Celebration Deemed Fitting Component of Black History Month in South Florida
Black history isn’t just intricate to American history, Black excellence permeates across the globe. This fact couldn’t have been more evident at the 4th Annual Black Luxe Picnic and Music Festival, held Saturday, February 15, in Boca Raton. The vibrant event was a powerful celebration of Black excellence in all its forms. Now a staple of the local community, it showcased the richness of Black culture, creativity, music, and entrepreneurship.
With stunning décor, fashionable attendees, and unique tent and table setups, the picnic radiated the spirit of community and success that defines the Black experience. The event was an immersive experience, blending charming hosts, dynamic live performances, delicious food, and an impressive selection of products from Black-owned businesses. Attendees left with unforgettable memories, many of whom are already eagerly anticipating next year’s festival.
“It’s beautiful to see all of us gathered like this, showcasing our talents, our products, and our culture,” said Dominique Tyler, the owner of D.A.T. Nutrients, a mobile health and wellness service offering natural soaps, oils and cleanses. This was Tyler’s first year vending at the event, but he said participating was a no-brainer. “I’m here because I’m indigenous excellence; all of us are out here. I’m 100 percent red, black, green, and yellow all day,” he told Hy-Lo News.
Hosted by WSVN 7 Sports Anchor Donovan Campbell and MC Reign, the festival drew people from near and far – each adding their unique perspective to the experience. Palm Beach native Jazmyne Fabre, invited by a friend, didn’t know how things would turn out but was thrilled by the event. “I didn’t know what to expect, but this has exceeded my expectations. I think it’s only going to get better and better each year,” Fabre said.
Entrepreneurs also enjoyed the festival as attendees, including husband-and-wife duo Adam and Chrissi Ramsey, founders of Socialite Vision, a concierge eyecare service. Originally from Palm Beach and Broward counties, respectively, they underscored the importance of such events for highlighting the potential of Black-owned businesses in South Florida.
“We love supporting Black businesses, Black culture, and Black people,” Adam Ramsey told Hy-Lo News. “Celebrating Black History Month surrounded by friends and family, in a positive environment with nothing but love – that’s the vibe.”
They made it clear that though this was their first BlackLuxe experience, it wouldn’t be their last. “Definitely not,” Chrissi said, adding “Black love and black history are beautiful.”
Ricardo and Bianca Battle, who relocated from Atlanta to Ft. Lauderdale, also had high praise for the festival. It was their first time attending, but they were already planning to return next year. “She’s always into Black everything and I’m from the city so you know how ATL does. I’m older now so this is the vibe right now,” said Ricardo, who also goes by the rap moniker Colleyone.
“This has been beyond our expectations. We know next year, and we will come ready,” Bianca added, noting they had no idea how luxurious some of the setups would be.
A group of women, who started attending last year, made a splash with their impressive “Saddles, Sistas, Stallions” themed tent setup. They said their attire paid homage to Black jockeys for their significant yet often overlooked role in history. The creative group won the coveted best tent award for the second year in a row.
“We’ve been friends since college so when they told us it was a Kentucky Derby theme, we figured everyone would come with fascinators; [so] we chose to honor the Black jockeys since they were the first jockeys in urban history,” explained one of the women, Tashimba Andrews.
(L-R) Longtime friends Shon “Scentbuzz” Barnes, Shaneka Meredith, Tashimba Andrews, Chenique Wilcox, Dian Johnson, Trisa Finlayson have won the BlackLuxe tent competition two years in a row. (Credit: Isheka N. Harrison for Hy-Lo News)
BlackLuxe is the brainchild of Rohan Sutherland, who was inspired by a friend’s suggestion to build an event of its scope specifically for South Florida. “I immediately thought of something for the culture,” Rohan told Hy-Lo, noting the inaugural event in 2021 oversold and drew over 900 people.
Now, BlackLuxe has expanded to include summits, mixers, and partnerships with non-profits, all while continuing to focus on Black business growth. “We feel great [about the event’s evolution],” Rohan said. “We feel that people are anticipating it yearly and gravitating towards it. They’re wanting to come celebrate Black excellence. We really want Black businesses to thrive and people to see them. Philanthropy and building Black businesses is what BlackLuxe is about.”
For serial entrepreneur Nene Coleman, who founded Lavish Strawberries, BlackLuxe is the perfect place to be. Coleman, who offers luxury picnic experiences, shared her journey of overcoming depression and finding joy in creating beautiful moments for others. “It’s about living life, representing, and showing up as your best self,” she said.
Another crowd favorite, Sweet Baybee, served up Tanghulu, a candy-coated fruit treat. Tanya Bramwell, who runs the family business she gifted to her two-year-old son, expressed pride in being part of such a meaningful event. “I came to the event last year as a patron and loved it; so this year, I wanted to support Rohan and the movement,” Bramwell said.
Bramwell’s staff also includes her husband, sister, cousin, and best friend. “He gets all the money,” Bramwell laughed speaking of her toddler.
One of the most memorable vendors of the day was Vintage 1804, a lifestyle brand founded by Roe Michel in 2011. Michel, who had been observing BlackLuxe from afar for years, saw it as an important opportunity to celebrate Black people and their resilience. “I love seeing Black people come together like this,” Michel said, emphasizing his love for the entire African Diaspora. “It’s important to show us in a different light, as opposed to how we’re often negatively portrayed. I just love the energy here.”
The festival culminated with a nostalgic performance from R&B singer Sammie, who delighted the crowd with hits like “Kiss Me Through the Phone” and “Hardball,” as well as recent music. “I’m a Florida boy, and it feels great to be home,” Sammie said, bringing the evening to a perfect close.
More than just an event, BlackLuxe was a celebration of community, culture, and the strength of Black excellence. As attendees mingled, networked, and enjoyed the festivities, it was clear the festival has become a hallmark of the Palm Beach County community. The celebration seems like it will only continue to grow in years to come.
Breion Moses contributed to this report.
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