Excitement is permeating the Lauderhill air as the date draws closer for Jamaica’s 64th Independence celebration, which is being packaged as “an unforgettable evening of culture, music, and national pride”.  The event, scheduled for Saturday, August 8, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in Florida, is being organised by Lauderhill Mayor Denise D. Grant and Commissioner John T. Hodgson – both Jamaica-born – and their dedicated team.Jamaica is known internationally for its rich musical heritage, and the entertainment offering is an affirmation of that legacy. Headliners are the Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths, alongside the King of Dancehall, Beenie Man; singer and multiinstrumentalist Mikey Spice; 2009 Digicel Rising Stars winner Shuga; Empress Uneek; and Mical Rustle Mustle, who are all eager to showcase the enduring sounds and vibrant spirit of Jamaican music.“Expect nothing but love and happiness on stage,” Beenie Man promised, adding that “it is very important to put a spotlight on the different eras and the various genres because Jamaican music and its musicians and artistes have always been very diverse.”Mayor Grant told The Gleaner how significant it is to host this Jamaican Independence celebration in Lauderhill. She explained that Lauderhill is home to one of the largest Jamaican Diaspora communities in the United States. “This celebration is more than an event. It is cultural pride, identity, and expression for thousands of residents who carry Jamaica in their hearts. Co-hosting with my colleague, Commissioner John T. Hodgson, means we honour our heritage wherever we are. I’m grateful that we get to do it together, right here in Lauderhill,” Grant said.Getting into actual figures, the mayor shared that Lauderhill is a city of 75,000 residents, and Jamaicans make up 27 per cent of the population, which works out to be more that 20,000 strong. Grant emphasised that “this  is not just a number”. “That is a community with deep roots, economic power, and cultural influence. When Lauderhill celebrates Jamaica, we celebrate who we are. This celebration fosters unity, togetherness, and patriotism at a time when the world needs it most. It reminds us that culture is our anchor in times of upheaval,” Mayor Grant said with passion.Last year, Rastafarian crooner Sizzla Kalonji headlined the event, titled Solid As A Rock, at the same venue. It also included a ceremony where he was presented with the Key to the City. Sizzla was supported by Etana, Lady G, and Admiral Tibet. In choosing performers for this celebration, Grant explained that she was guided by considerations of legacy and future.“This line-up honours every era … roots, reggae, and dancehall. Because Jamaican music is diverse, our stage must reflect that diversity,” Grant said.This year, Grant and her team will continue the tradition of honouring those who uplift community and culture, recognising leaders, pioneers, and cultural ambassadors who embody the spirit of Jamaica. “Official proclamations and honours will be part of the evening because Independence is about honouring the past as we celebrate the future,” Grant said.She added: “This is a purposeful event, rooted in duty. Commissioner John T. Hodgson and I understand what Independence means to our people. It is our responsibility to give our constituents the opportunity to celebrate, to remember, and to pass that pride to the next generation.” And, what is Mayor Grant looking forward to most? “That moment when the music starts, the flags rise, and 75,000 residents feel like they’re home,” Grant said. yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com