International

Bahamians In Florida Give A Preview of Another Trump Presidency

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – Councilwoman Shannan “Lady” Ighodaro is a pivotal voice this election season offering insight into the Bahamian influence on the historic vote that returned Donald Trump to the White House.

Published

1 year ago

November 6, 2024

Kendeno Knowles

With over a decade in Miami Gardens politics Ighodaro made history in 2020 as the first Bahamian elected to the city council in seat no. 3.

She believes that only time will reveal the true impact of another trump presidency.

Looking to the future, Ighodaro also considers how Trump’s leadership might affect diasporan communities including Bahamians.

“November 5th will ultimately tell a tale that can be a blessing for some and a curse for others,” she said. And I just pray that as it related to the relationship between the united states by way of Dade County and by way of Miami Gardens that that relationship can continue, particularly in an economic way. Because money is needed to drive the economy.”

At the historic St. Agnes Episcopal Church in Miami, father Denrick Rolle who leads a congregation filled with Bahamian descendants says he chose to keep politics out of the church. But the rector says he wasn’t surprised by the election’s outcome.

Though not surprised by the outcome, he says he observed that many placed their faith in politicians than in God.

And for Ighodaro, uniting the local Bahamian diaspora remains a passionate mission.

“I’m Bahamian first,” she said.

“And so, like many, you know, people of the diaspora, we are who we are first, no matter where you came from. You know you are an immigrant, and I am a proud immigrant, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget my roots, I just can’t.”