIDE THE 305: This Haitian American funeral director makes Miami families feel seen For two decades, Evan St. Fort's funeral home has been a fixture for Haitian Americans in South Florida because of how he handles families with care, Minority Business reporter Michael Buther reports. When Miramar native Evans St. Fort opened St. Fort's Funeral Home in North Miami Beach in 2003, clients were skeptical of a funeral director still in his 20s. After sitting with him for a consultation, however, they quickly realized that St. Fort had far more experience than his youthful demeanor suggested, since St. Fort had spent his childhood watching his father manage a funeral home in Haiti. 'Clients would come and sit with me and look at me crazy because I was just 24 years old, but I knew what I was doing,' he said. 'They just couldn't believe that they were talking to someone so young.' Black Film Festival spotlights Black storytelling with a made-in-Miami film Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee's humble beginnings will be told through the film, 'The Reject,' airing at the American Black Film Festival this week. McGhee's film adds to the uptick in Black stories coming out of Miami. Herb Coleman, Miami entrepreneur who served food and his community, dies at 62 Known for serving communities through his food, Herbert 'Herb' Coleman died last month at 62. As Butler writes: Kendall entrepreneur Herbert 'Herb' Coleman thrived in the food industry for more than 30 years because of his penchant for finding solutions and connecting with people on a personal level. He had various ventures in the business, from running Nathan's Famous franchises to serving food in a mobile kitchen at the Olympics, before his death last month at age 62. OUTSIDE THE 305: Gang violence in Haiti has displaced nearly 1.3 million people. It's a new record Nearly 1.3 million Haitians have had to flee their homes, according to the United Nations International Organization for Migration. As Haiti correspondent Jacqueline Charles reported: The surge is the highest number of people ever displaced by violence in Haiti, and represents a 24% increase since December, according to a recently published Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report by IOM. Former MTV VJ and talk show host Ananda Lewis dies at 52 Ananda Lewis, the beloved talk show host and MTV VJ, lost her battle with breast cancer this week. For those that grew up watching BET, we knew her as the thoughtful, kind host of Teen Summit, a series that centered the issues affecting Black youth and how to deal with them. She was a breath of fresh air at a time when we didn't always feel heard. HIGH CULTURE: Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Victoria Rowell and more at ABFF Black creators are taking center stage at the American Black Film Festival in Miami Beach this week, including the ever-fine Larenz Tate who will be in conversation with 'Love Jones' co-star Nia Long. Actress, producer and famed soap star Victoria Rowell is also debuting two films at the festival. We've also made a list of some films to catch if you're going. Where does 'The 44 Percent' name come from? Click here to find out how Miami history influenced the newsletter's title.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Caribbean-Americans share culture with Springfield community during heritage month
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – It's National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, and the community is sharing their culture with the city of Springfield. When it comes to Caribbean culture, celebration looks a lot like a carnival. With vibrant colors and music, it's the way they choose to express themselves. 'And that's what makes us really unique, the blended culture that we inherited,' said Andrew Sharpe, Chairman of the Authentic Caribbean Foundation. 'Both from Africa and Europe, and we created our own.' Rep. Ramos proposes bill for red light cameras in Mass. Springfield came together to celebrate National Caribbean Heritage Month, with local leaders showing their support at the steps of City Hall. A flag-raising was held to honor the Caribbean community across the region. Music and dancing is a big part of Caribbean culture, and they plan to bring that to Springfield in the coming weeks. This includes the Moko Jumbie, also known as a traditional dancer on stilts. 'In terms of representing Moko Jumbie, which is one aspect of our folklore culture,' Sharpe said. Across the Caribbean from east to west, the Moko Jumbie is celebrated. Groups like the Authentic Caribbean Foundation want this tradition to reach western Massachusetts. 'That spirit of fun and enjoyment is some of the things we bring to this nation as well,' said Curt Marcellin, Committee Chair for Caribbean Heritage Month. Outside of Boston, Springfield and Holyoke are home to a growing population of Caribbeans. The celebration will continue through August, when the African Community Festival will take place on August 8 in Springfield. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
