Nearly 1,000 residents filled the amphitheater to “Celebrate a Rich History,” which was this year’s theme. The 5th Annual Black Heritage Festival was hosted by Commissioner Jordan and City of Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert on Saturday, Feb. 17 at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex Amphitheater.

MIAMI – Pasadena at the California Club, LLC, presented a $2.1 million ceremonial check to Miami-Dade County at a Dec. 4 press conference held by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan. The developer of the newly approved District 1 residential community will receive a substantial density bonus in exchange for the allocation to Miami-Dade County’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

On November 21, the Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to prominently display a commemorative portrait in honor of Sergio Pereira, first Cuban-born Miami-Dade County Manager, in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center. Commissioner Jordan was a co-prime sponsor of a special presentation where Pereira’s family members unveiled the portrait, which was a gift to Miami-Dade County and painted by Monica Mendes.

About 300 residents attended Music in the Park on December 1 at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex in Miami Gardens. The Carole Ann Taylor Quartet and Dr. Edward G. Robinson featuring the Instant Attraction Band captivated the crowd during the free semiannual concert sponsored by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan, the Sunshine Jazz Organization, Miami Gardens Councilman David Williams Jr., and the Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Department.

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan made Christmas wishes come true for about 140 children at the Ophelia Brown Headstart center and YWCA, located in Miami Gardens. Children walked away with dolls, remote control cars, games, action figures, costumes and more. In addition to the toy drive, Commissioner Jordan's giving spirit assisted five less fortunate families from her district. The Waring, Anice, Porter, Ridore, and Johnson families each received food baskets, a bike, tickets to Santa's Enchanted Forest, and a gift card for $500.

Commissioner Jordan posed for a selfie with award-winning producer, director and actor Tyler Perry who gave the keynote speech to young men graduating from the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Perry donated $100k to the program, which raises scholarship money for graduating seniors.

Commissioner Jordan presented a sympathy resolution to the family of the late international jazz icon and South Florida legend Mr. Melton Mustafa Sr. at the Jan. 23 Board of County Commissioners meeting. The internationally renowned trumpeter, arranger, composer, producer and bandleader passed away on December 28 at age 70 after battling prostate cancer. His family attended the Commission meeting to accept the sympathy resolution and watch a December 2016 video of his father accepting a proclamation from the County Commission.

Nearly 150 people were honored by Commissioner Barbara Jordan and the Miami-Dade County Foster & Adoptive Parent Association on February 5. The 5th Annual Foster, Adoptive, Kinship & Independent Living Commemorative Ceremony, which took place in the Miami-Dade County Commission Chamber, honored men and women who care for and protect children who are in the state’s system, as well as young adults transitioning from foster care to adulthood.

Over 100 residents attended the District 1 Mom and Pop Small Business Grant informational workshop on February 1. Commissioner Jordan and Leroy Jones, of Neighbors and Neighbors Association (NANA), offered insight on the application process and answered questions from the crowd.

Commissioner Jordan attended the 6th Annual Remembrance Dinner hosted by the Trayvon Martin Foundation on February 11. She presented a proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners to the foundation, and gave a $10,000 allocation.

About 450 residents turned out on February 13 to attend Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan’s 12th annual Valentine’s Day Dance for Seniors at Grace Community Church in Miami Gardens.

Commissioner Jordan welcomed incoming members at the Youth Commission installation ceremony during the Board of County Commissioners meeting on February 21.