Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is hosting its fifth anniversary gala, entitled “Milestones: FIYAH! Fashion. Folklore. Future.,” taking place on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 5:00 to 9:00pm, at the Oceanfront Ballroom at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. This gala will honor community leaders who embody Caribbean excellence. See below for a list of honorees, who “reflect the breadth of the Caribbean diaspora in South Florida and its impact on civic life, social responsibility and heritage.”
This fall, step into a world where folklore struts the runway and the future blazes in a celebration of culture, elegance and diasporic pride. Island SPACE Caribbean Museum announces its fifth anniversary gala, Milestones: FIYAH! Fashion. Folklore. Future. [. . .]
Couture and Culture Collide: Set against a backdrop of Caribbean elegance, myth, music and magic, the gala invites attendees to step into an immersive world where ancestral spirit meets high fashion, and passion for culture meets purpose. From the red carpet to the runway, guests are invited to dress in formalwear inspired by Caribbean folklore, reimagining iconic characters like Trinidad’s Soucouyant, Jamaica’s Anansi, Haiti’s Baron Samedi and other legendary figures. The FIYAH! Gala Look Book was curated to spark ideas for a show-stopping ensemble.
The evening will feature:
- A Red Carpet Like No Other
- A Theatrical Extravagance of Live Performances
- A Keynote That Sparks the Soul
- The 2025 Caribbean Icon Awards
- Caribbean Rhythm & Revelry
- A Seductive Three-Course Tropical Feast
Prepare to share the night with a constellation of Caribbean brilliance — from luminaries of stage and sport to civic leaders, philanthropists, media voices and tastemakers — all converging to champion this beacon of culture and legacy.
A Call to Action: A Million-Dollar Mission
This gala-meets-cultural-spectacle launches a capital campaign with an ambitious goal of raising $1 million in support of museum staffing, operations, expanded programming and to lay the groundwork for an anticipated expansion into a larger, long-term home. Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships will directly support this mission.
“Our current museum has outgrown its walls,” says Executive Director Calibe Thompson. “We are raising $1 million to make sure Island SPACE isn’t just a beautiful idea, but rather a lasting institution with the power to grow, endure and transform the Caribbean diaspora’s profile throughout the U.S. and the world.”
Behind the FIYAH! The theme draws on the heat and heart of the Caribbean — from volcanoes to Carnival, folklore to futurism. It’s a celebration of the region’s coolness, courage, creativity and collective memory, brought to life through theatrical performance, dramatic décor, mythic fashion and stories of impact.
But beyond the spectacle, FIYAH! fuels a cause that matters. “This is such a unique gem here,” said Neki Mohan, VP Business Development and Community Engagement at Visit Lauderdale, to Montel Williams. “It’s the only Caribbean heritage museum in the world, and that is so significant for us here in Broward County.” [. . .]
Island SPACE exists to preserve, celebrate, and share the stories of the Caribbean diaspora. The museum is a gathering space for community, a stage for artists, and a classroom for future generations, ensuring Caribbean culture thrives, inspires, and endures. [. . .]
Honoring Leaders Who Embody Caribbean Excellence: This year’s honorees represent the diversity and dynamism of South Florida’s Caribbean community: English, Spanish, and French-speaking islands, as well as the mainland. They are leaders across government, law, social services and philanthropy—individuals who exemplify what it means to be iconic.
Commissioner Hazelle Rogers (Jamaica) – A former Florida State Representative and Mayor of Lauderdale Lakes, and current Broward County Commissioner, Rogers has been a tireless public servant and advocate for her constituents and for Caribbean culture, ensuring that the needs and voices of her community are represented at every level of government. “Being a proud Jamaican-American advocate for Caribbean culture, fighting daily to ensure that South Florida maintains open arms to all who live and work here,” said Rogers. [. . .]
Braulio Rosa (Puerto Rico) – As Executive Director of the Broward County Bar Association, Rosa has elevated the profile of the legal community while building bridges of mentorship, inclusivity and civic engagement, making him a respected voice for progress across the county and beyond. “I am acutely aware that I represent [Puerto Rican] people,” Rosa said, “and I always strive to step forward with my best foot, endeavoring to serve. [. . .]
Gepsie Metellus (Haiti) – Co-founder and Executive Director of Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, Metellus has spent decades championing social services, education and empowerment for the Haitian-American community in South Florida, earning national recognition for her leadership and advocacy. [. . .]
Lesly Simon (Venezuela) – A dedicated community leader and philanthropist, Simon has led efforts that uplift vulnerable families, expand access to resources, and strengthen Miami’s Caribbean networks, embodying service and cultural pride. “As a Venezuelan immigrant, I feel truly proud to be recognized for public service, cultural promotion, and community work,” said Simon. [. . .]
Ticketing and sponsorship information is available at islandspacefl.org/fiyah.
Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is hosting its fifth anniversary gala, entitled “Milestones: FIYAH! Fashion. Folklore. Future.,” taking place on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 5:00 to 9:00pm, at the Oceanfront Ballroom at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. This gala will honor community leaders who embody Caribbean excellence. See below for a list of honorees, who “reflect the