The commission also took the opportunity to recognize February as Black History Month, celebrating the substantial contributions of Black Americans to the city’s history. Members of the Black Affairs Advisory Committee spoke on the importance of acknowledging and celebrating black history throughout the year, not just during the designated month. This proclamation set the stage for a series of recognitions that illuminated the meeting’s focus on individual dedication to the community.

One of the standout moments of the meeting was the recognition of Lucy Delgado, a Colombian immigrant whose work in the travel industry and contributions to Miami Beach’s sister city relationships have been instrumental. Delgado’s efforts, which included organizing the participation of a Miami Beach marching band in Carnival in Kazan and facilitating the donation of a fire truck to Kazumo, Mexico, highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and international collaboration. The commission commended Delgado for her 32 years of dedication and advocacy for sister cities, emphasizing her role in promoting cultural understanding and partnerships.

The meeting also served as a platform to honor Dr. Anika Aralo for her volunteer work at the South Beach Slam pickleball tournament, where she provided medical assistance to the athletes.

Public safety was a significant topic of discussion, as the commission acknowledged the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers, especially in light of the upcoming spring break.

In addition to recognizing individual contributions and public safety, the commission addressed health awareness by proclaiming March 2024 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The meeting included a personal testimony from a speaker who highlighted the importance of cancer screening, sharing their experience with a positive colon guard test result. The statistics related to colon cancer, including disparities in diagnosis and mortality rates among different racial and ethnic groups, were brought to attention. The national goal to increase cancer screening rates to 80% was cited, emphasizing the preventability of colon cancer through timely screening and the need for widespread awareness.

The meeting concluded on a note of gratitude, with the Mayor expressing appreciation for the dedication of the city’s employees. The successful inauguration ceremony was acknowledged, and certificates were presented to those involved in organizing the event.