Today we’re continuing our series on the people who make what we do possible — our supporting members. ❤️ Today we’re featuring MiMo’s Yvette Harris!
Where in town might people run into you? Historic Overtown, Little Haiti Cultural Complex at the Caribbean Marketplace, Legion Park on Saturday taking a yoga class and getting a juice from Natureboyz and have Clive open a coconut with his machete so I can drink some coconut juice.
What local business do you think deserves a shoutout? Clive’s Cafe. The food and cafe are jumping with “irie” vibes. The owner Pearline Murray is always warm and friendly. She always asks how my daughter is doing when I run in to get takeout — the reggae music always puts you a goo more-going there is like when you go over to your favorite auntie’s house for dinner — educating Hands- my go-to spot for a massage, Boom Shanti- when I need an outfit and of course, Andiamo for when I don’t feel like cooking, and my daughter wants pizza.
What’s a local event you went to recently that you loved? Miami Carnival. It takes place every Columbus Day weekend on that Sunday. The event celebrated 35 years this year and presented a thoughtfully curated celebration of the Caribbean through pageantry, music, food, arts & crafts, and cultural experiences.Its the last Caribbean Carnival before the one in Trinidad and Tobago.
What made you decide to become a member of The New Tropic? I love New Tropic. I look forward to reading the stories and narratives that touch upon so many things that speak to me in my life. Becoming a member to support the platform was an easy decision. I also make sure to share the information with others.
If you only have one meal left in Miami, where are you going? Heading over to L.C.’s Roti Shop because the food is so good. I am getting doubles and a veggie roti. Is it possible to get them to deliver my Starbucks chai tea there as well?
What’s a recent story you’ve read about Miami that you wish more people cared about? Climate change and how it will affect poor and people of color. I feel that we are in denial in Miami as a whole but don’t have a plan for those less fortunate and underserved communities. I plan to get more involved with this issue.
What’s your perfect day in our city? A day that I scoop my daughter up from school, and we get a bite to eat and drive over to the beach. We take our shoes off and walk the beach. My daughter will go close enough to the water to get completely wet. We will laugh since we have no towel or change of clothes. The day is topped off, getting some ice cream and heading home. Of course, it’s perfect when we do this in February since I know the weather up north is nice and cold (I am from New York).
What does it mean to you to live like you live here? It means to celebrate the beauty of all that Miami has to offer and take part in all the activities that happen around town just like our tourists who visit Miami do. It also means to take an active role in our community and roll up our sleeves and help be part of a solution or offer a solution for some of the challenges we are faced with.
What are you celebrating in your life right now? I am celebrating sending more time with my daughter, being intentional about my self-care, practicing yoga in the park, riding my bike, walking places rather than driving, and have more fun chats in my local Starbucks.
Supporting members like Yvette make our work possible — and they get special perks like event discounts, ticket giveaways, and bonus content in the newsletter. Become a New Tropic member today to join the crew.