Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler
A fearless public servant, educator and cultural champion, Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler’s groundbreaking achievements have helped transform our region. In 1979, she joined the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners - the first Black woman on the Board. She was instrumental in making Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a holiday in Miami-Dade County, before it was a federal holiday. Dr. Carey-Shuler’s legendary advocacy for the arts on the Dais, resulted in stronger support for the cultural community, especially as Commission Chair from 2002 to 2004. Moreover, artists and cultural groups knew they could count on her for support. She secured funding for the Virginia Key Beach Park Civil Rights Museum; supported The Black Archives’ restoration of The Historic Lyric Theater in Overtown; and helped save The Historic Hampton House Hotel. She skillfully steered the Performing Arts Center through a difficult period and her extraordinary efforts and visionary leadership contributed to establishing the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County. Passionate about preserving the culture and history of Miami-Dade’s residents, the former Commission Chair launched innovative arts programs celebrating our rich diversity, including Music Fest Miami, which featured artists such as Isaac Hayes; Earth, Wind and Fire; Arturo Sandoval and Patti LaBelle. She inspired others with her commitment to improving the community and quality of life of our residents through the arts and education. She was honored for the Heart of the City Cultural Arts Series, received the 2023 Presidential Award and the President Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award, along with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award medals. After a lifetime of public service in South Florida, Dr. Carey-Shuler continues to, as said by Maya Angelou, weave new threads into the colorful tapestry of her legacy.