Community Uplift in Full Color

Dr. Lisa’s Coloring Book Café and The Ken Roland Project – Downbeats at Sunset, Inspire, Heal and Unite

 By Staff Writer Lt. Ken Roland

   FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Over the course of four powerful evenings, the Downbeats at Sunset series, hosted at the Destination Sistrunk Cultural Center, became one of Fort Lauderdale’s most heartfelt gatherings—blending culture, art, music, food, and community uplift. Partnering with Dr. Lisa’s Coloring Book Café, this free public offering, created and curated by Artist in Residence Lt. Ken Roland, transformed into a grassroots movement rooted in healing and celebration.

    Every month on the 1st Thursdays brought something new. Together, these events served as a testament to the spirit, creativity, and resilience of the 954. All four events were digitally recorded by renowned videographer and Director Gregory Roland, owner of GRP Studio Productions.

March 6th Event One: Quiet Coloring and the Spark of Something Special

The kickoff was an intimate affair, welcoming around 40 attendees who nestled along the room’s edges, quietly coloring and soaking in the music. The ambience was tranquil and reflective, with complimentary drinks and chips setting a simple yet warm tone.

     In that stillness, a realization emerged. “We can feed more than the soul we can feed the people, and feed our community economy,” said Dr. Miriam Lisa Baxter, known to many simply as Dr. Lisa. This reflection led to a purposeful pivot—bringing local culinary entrepreneurs into the spotlight.

April 3rd Event Two: Flavor and Fellowship with Alice’s Kitchen

The second gathering welcomed the soulful flavors of Alice Jackson Dudley, affectionately known as Alice’s Kitchen. Guests were treated to down-home dishes like collard greens and macaroni and cheese flavors born from generations of tradition on Sistrunk Boulevard. The free meal wasn’t just food it was a gesture of love and dignity, offering nourishment while promoting local business.

May 1st Event Three: Caribbean Pride – Salute to Haitian Independence

       The third event radiated tropical energy as Downbeats at Sunset honored Haitian Independence Day. The air came alive with the joyful steel drum sounds of Eddy “Easy E from NYC” Martinez, who volunteered his time and talent to provide the musical backdrop. Attendees were encouraged to hire him for future celebrations, a true gift from the community to the community.

The night honored Haitian leaders and changemakers:

• Samson Borgelin, first Haitian elected Mayor of North Lauderdale,
• Judge Florence Taylor Barner, U.S. District Court Judge,
• Dr. Ronda LeBlanc of Ronda’s Eyes, awarded for restoring sight to thousands in Haiti, The Bahamas, and beyond—always free of charge.

Closing out the evening was local artist Davidson Pierre, a.k.a. Black Dada, who brought down the house with his explosive performance of “I’m a Zoe” a proud anthem of Haitian identity.

June 5th Event Four: The Talented Ten – A Grand Finale of Unsung Heroes

    The final installment of the series delivered a powerful crescendo, celebrating the Talented Ten Awards a recognition of Unsung Heroes and Voices of the Community.

Opening the night, Fort Lauderdale District 3 Commissioner Dr. Pamela Beasley-Pittman welcomed the crowd and received the first award. She challenged everyone to spread the word: “Tell your friends what’s happening here at Destination Sistrunk with Downbeats at Sunset and Dr. Lisa’s Coloring Book Café. This is our space.”

Food samples were provided by two local culinary heroes:

• Ken’s Conch & Souse Man and Steve Henry’s BBQ Express serving up savory ribs and chicken straight from the grill.

    The evening paid homage to the everyday voices who fill our airwaves with strength and soul: Rodney Baltimore, Shelby Rushin, Alex “Big Lip” Chisholm, and Sylvester “Chico the Virgo” Wesley, all of Cox Media Group.

Jerry “White Shoes” Adams of WEXY 1520 AM was also honored as a community radio mainstay.

Alice Jackson Dudley received special recognition not only for her cooking but for her unsung work feeding the homeless quietly serving those whose voices too often go unheard.

The legacy of aquatic safety was honored in Mr. Billy Tukes, a longtime swim instructor and lifeguard at the Black Beach who taught generations of children how to swim.

    The Black Sheep Women’ s Motorcycle Club was given an award for their amazing accomplishments in helping the community. Their back to school give away is legendary!

A particularly moving tribute was given to Mr. Robert Payne, who in 1966 became the first Black man on the Fort Lauderdale Beach Patrol making him the first Black lifeguard on a white patrol along the entire East Coast of the United States. His courage carved the path for others.

The Soulful voice of local recording artists William “Kooly” Scott graced the stage with two of his songs that have achieved top 100 status in Europe and the Far East. Starting his song from behind the audience and strolling around made for an incredible entrance amazingly bedazzled them with style and grace!

And finally, Mr. Bobby Rossano Henry Sr., publisher of The Westside Gazette, received the closing award of the evening. But his contribution didn’t stop at acceptance. Mr. Henry brought his YouTube TV show – The 2 Minute Warning, under The Westside Gazette Newspaper banner to document and highlight the magic happening at Destination Sistrunk. Through his lens, the power of Ken Roland Project – Downbeats at Sunset featuring Dr. Lisa‘s coloring book Café, reached even further—amplifying the message and mission of community celebration and healing.

      In a public letter of thanks, Dr. Lisa shared: “Each event had its own personality, its own vibe, and a unique energy—because of YOU. We keep it free as a gift to the community. Because sometimes, you just need a break. A moment to breathe. To reflect. To create.”

     She ended with heartfelt words for Lt. Ken Roland: “You didn’t have to choose me. But even through your own trauma, pain, and sacrifice—which I’ve witnessed—you still found the grace to reach back, pull up, and elevate us all. As Lt. Roland said in one of his favorite quote “When the water rises, all boats rise…And rise we did.”

Stay connected. The journey has just begun.

For future events and community updates, visit Destination Sistrunk Cultural Center, 1033 NW 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL, or follow online.

Let’s make a difference in someone’s life today!