C.B. HANIF PHOTOS / SOUTH FLORIDA TIMES

Miami – Women’s History Month flowed in, resplendent in pink, on a chamber of commerce Sunday afternoon at Miami’s Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater, as a phenomenal who’s-who roomful of South Florida’s finest packed in for a loving birthday celebration of one of their best, Dr. Barbara M. Carey-Shuler.

Serving as the first African American woman on the Board of County Commissioners for Miami-Dade County is just one of the myriad contributions and accomplishments of the legendary public servant, community activist, educator and queen in whose presence her friends and admirers had come to bask.

For most of the audience it was a chance to reflect on battles won; for others an educational opportunity regarding past struggles and who had fought through them.

And the focus was on the pioneering warrior whose charm and elegance lit up the room.

There were toasts and recognitions from other legendaries such as former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan.

“Come as you are,” Shuler had told Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon – and so he did, in time to join County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, above, in a proclamation for their honoree.

Also present were innumerable heavyweights such as Miami-Dade County School Board member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall.

Dr. Emma Banks, founder and CEO of Inlet Grove High School in Riviera Beach, on whose governing board and foundation Shuler has served, as well as representatives of Palm Beach State College, which hosts the Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler Student Success Center, also graced the room.

“Happy Birthday to my friend and mentor Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler, the first Black woman to chair the Miami-Dade County Commission,” said Miami City Commission Chairwoman Christine King. “She has inspired so many and has paved the way for women like me. What an honor to celebrate her life!” The tribute later morphed into a concert, as in typical fashion, Shuler sagely had ensured that the celebration served as prelude to the 28th annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival, to support the event which immediately followed in the Lyric’s concert Hall (see Page 3B).

Said Dr. Dorothy Jenkins Fields, the Miami native responsible for the establishment of Miami’s Black Archives, as well as the designation and restoration of the landmark Lyric Theater:

“This is very special, it’s a dream come true. It was so many years ago that Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler made it possible by getting the county to vote $10 million so that this facility could be built, and that the archives could be saved. And so the Lyric Theater, we are so excited to share this time with her.”