Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee’s Jazz in the Heights – Southern Soul Mother’s Day Edition, held on May 11, 2024, at Zoo Miami drew over 17,000 guests from as far as Miramar to celebrate Mother’s Day with soulful music, delicious food, and a showcase of local small businesses.
The event, sponsored by Miami-Dade County, Zoo Miami, Miami-Dade Police Department, and Miami-Dade Parks, featured a lineup of Southern Soul artists including Nellie “Tiger” Travis, Ronnie Bell, TK Soul, and Sir Charles Jones. The evening kicked off with South Dade’s own Gia Wyre who was fresh off a tour with Charlie Wilson, followed by TK Soul and headliner Sir Charles Jones. The event was hosted by TK Owens and James T of Hot 105 FM.
“We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of Jazz in the Heights – Southern Soul Mother’s Day Edition. This outdoor festival celebrated the rich cultural heritage of our community through music and small businesses. I am proud to support events that bring our residents together and that exemplify all that makes Miami-Dade County special,” said Commissioner McGhee in a press release. “We look forward to the next Jazz in the Heights – Southern Soul Edition, which will take place November 2024.”
All mothers in attendance were greeted with a long-stem rose upon entry. Attendees enjoyed a variety of food options from seafood to tacos to hamburgers, and a small business cigar purveyor added a lounge for guests to relax and enjoy a smoke. DJ DP from WHQT Hot 105 also curated the soundtrack for the evening.
During the event, Commissioner McGhee presented a proclamation to Grant Miller of Community Newspapers declaring May 11, 2024, as Grant Miller Day. He also awarded keys to Miami-Dade County to evening’s Southern Soul artists: Nellie “Tiger” Travis, Ronnie Bell, TK Soul, and Sir Charles Jones. Volunteers and supporters, including Goodwill Ambassadors, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and Black Lions Motorcycle Club, were also recognized for their contributions to the event’s success.
Jazz in the Heights served as a platform for small businesses and has been the driving force behind Commissioner McGhee’s steadfast dedication to amplifying small businesses.
“It has allowed us as a small business to showcase Miami Kitchen Kreation Food Truck,” said small business owner Shameka Blount in a press release. “With the many opportunities you [Commissioner McGhee] have afforded us to showcase our business, we believe we are destined to grow. To tell the story of where we’ve been but also where we are headed.”
During the Board of County Commissioners meeting in 2022, Commissioner McGhee sponsored a resolution that passed declaring August as Black Business Month in Miami-Dade County to reiterate the purpose of National Black Business Month with the goal to bring attention to the needs of Black-owned businesses throughout the country. By championing this resolution, Commissioner McGhee aims to amplify the importance of supporting Black entrepreneurs, fostering a more inclusive and equitable business environment in Miami-Dade.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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