February’s observances of Reggae Month in Jamaica and Black History Month across the United States brought a wave of tributes, awards, and historic moments highlighting Caribbean culture and Black achievement.
In South Florida, officials in Lauderhill recognized several of Jamaica’s biggest music stars on Monday, February 23, presenting them with citations for their humanitarian work following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Among those honored were Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man, Busy Signal, Spragga Benz, and Wayne Wonder. The recognition came during a special commission meeting held as part of International Reggae Month celebrations. City officials said the artists were selected for their charitable contributions in the aftermath of the October 28 Category 5 hurricane, which prompted widespread relief efforts from members of the entertainment community to support Jamaicans affected by the disaster. Lauderdale Lakes also officially proclaimed Feb. 10, 2026, as “Buju Banton Day,” honoring the legendary deejay’s global influence.
Back in Jamaica, recognition is being given to some of the music’s most influential figures. Reggae veteran Ken Boothe is set to be inducted into the Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame on Feb. 27. Other honorees include producer Mikey Bennett and veteran performers Tristan Palmer, Pinchers, and Little John. Frankie Campbell, a founding member of the Fab 5 Band, will receive the Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Beyond music, Black History Month events across the United States highlighted the influence of Caribbean people in politics, art, and business. In Brooklyn, New York City opened a major new community facility named for trailblazing Caribbean-American political icon Shirley Chisholm, with officials highlighting her regional heritage and lifelong commitment to public service as central to the project’s significance. Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced the opening of the Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in East Flatbush on February 10. The approximately 74,000-square-foot facility, located in Nostrand Playground, is the largest of its kind in Brooklyn, the first new Parks recreation centre built in more than a decade, and the first ever in Central Brooklyn’s Little Haiti community.
Caribbean creatives also made waves in the fashion world. Jamaican-born visual artist Andy Ballentine made history during New York Fashion Week 2026, held February 11–16, by becoming the first fine artist exhibitor featured by The Bureau. Ballentine brought fine art directly into the fashion arena, blending traditional painting with wearable design.
Meanwhile, Jamaican-born designer Rachel Scott took centre stage on February 15 with her Diotima Fall 2026 ready-to-wear collection, capping off a busy week that also saw her debut as creative director of Proenza Schouler. Founded in 2021, Scott’s label has developed a loyal following for its wearable craft and sensual designs that blend Jamaican, Caribbean, and European influences.
Across South Florida, cities marked the month with events honoring community leaders and entrepreneurs. In North Miami Beach, officials used their February commission meeting to recognize residents and organizations whose advocacy and community work have made a lasting impact. Honorees included community leader Anie Alerte, the Mothers of Washington Park, the Black Affairs Advisory Board, and Erika Arbulu, among others recognized for their service.
In Miramar, the Black History Month Business Awards and Fireside Chat celebrated Black excellence in business, leadership, and innovation, featuring remarks from Mayor Wayne Messam and music industry figure Teddy Riley.
In Miami, County Commissioner Eileen Higgins was recognized as a “Defender of the Dream” during the Mentoring the Dream Gala hosted by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Festivities Committee. The event also highlighted the legacy of trailblazing public servant Barbara Carey-Shuler, the first Black woman to serve on the Miami-Dade County Commission and later its first Black chair.
From Kingston to New York and South Florida, this year’s celebrations underscored the lasting global influence of reggae music and the continuing contributions of Caribbean people to culture, politics, and community life.
