Members of the Grammy-winning group Morgan Heritage and media personality and attorney-at-law Khadine ‘Miss Kitty’ Hylton were recipients of keys to the City of Tamarac and Congressional Proclamation recognising their achievements and dedication to promoting Caribbean culture.

The presentations took place on Saturday night during the City of Tamarac’s first-ever Yard on the Lawn Music Festival, a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage, which, according to the organisers in a release sent to Observer Online, “drew in thousands of attendees from across Florida.”

The event, championed by Commissioner Marlon Bolton, was reportedly a success, and it featured performances by several acts, including Morgan Heritage and Orale Johnson.

The highlight of the evening came when Commissioner Bolton presented Morgan Heritage and Miss Kitty with the Key to the City of Tamarac, a prestigious honour bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. Additionally, U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus McCormick presented a Congressional Proclamation, recognising their outstanding achievements and dedication to promoting Caribbean culture.

Khadine ‘Miss Kitty’ Hylton reacts after she received her Key to the City of Tamarac

“We are proud to honor Morgan Heritage and Miss Kitty for their tireless efforts in promoting and preserving Caribbean culture and heritage,” said Bolton. “Their contributions have not only enriched our community but have also inspired a new generation of artists and cultural enthusiasts. Today, we celebrate their achievements and acknowledge the impact they have had on our city.”

McCormick echoed Commissioner Bolton’s sentiments, stating, “Morgan Heritage and Miss Kitty are true ambassadors of Caribbean culture, and their work deserves recognition at the highest level. By presenting them with a Congressional Proclamation, we are inserting their names into the records of the United States Congress, and each is welcomed to Washington anytime. We look forward to seeing their continued success and contributions to our community.”

Mojo Morgan of Morgan Heritage said the event kicked off the group’s world tour, Morgan Heritage 2.0, and it featured their sister Una, who is back on the road with the group after a ten-year absence.

“It was a little emotional, it was very reassuring, and it was very joyful. Our hearts were filled, in addition to having Una back on the road after ten years of not touring with the group, and to receive the honour from the Congress of the Unted States government, and the key to the city of Tamarac by Marlon Bolton, it was just a message to tell us that all the work that we have done, the legacy that we have built with our brother Peter, was not for nothing and we must continue the legacy. We look forward to seeing all the fans as we trod the journey,” Mojo told Observer Online.

A section of the crowd in attendance at the Yard on the Lawn Music Festival in Tamarac, Florida

The group’s tour will be making stops in Italy, Germany and Switzerland along their European trek. The Yard on the Lawn Music Festival, according to the organisers, was a testament to the power of music and culture to bring people together. The event featured a diverse lineup of performers, including Orale Johnson, who paid tribute to the legendary Bob Marley and Freddie McGregor. Johnson’s energetic performance had the crowd on their feet, dancing to the rhythms of classic reggae hits.

The festival’s success can be attributed to Commissioner Bolton’s vision and leadership. As the driving force behind the event, he emphasised the importance of celebrating people and culture, stating, “We wanted to create an event that would showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean and bring our community together. We’re thrilled with the response and look forward to making this an annual event.”

The Key to the City and Congressional Proclamation ceremony was a surprise highlight of the evening, with Morgan Heritage and Miss Kitty visibly moved by the recognition. As they accepted the honors, they expressed their gratitude to the City of Tamarac, Commissioner Bolton, and Congresswoman McCormick for acknowledging their contributions.

The Yard on the Lawn Music Festival marked a significant milestone in Tamarac’s cultural calendar, and its success has set the stage for future events celebrating Caribbean culture and heritage.

– Kevin Jackson