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MULTICULTURALMIAMI
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JANUARY 2025

Welcome to the GMCVB Multicultural Tourism and Development e-newsletter! This newsletter consists of GMCVB collaborations and business resources available on a local and national level. In addition, it contains a sampling of past department activities and upcoming in-person and virtual events in Greater Miami and Miami Beach.

WHAT'S NEW
MLK Mural
Celebrate New Year's Eve in Miami
Experience the ultimate New Year’s Eve in Greater Miami & Miami Beach, where perfect weather, stunning beaches and vibrant city attractions create unforgettable moments year-round. There’s no better way to welcome 2025. Whether you want to marvel at dazzling fireworks, enjoy live entertainment, attend an elegant hotel gala or indulge in a gourmet dining experience, Miami offers something for every party style. Here’s your guide to the most exciting New Year’s Eve events in Miami.
 
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Miami Jewish Film Festival
Experience movie magic at the world's largest Jewish film festival during its 28th edition, from January 9-23. Discover the best in world cinema with 130 film premieres presented both in theaters on the big screen and virtually from the comfort of your home over 15 days, featuring the world’s largest Jewish film program! Screenings will take place at venues across Greater Miami, including Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Miami Shores, and Pinecrest. This year’s lineup includes an incredible showcase of Miami-made features that will be world-premiering. For full program details, click here.
 
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5000 Role Models of Excellence Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast
Since United States Representative Frederica Wilson founded the program in 1993, the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project has paired 10,000 at-risk students with mentors to steer them away from crime and violence.  The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project is excited to host its 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, the largest of its kind in the nation, on Saturday, January 18th, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Click here to read more.
 
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Join Miami in honoring the life and enduring legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most iconic figures of the Civil Rights Movement. Held annually on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day brings communities together nationwide in remembrance and celebration. This year’s parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 20th, traveling ten historic miles of sacred ground that Dr. King himself once walked during his many visits to Miami. Don’t miss this inspiring tribute to a true champion of justice and equality. Click here for more details.
 
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festival & events
Shen Yun show dancers
Shen Yun 2025: China Before Communism

Shen Yun 2025: China Before Communism returns to the Arsht Center from January 10–12. You are invited on a journey to the enchanting world of ancient China. Immerse yourself in a lost civilization brought to life through the extraordinary art of classical Chinese dance. Marvel at legendary tales as Shen Yun redefines the performing arts with breathtaking costumes, cutting-edge backdrops, and a one-of-a-kind orchestra. Click here for further details.

 
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & resources
Business Development
Register Now! Miami Bayside Foundation Small Business Training in Spanish

Enrollment is now open for  Miami Bayside Foundation's Small Business Workshop in Spanish. The 16-session runs from February 11 to March 13. Designed for small business owners, the program focuses on enhancing entrepreneurial skills and preparing participants to access capital. Led by industry professionals, the workshop offers hands-on training to help businesses thrive and grow. This program is proudly supported by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau's Tourism Business Enhancement Initiative, dedicated to empowering multicultural communities and heritage-focused businesses in Greater Miami & Miami Beach through economic sustainability and increased access. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity! For more details and application information, process email Petra Brennan.

 
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ART OF BLACK MIAMI
Juan ‘Erman’ Gonzalez  Artwork Title: “A la rueda-rueda-”

Juan ‘Erman’ Gonzalez A la rueda-rueda     

The Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator (DVCAI) Presents The Whole World is Churning: Then and Now | Now and Beyond
Visit Barry University's Institute of Immigration Studies for The Whole World is Churning: Then and Now | Now and Beyond, curated by Rosie Gordon-Wallace and organized by DVCAI. This exhibition features works by nine diasporic artists who explore memory, history, and the future through innovative materials and perspectives. Also on view is Magical Entities, a solo exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Asser St. Val, examining themes of Black identity, neuromelanin, and mythology. Both exhibitions run through April 18. For further details, click here.
 
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community highlights
Opa locka
A Preservation Push in Historic Opa-locka

Step back in time and uncover the fascinating history of Opa-locka, the 98-year-old city envisioned by aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss, with a captivating talk by Alex Van Mecl on January 16 at the Brockway Memorial Library. As the founder of the Opa-locka Preservation Association (OPA), Mecl brings passion and expertise to this exploration of one of South Florida’s most unique communities. OPA is dedicated to preserving and protecting the city’s rich heritage—its historic landmarks, natural spaces, and the compelling stories and artifacts that define Opa-locka’s character. Don’t miss this inspiring opportunity to learn about the ongoing journey to safeguard the city's cultural treasures for future generations. Click here for more.

 
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BLACK HOSPITALITY INITIATIVE
BHI Board of DIrectors
BHI Kicks Off 2025 Board Term with Dynamic Leadership

The Black Hospitality Intitiative of Greater Miami (BHI) launched its 2025 Board of Directors term with the first meeting on December 12, at the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. The meeting brought together an inspiring group of industry leaders committed to advancing BHI’s mission of fostering diversity, equity, and opportunity within the hospitality & tourism sector. “This dynamic team will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of BHI,” said Chairman Desmond Alufohai, Protocol & International Affairs Director, Miami-Dade Aviation Department. “With their guidance, we’re poised to reach new milestones and continue creating meaningful opportunities for those we serve.”

 
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CONVENTIONS, lEISURE & tRAVEL
Miami Beach
Discover Unforgettable Experiences on Miami Beach in Early 2025: Culture, Cuisine, Music and Wellness

Miami Beach is poised to embrace the arrival of 2025 with an exhilarating array of activities, events, and unforgettable experiences, making it the quintessential destination for both travelers and locals in search of premier entertainment, luxurious hotels, and stunning beaches. As the new year approaches, prepare for a vibrant mix of culinary delights, fitness festivals, and captivating outdoor escapades and musical adventures. Come discover the magic that awaits and let the celebrations begin! Click here to learn more.

 
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HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY EDUCATION
Aloft Miami Doral
Miami Begins with Me Customer Service Champion Program

Discover how you can play a vital role in keeping Greater Miami and Miami Beach vibrant, welcoming, and thriving! Join us on January 9 at the Aloft Miami Doral for the Miami Begins with Me Customer Service Champion Program offered by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. This dynamic course is your chance to elevate your skills, strengthen our tourism economy, and ensure visitors leave with unforgettable memories. Don’t miss this opportunity to champion our community and make Miami shine! To register, click here.

 
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Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months
ARTS CULTURE HERITAGE
Vibrant Culture & Exclusive Experiences

Get ready to celebrate Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months. Dive into Miami's vibrant diversity — from the colorful Wynwood Arts District to the historic charm of Opa-locka. Every corner tells a story, showing off the traditions that make Miami a cultural melting pot. Take advantage of exclusive deals and events as your passport to explore the city’s unique art, mouthwatering flavors and lively neighborhoods. Discover the heart and soul of Miami like never before.

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DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
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MTDD PHOTO ALBUM
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HERITAGE MONTH
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GEMS IN HISTORY
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GET SOCIAL WITH US
 
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Welcome 2025 in Style: Your Guide to New Year’s Celebrations in Greater Miami & Miami Beach!

January Social
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY TOURISM
Brought to You by Tourism

Our efforts to capture your personal tourism or hospitality story will be nothing less than ambitious. Our goal with the Brought to You by Tourism campaign is to become the StoryCorps of celebrating heartfelt tourism and hospitality stories.

Please send us a short video of 60 seconds or less that you would be comfortable sharing via social media. For content details, please visit BroughtToYouByTourism.com.

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THE MULTICULTURAL TOURISM & DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Connie Kinnard
Senior Vice President,
Multicultural & Tourism Development
305/539-3123
E-mail
Graylyn Swilley-Woods, Ph.D.
Director, Black Hospitality Initiative
Multicultural Tourism & Development
305/539-3088
E-mail
Ella Pedre
Coordinator,
Multicultural & Tourism Development
305/539-3097
E-mail
Petra Brennan
Senior Director,
Tourism Business Enhancement
305/539-3126
E-mail
Herlinda Lombardi
Program Manager,
Multicultural & Tourism Development
305/539-3128
E-mail
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