2BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE MIAMI HERALD
FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017
EDITOR'S NOTE
When you turn the pages in this
“Power” issue, you’ll no�ce a
broad range of the most influen�al
Black Americans in South
Florida—from CEOs and judges to
poli�cians and ar�sts. They are all
to be commended.
It’s important to note, power
isn’t always about how much
money you make or how much
control you have over people and
resources. It’s also about the
posi�ve influence one has in their
community and in people’s lives.
Take Rebecca “Bu�erfly” Vaughns
(featured on page 22BB). This
talented soul is in the business of
inspiring and enlightening
audiences with her spoken word.
When I first met Bu�erfly a few
years ago, I’ll admit, it took me a
minute to wrap my head around
the fact that she writes and
performs poetry for a living. Yes,
that’s her full-�me job. But when
you hear the cadence of her
thought-provoking words, rolling
off her tongue, you’ll understand
why she’s in so much demand.
That’s power.
Legacy Magazine’s “Power”
honorees were nominated by
members of the community. They
were then selected by this
publica�on based on their
professional and philanthropic
accomplishments. This is an
opportunity for us not only to
celebrate the successes of Black
Americans in Miami, but to
encourage them to con�nue
transforming our communi�es and
the world. So when you see them
in person, make sure you
congratulate them. And, at the
same �me, hold them responsible
for represen�ng us in the most
posi�ve light.
"... POWER ISN’T ALWAYS
ABOUT HOW MUCH MONEY YOU
MAKE OR HOW MUCH CONTROL
YOU HAVE OVER PEOPLE AND
RESOURCES."
Russell Motley
Editor-in-Chief
Legacy Miami Magazine
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY VICE-CHAIRWOMAN ’S REPORT
Miami-Dade County's Best Kept Secrets
Miami-Dade County Vice Chairwoman
Audrey M. Edmonson, District 3
In a �me when it appears that there is
more apathy than advocacy in our
communi�es, it is encouraging to know that
there are s�ll those that believe in the
power of influence and helping others.
Making a difference in the lives of others
some�mes comes with a price. It may prove
to be too costly for some, but others do it
with ease. I am excited to see the individuals
chosen for their work in our community and
being recognized as influen�al people.
These dynamic men and women are of all
ages, genders and professional
backgrounds. They were all chosen for their
uniqueness in what they do in our
community.
O�en �mes, we believe that certain
aspects of change are only reserved for
elected officials or government. However,
the real work of be�er neighborhoods,
be�er policies and community projects,
stronger businesses and infrastructure come
from extraordinary people. People who feel
like they are a part of something larger.
People who have a sense of belonging. That
is real power and influence. Those people
effectuate change.
We celebrate all of the honorees across
many areas of business, government and
industry. I know firsthand that we have the
Providing News/Informa�on and Connec�ng Florida’s Black Affluencers and Influencers
CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS
"The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from
racial and na�onal antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless
of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Ha�ng no person, fearing
no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that
all hurt as long as anyone is held back." Subscribe to and view the digital version of Legacy Magazine
Member of the Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA) Facebook: Facebook.com/TheMIAMagazine
Twitter and Instagram: @TheMIAMagazine
#BeInformed #BeInfluential #PowerIssue
best kept secrets in our talent pool and it
gives me honor to recognize them.
Miami-Dade County is a growing metropolis.
We are doing innova�ve things in all sectors,
including film and entertainment. The
wri�ng and filming of the Oscar winning film
“Moonlight” is just an example of the fields
of work in which our residents succeed.
I would be remiss if I didn’t advocate for the
need of mentorship. As much as our
honorees have accomplished, no man is
island unto himself. I challenge each of us to
do more, be more and assist more in the
lives of our youth. They are our future most
influen�al professionals.
Dexter A. Bridgeman
CEO & Founder
Russell Motley
Editor-in-Chief
Kervin L. Clenance
Group Publisher
Denise St. Patrick-Bell PhD
Copy Editor
Zachary Rinkins
Editor at Large
Toni Harrigan
Associate Editor
Nordene Bartley
Marke�ng Manager
Md Shahidullah
Art Director
Nestor Calixto / Intern
Cover photo by:
Teekay
Makeup provided by:
Rory Lee