Lifestyle

Historic Connections: “Miami Is Rooted In It’s Bahamian Influence”

MIAMI, FLORIDA – What started as a local celebration has now transformed into one of the largest music festivals in the United States.

Published

2 months ago

March 8, 2026

Denielle Miller

MIAMI, FLORIDA – A familiar face in the crowd at night one of the Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival concert series.

Other familiar, more famous faces taking the stage – Glorilla, Joe, SWV, Donell Jones, Ella Mai, Jhené Aiko, just to name a few.

What started as a local celebration has now transformed into one of the largest music festivals in the United States.

And like Makiah Cunningham, dozens of Bahamians make their way to Miami Gardens for this premier event.

Blending culture, fashion, and legacy within the city of Miami Gardens, a place where Bahamian heritage runs deep.

Evidenced in former mayor of West Park Florida Bryan C. Johnson and attendee, Jessica Modkins.

“So Miami Gardens is a place where Bahamian Americans have a significant place in its founding. The people who left Carol City came to Broward County and then settled in my city.” – Bryan C. Johnson

“Miami is rooted in it’s Bahamian influence because all of the Bahamians back in the 1930s and 40s who actually founded the City of Miami” – Jessica Modkins

The global and strong, yet familiar connections, are key factors that have attracted Bahamians to the festival for generations.