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🎸 Here’s who will be rocking at III Points
Don’t forget to look up. 🌴 // Tag @thenewtropic or use #livelikeyoulivehere to see your pic here!
What Miami is talking about
Done with the drama. One week after she was named acting director of Miami’s Downtown Development Agency, John Elizabeth Alemán stepped down from the position yesterday. Her appointment still hadn’t been confirmed by the city commission, due to this month’s abruptly-concluded meeting, and Alemán said, “I have concluded that the prospect of working within the current political climate is untenable.” (Miami Herald)
“Disturbing” talk. That’s how Miami-Dade’s NAACP chapter describes Miami police captain Javier Ortiz’s claim that he is a “black male.” The comment was made during a recent city commission meeting and it comes after Miami’s black police officers union called for punishment for Ortiz who, according to union members, identified as Hispanic on official paperwork and then later changed that designation when he was up for promotions. (Miami New Times, The Miami Times)
More media union news. After the employees of the Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald successfully unionized late last year, another local media company is following suit. The Miami New Times, along with the Phoenix New Times, have formed the Voice Media Guild, and they’re looking to be voluntarily recognized by the Voice Media Group. (Miami Herald)
Putting a stop to suspensions? There are two bills in the state Legislature that would end the state’s practice of suspending a driver’s license when the driver can’t pay court fees, fines, or other traffic tickets. The proposal would establish a payment plan system that charges a driver either 2 percent of their monthly income or $10 a month, depending on which number is higher. (Tampa Bay Times)
Get down with the kids
This Sunday we’re hosting a morning yoga session with baby goats! Students from the FIU Pre-Vet program will be with us to wrangle the cute goats as you get your downward dog on. To join us for a stretch and a smile, click here.
What’s up in Miami Gardens
We recently asked you to vote for one of three questions on Miami Gardens that we’ll answer for our latest neighborhood spotlight. And the winner is …
“When did Miami Gardens become a predominantly black neighborhood?”
That question from Stephanie Wong won with about 53 percent of the vote! We’ll work on getting an answer and report back in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. Thanks again to everyone who asked questions, and to all of you who voted!
Today
🎶 Catch Sammy Rae and friends live at Gramps (Wynwood)
🎨 Watch a screening of "PARACAS," a 3D animation of a 2000-year-old Peruvian textile, and a presentation on shamanism (North Miami)
Tomorrow
🤣 Giggle at this comedy night at Mr. Wright's Gold Digger Saloon (Wynwood)
🗣️ Take an Art Deco walking tour with the Miami Design Preservation League (South Beach)
😋 Learn to make gourmet pizza with local ingredients at this class (Miami Beach)
Friday
🎶 Catch Black Lips live at their record release show at the Ground with Plastic Pinks (Downtown)
🎥 Lay on a blanket and watch a screening of "In the Steps of Trisha Brown" at Soundscape Park (South Beach)
🎶 Immersive yourself in a live sound bath performed with crystal bowls (Coral Gables)
Saturday
🍕 Join us at the inaugural Taste of West Kendall, a food festival that celebrates and supports restaurants in the greater Kendall area. (West Kendall) (Partner)
🤝 Volunteer to raise awareness of human trafficking with the YMCA (Downtown)
🎶 Shop some vinyl at the Miami Record Fair (Wynwood)
🎶 Groove to Puerto Rican soul at Honey (Allapattah)
Sunday
🎷 Celebrate two years of Technique Records with live jazz and more (Upper East Side)
🎨 Come see GRAMMY winners Roomful of Teeth in their Miami debut at Faena in a show inspired by the work of artist Diego Gutierrez! Seating Limited! RSVP Today! (Sponsor)
🐐 Get your namaste on with goats at Goat Yoga (West Kendall) (Partner)
🎶 See GRAMMY winners Roomful of Teeth in a performance inspired by the work of Oolite Arts resident artist Diego Gutierrez at Faena Theater! Seating Limited! RSVP Today! (Sponsor)
Monday
🗣️ Meet author Edwidge Danticat at a reading and discussion of her book, "Brother, I'm Dying" (Coral Gables)
💆♀️ Bliss out at this yoga class for mental wellness (Coconut Grove)
🎨 Learn to paint watercolors at this class series at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (Coral Gables)
Tuesday
🎨 Slow down and spend some quality time with art at the Lowe at this mindful looking session (Coral Gables)
🗣️ Sit in on a conversation between Sonia Sotomayor and Gloria Estefan at this book reading and signing event (Coral Gables)
🐶 Bring your dog to this Canine Film Festival screening of "Dolittle" (Downtown)
One more thing...
We may joke about things like the threat of falling iguanas because of the cold weather, but we really do hope that you all are taking the chilly temperatures seriously. There’s a wind chill advisory in effect until 9 p.m. tonight and if you feel the need to turn a heater on, be sure to follow these tips from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue on how to be safe about it.
Stay warm and we’ll see ya tomorrow, Miami.
— The New Tropic