Tucked between the hustle of retail chains, toddlers begging for pretzel bites, and families debating dinner options in the food court, there’s a hidden gem many shoppers might walk right past—unaware that behind its glass windows lies a heartbeat of the Caribbean in South Florida. Inside the northeast entrance of Broward Mall in Plantation is Island SPACE Caribbean Museum and it isn’t just a cultural attraction — it’s a vibrant tapestry of identity, history, and pride nestled in the most unexpected of places. While shoppers might be hunting for deals, this museum is preserving something priceless.
“Island Space is actually turning five years old this year,” says Calibe Thompson, the executive director of the heritage museum. “We preserve Caribbean culture and part of that is also celebrating the spirit of Caribbean women under our umbrella.”
In November of 2020, when the world was huddled inside because of COVID, a quiet yet powerful cultural beacon lit up the heart of Broward Mall. While many doors were closing due to the pandemic’s unrelenting grip, this one opened wide, offering more than just art—it offered identity, remembrance, and pride.
“We’re here to elevate the profile of Caribbean art, history, and culture throughout the diaspora,” says Thompson, adding that it was a grant from the Community Foundation of Broward that helped them get off the ground during the pandemic. “That’s how we were able to open up during the pandemic and move forward. We really wanted to show our roots to the community.”
Despite the deep roots Caribbean immigrants have planted in the cultural fabric of the United States, there wasn’t a dedicated space to explore, experience, and celebrate the full spectrum of Caribbean history and artifacts, according to Thompson. That was until Island SPACE opened its doors.
Dedicated to Caribbean Culture
Island SPACE (Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education) is billed as the United States’ first museum dedicated to a variety of Caribbean, arts, culture and history. It features a collection of historical data, artifacts, cultural relics and props representing Caribbean communities.
“Broward is the perfect space for this,” says Thompson. “I couldn’t picture this anywhere else.”
Broward County, a vibrant mosaic of Caribbean cultures—Jamaican, Haitian, Trinidadian, Bahamian, Cuban, Dominican, and more—boasts one of the largest Caribbean populations in the United States. Yet for years, these voices and their vibrant legacies lived without a dedicated home.
“During the pandemic, the mall was losing a lot of its retail, and we wanted nonprofits to activate some of the empty spaces,” says Samantha Lerouge, former marketing manager at the Broward Mall. “We did that with Island SPACE. It was originally in the former Red Robin (restaurant) space, and Island SPACE’s opening helped bring in more nonprofits, including Young At Art Museum.”
The museum exhibit bursts with color and culture, offering an immersive journey through the Caribbean’s rich tapestry. Visitors are guided through vibrant sections on reggae, literature, rumba, calypso, politics, and sports. With each display echoing with rhythm and resilience. Stories come to life through the legacies of notable Caribbean-descended figures such as United States founding father Alexander Hamilton, trailblazing Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, Broward’s former superintendent Robert Runcie, and Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Island SPACE gets official and real artifacts from people they know, donations, and their network,” says Lerouge. “It’s history right in front of you, and they do so much more, too.”
As a nonprofit, Island SPACE champions the preservation and promotion of Caribbean culture through dynamic educational programs, historical storytelling, and the arts. It serves as both a platform and incubator for independent and local artists such as painters, sculptors, photographers—whose works reflect the soul of the islands. The mission? To create a unified space where Caribbean ancestry, history, and shared traditions are not just remembered but revered, ensuring every visitor walks away informed, inspired, and connected.
“Island Space is actually turning five years old this year,” says Calibe Thompson, the executive director of the heritage museum. “We preserve Caribbean culture and part of that is also celebrating the spirit of Caribbean women under our umbrella.”
In November of 2020, when the world was huddled inside because of COVID, a quiet yet powerful cultural beacon lit up the heart of Broward Mall. While many doors were closing due to the pandemic’s unrelenting grip, this one opened wide, offering more than just art—it offered identity, remembrance, and pride.
“We’re here to elevate the profile of Caribbean art, history, and culture throughout the diaspora,” says Thompson, adding that it was a grant from the Community Foundation of Broward that helped them get off the ground during the pandemic. “That’s how we were able to open up during the pandemic and move forward. We really wanted to show our roots to the community.”
Despite the deep roots Caribbean immigrants have planted in the cultural fabric of the United States, there wasn’t a dedicated space to explore, experience, and celebrate the full spectrum of Caribbean history and artifacts, according to Thompson. That was until Island SPACE opened its doors.
The Women Behind Island SPACE
“We also do many events,” says Thompson.
One of those events celebrates and recognizes Caribbean women in the community.
HERS 2025 – Honoring Exceptionally Regal Sisters hosted by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is set for noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, July 20 at the Colony West Golf Club, 6850 Northwest 88th Ave., Tamarac.
The initiative was begun by Camille E. Edwards, a lifelong educator and advocate, who received her doctorate in business administration from Florida International University, and retired from Broward County Schools in 2022 and poured her energies into a volunteer programming collaborator role at Island SPACE Museum.
“Most of our community is organized by women and our volunteer pool is a majority of women, and Camille Edwards wanted to start the initiative to celebrate and recognize Caribbean women,” says Thompson.
In 2023, the first HERS (Honoring Exceptionall Regal Sisters) event was held.
“In our first year, we focused on fashion, poetry, and performance,” says Thompson. “We had vendors showing soaps, clothing, and in our second year, we introduced awards and speakers, and leaders in our communities. We had about 100 plus people, and in our second year, around 250, and we’re aiming for 300 plus this year. We’ll be talking about selfcare, having the entertainment elements, and community leaders. But Camille Edwards is the brain child.”
More than an event, HERS 2025 is a movement uplifting voices with history and heart. It celebrates service, identity, and the quiet power of community. Backed by Island SPACE’s mission, the day supports educational art initiatives while spotlighting Caribbean heritage in full technicolor glory.
“I went to one event at Island Space and I was intrigued with everything they were doing,” says Edwards. “That’s why I came to them with HERS, and we don’t exclude the men or non-Caribbean people because those who love the Caribbean, we welcome them as well.”
Caribbean fashion vendors are part of the mix inbuing the landscape that’s a living runway of heritage and high style.
“This year, we have more vendors, and we’re really discussing the issues that Caribbean women face which will be followed by a Q and A,” says Edwards. “This year, we went deep to find a wide array of Caribbean women and our final 12 nominees come from Haiti, the Bahamas, Trinidad, and it’s a greater diversity than we’ve ever had before.”
And the Nominees Are . . .
The 12 nominees are: Yolanda Cash Jackson, Shedly Casseus Parnther, Andrea Hall, Kathy Wint, Maisie McNaught, Tamara Beliard Rodriguez, Guithele Ruiz-Nicolas, Alicia Couri, Mary Sol Gonzalez, Sharon Wiles, Monefe Young, Ph.D., and Patricia Morris, Ph.D. The women are being recognized for their contributions to Caribbean and diaspora communities in South Florida.
“I’ve been a part of HERS and other events like Queer Caribbean for Island SPACE as a host,” says Frankie Red Rosso. “I’m Dominican, and that’s why I wanted to host so many events like HERS at Island SPACE.” While she isn’t hosting the event this year, she’s “happy to see so many women celebrated.”
As a mother,mental health advocate and entrepreneur, Veronique M. Pierre, Ms. International World for Haiti, says she knows “firsthand the power of Caribbean women in shaping families, communities, and entire industries.”
HERS, sponsored by Commissioner Morey Wright and the City of Tamarac, goes beyond the runway this year. This year’s event brings together a dynamic lineup of speakers who reflect the bold, brilliant spirit of Caribbean womanhood through business, wellness, confidence, and personal style.
Lydia Malcolm, Ph.D., invites women to pause, breathe, and pour back into themselves during her revitalizing self-care seminar; Peggy Nisbett-Riggs brings the rich textures and traditions of Caribbean hair culture to a session on natural hair care, and Rory Lee will offer makeup workshops.
“There are countless powerful women like teachers, entrepreneurs, fashionistas, doulas, authors, mental health advocates, and creatives all doing transformative work behind the scenes,” says Pierre. “Their stories deserve the spotlight, and their efforts deserve acknowledgment. I hope Island SPACE continues to create immersive, evolving exhibits that preserve and uplift the authentic stories of Caribbean women both past and present.”
From soulful musical interludes to heart-nourishing self-care lessons, HERS echoes as a radiant testament to the power and grace of women across the diaspora while Island SPACE remains a home for heritage and a haven for HERS.
“It all started with a trip to the mall and to visit Island SPACE,” says Edwards. “I’ve seen it grow and I’m happy to see a sense of pride and appreciation for our people and the opportunity to crown some queens.”
WHAT: Island SPACE Museum presents HERS
WHERE: 6850 Northwest 88th Ave., Tamarac
WHEN: noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, July 20
TICKETS: $25 Early Bird or $35 Day of the event
INFORMATION: 954-999-0989 or islandspacefl.org
