Plantation, Florida – The vibrant spirit of Caribbean culture converged with a vital mission of solidarity at the recent Island SPACE Rum Cake and Black Cake Festival. Held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Volunteer Park, the annual event served a dual purpose: celebrating cherished culinary traditions while simultaneously channeling much-needed support to Jamaica in the wake of devastating Hurricane Melissa. Hundreds gathered to partake in the festivities, underscoring the deep-rooted connection between cultural celebration and community support within the Caribbean diaspora.
The Catastrophic Impact of Hurricane Melissa
Just weeks prior to the festival, Jamaica bore the brunt of Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 5 storm that etched its name into the island’s history as its strongest and costliest. The hurricane unleashed widespread destruction, causing catastrophic damage, severe flooding, and deadly landslides across the island. Initial estimates from the World Bank placed the physical damage at a staggering US$8.8 billion, a figure equivalent to 41% of Jamaica’s 2024 GDP, making it the most expensive storm ever recorded on the island. Tragically, the storm claimed the lives of at least 45 individuals, with nearly 1.6 million people affected and a significant portion of homes and infrastructure sustaining damage or complete destruction. The devastation left many communities isolated and struggling to meet basic needs, highlighting an urgent call for humanitarian aid.
A Festival with a Heart for Relief
In response to this immense crisis, the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, in collaboration with the Caribbean Professionals Network, transformed its annual Rum Cake and Black Cake Festival into a significant relief effort. This beloved event, a cornerstone for celebrating Caribbean heritage, took on a profound significance this year by focusing its energy on supporting Jamaica’s recovery. Traditional rum cakes and the iconic black cake—a dark, spiced fruitcake cherished across English-speaking Caribbean islands—were at the heart of the celebration, offering a taste of home and a symbol of resilience.
Beyond the delectable cake tastings and the curated Rum Room experience, the festival actively functioned as a hub for aid. Organizers pledged a portion of the event’s proceeds to aid hurricane relief efforts, ensuring that the celebrations directly contributed to rebuilding lives and infrastructure. Furthermore, the festival grounds served as a crucial drop-off location for essential supplies. Attendees were encouraged to bring newly purchased cases of canned goods, hygiene and sanitary products, and baby supplies, which Island SPACE committed to delivering to reliable operational partners working on the ground in Jamaica.
Fostering Unity and Cultural Preservation
Figures like Calibe Thompson, co-founder and executive director of Island SPACE, emphasized the event’s role in fostering unity and providing hope during a difficult period for many. “With so many in our Caribbean family impacted by recent hurricanes,” Thompson stated, “we’re turning this celebration into an opportunity to give back”. Bakers from various Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, showcased their culinary artistry, highlighting the rich tapestry of Caribbean culture. Attendees, many with family members directly affected by Hurricane Melissa, found solace and strength in community, sharing stories and offering support. Miko Atkinson, a baker from Jamaica, remarked on the importance of collective action, stating, “It’s good to see the islands come together—not just on TV but here in Broward County”.
The Island SPACE Rum Cake and Black Cake Festival exemplifies how cultural events can transcend mere entertainment, serving as powerful platforms for humanitarian action. This news highlights the resilience of the Caribbean community and its commitment to supporting one another, even in the face of widespread disaster, ensuring that cultural heritage and mutual aid go hand-in-hand.