Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration presented by JM Family Enterprises, Inc.
Key Note Speaker
Judge Ilona M. Holmes, retired
Judge Ilona Holmes was a judge in Broward County, Florida for 24 years before retiring on December 31, 2018. She was appointed to the county court in 1995 and in 1998 she was appointed to the circuit bench serving in the criminal division of the Broward Circuit Court from 1998 to 2003. She served in the circuit civil division of the court from 2003-2005. Judge Holmes returned to the criminal division in 2005. She served as the administrative judge for the criminal division from 2008 until 2010. She has also served as an associate judge on the Fourth District Court of Appeals. Prior to taking the bench she served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida (1991-1995) and as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County, Florida (1982-1984; 1987-1991).
Judge Holmes attended Stetson University and graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Judge Holmes also attended Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University taking courses toward a doctorate in public administration.
She has taught at the University of Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University, St. Thomas School of Law, Florida’s New Judges College, Florida International University, and the University of Mississippi through the National Center for Justice and the Rule of Law and the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada.
Judge Holmes was elected to the National Judicial College's Faculty Council in 2018. She served as the Secretary of the Council and the chair-elect. In January 2021 she became the Chair of the Faculty Council and will serve in that capacity until January 2022 In March 2021, she was appointed to the Florida Judicial Nominating Conference by Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. She was elected chair of the conference.
Judge Holmes is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and is a life member of the NAACP. She continues to serve on numerous boards and committees. She continues to teach for the Florida court education system and for the National Judicial College. Judge Holmes has received many accolades and awards and was inducted into the Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame in March 2010.
MEET OUR ENTERTAINERS
Markus Howell is a New York City based saxophonist, composer and educator from Deerfield Beach, Florida. Markus is a current member of the legendary Count Basie Orchestra with whom he tours with frequently across the world. He is an alumnus of Michigan State University with both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Jazz Studies. Markus is currently an adjunct faculty member in the Jazz Department working with high school students at The Calhoun School in New York City. He has performed and/or recorded with top leaders on their respectful instruments and voices including Rodney Whitaker, Carmen Bradford, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Karen Clark Sheard. Markus has also performed at festivals and venues such as Yoshi’s Jazz Club (Oakland, California), Blue Note Tokyo (Japan), Detroit Jazz Festival (Detroit, MI),American Airlines Arena (Miami, FL), John F. Kennedy Center for The Performing Arts (Washington D.C.) and Birdland Jazz Club (New York City). In 2019, Markus released his debut album as a leader entitled “Get Right!” with Posi-Tone Records. Markus Howell was named the City of Deerfield Beach’s Ambassador of Jazz and strives to impact the world in a positive way through his gift of music.
Adrian Wilson & Urban Jazz is a band that plays a blend of Jazz, RnB and Soulful music. Considered a specialty band that performs at the most exclusive, and upscale events across the state. With electrifying vocalist and gifted musicians there sound is unmatched. This band been compared to artist such as Anthony Hamilton, John Legend, and PJ Morton. Their slogan speaks volumes “When your event matters the most, give Adrian a call”. Whether it’s a wedding or annual corporate function this band delivers every time. Sit back and experience the smooth sounds of Adrian Wilson & Urban Jazz.
Carless Vibes is a vocal group from Miami, FL that loves to sing, dance and harmonize together. Careless Vibes has performed in many places including: Good Morning Washington, NAACP Convention, McDonald's Magic City Classic and the Future Foundation in Atlanta Georgia. They can get any crowd singing and dancing all night long with their rich repertoire of Motown favorites, modern pop hits, R&B, hip hop and ballads. The young group is sure to fascinate you with their sweet harmonies, high vocal abilities, their dancing skills and their beautiful smile. Careless Vibes is currently performing and using their God given gifts and is available to entertain at your event.
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