The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce marked a major milestone with its 20th Annual Holiday Gala, an evening that combined elegance, legacy, and a powerful celebration of Black business in South Florida. The acclaimed holiday celebration united business owners, community leaders, and elected officials, including Mayor Danielle Levine Cava, who shared her enthusiasm for the chamber.
“Miami-Dade Chamber rocks! They have the most fun events, and the people come with great enthusiasm. The organization is doing incredible things for Black-owned businesses,” stated Mayor Cava.
Members gathered in festive style with donated toys, celebrating not only the holiday season but also the impact of the chamber, paying tribute to those whose work continues to shape and uplift the community. In honor of the 2025 theme, the year of engagement, the chamber launched a three-month business opportunity and contest, The Golden Mission, awarding the member with the most engagement with $5,000 and the second runner up with a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Hip hop artist Flo Rida put on an exhilarating show, drawing attendees to the dance floor in true Miami fashion. In addition to a vibrant performance, Flo Rida was honored with the inaugural Betty T. Wright Community Icon award, an homage to his extensive philanthropic contributions. Additional South Florida stars were honored for their extensive work and success, ranging across diverse areas, including law, education, business, and philanthropy.
Community leader Broadway Cuthbert Harewood, recipient of the Jason Jenkins Unsung Heroes award, reflected on the achievement, stating,
“Thank you for recognizing my work. I’m grateful. But true gratitude is shown through action, and my community is still waiting for the support it deserves. I hope tonight marks the beginning of real change.”
Senior partner of Holland & Knight, Marilyn Holifield, J.D., was honored with the Distinguished Service Award, while Miami-Dade school board member Dr. Steve Gallon III received the Garth C. Reeves, Sr. Citizen of the Year Award.
Dr. Martin Dunn, professor emeritus and founder of the Miami Center for Racial Justice, was awarded the H.T. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award, the result of a lifelong career dedicated to education and civic engagement.
Young entrepreneurial talent was recognized as well, with Donahue Peebles III, Executive Vice President of the Peebles Foundation, winning the David Fincher Young Innovator Award.
“It means a lot to be recognized alongside so many extraordinarily accomplished honorees. It provides me with a measure of hope that I can carry the torch forward,” stated Peebles.
As we approach 2026, the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce plans to continue creating pathways for business owners to thrive in South Florida, including upcoming events such as the May 1, 2026, procurement symposium.
“Moving into the new year, the chamber will continue to engage and provide support-each one bring one,” stated Miami-Dade Chamber President G. Eric Knowles, encouraging membership with the chamber.
The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce’s 20th Annual Holiday Gala was more than a celebration; it was a powerful reminder of the chamber’s ongoing commitment to advocacy, opportunity, and economic empowerment.
See event gallery here
