Miami Lighthouse White Cane Day march raises awareness about safety laws
Miami Lighthouse celebrated its 95th anniversary on White Cane Day with a walk down a section of Southwest Eighth Street in Little Havana. The goal: to raise awareness about the importance of White Cane Safety Laws.
A National Day of Observance established by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964, White Cane Day on Oct. 15 also honors the many achievements of the blind and visually impaired.
More than 150 participants were escorted by the Miami fire and police departments, and led by Grand Marshals Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia, Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez, and mascots Billy the Marlin and Miami Kids Magazine’s Sharky. The walk spanned from Miami Lighthouse at 601 SW Eighth Ave., down a portion of Calle Ocho, and back.
“Raising awareness about White Cane Safety Laws is the reason President Johnson established White Cane Day, and it is fitting that Miami Lighthouse celebrates its 95th Anniversary today to spread the word about the importance of White Cane safety,” said Virginia Jacko, president and CEO of Miami Lighthouse. To learn more, visit www.miamilighthouse.org
MDC professor awarded fellowship
Miami Dade College Professor Billy Oliver has been selected as one of 18 educators nationwide to receive the prestigious Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship from the Television Academy Foundation.
Oliver, a two-time endowed teaching chair and distinguished faculty member in the School of Entertainment & Design Technology, has dedicated over 26 years to inspiring students.
The honor recognizes outstanding media educators who are making a lasting impact on the next generation of storytellers and television professionals.
“Professor Oliver embodies Miami Dade College’s spirit of innovation and excellence,” said Fermín Vázquez, president of MDC North Campus. “His selection as an Alex Trebek Legacy Fellow not only celebrates his extraordinary dedication to student success but also shines a national spotlight on the caliber of our talented faculty and innovative programs.”
Barry Gordon, chair of SEDT, said Oliver’s impact on media education at MDC has been transformative.
“This fellowship is a fitting recognition of his leadership, creativity, and commitment to ensuring our students have access to industry-standard experiences that prepare them for thriving careers in television and digital production,” Gordon said.
The Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship has a mission to support faculty from minority-serving institutions and community colleges, and bridge the gap between academia and the entertainment industry. More about the School of Entertainment & Design Technology at www.mdc.edu/sedt.
Fund for students with disabilities
The Supreme Twins Foundation is now partnering with Miami Dade College to ensure that every young adult, regardless of ability, has access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive independently.
At the Foundation’s Inaugural Celebration, founders Ilieva and Miguel Valdés announced a $60,000 scholarship fund in partnership with Miami Dade College’s ACCESS Program. They are parents of twin daughters with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that could affect body and behavior
The scholarship fund will provide $20,000 per year for three years, supporting 10 students annually with awards of $2,000 each to help cover tuition and related educational expenses.
Eligible applicants who demonstrate financial need include students enrolled in the ACCESS Program at any of Miami Dade College’s eight campuses. The selection process will be overseen by Miami Dade College’s Financial Aid Department, and the first scholarships are expected to be awarded during the Spring 2026 semester.
The mission is to remove financial barriers and open doors to higher education for students with disabilities who are aging out of the school system.
“Our dream has always been to help families like ours find hope, opportunity, and the support they need to see their children thrive,” said Ilieva Valdés, co-founder of the Supreme Twins Foundation. “Through this partnership with Miami Dade College, we’re not only investing in education - we’re investing in independence, confidence, and the future of our community.”
Visit www.supremetwins.org and www.mdc.edu/access for more.
200 free Christmas trees
In a partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, Florida Power & Light will give away 200 five-foot Christmas trees, and LED energy-efficient tree lights, to local residents on a first-come, first-served basis.
The line opens at 4 p.m., Dec. 2. The event is from 5 to 7 p.m. at 2805 SW 32nd Ave. in Miami.
FPL representatives will also be there to share tips and resources to help customers keep their bills as low as possible with simple energy-efficient changes.
If you don’t manage to get a free tree, you can check out the Christmas trees, poinsettias and wreaths at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade holiday tree lot. Proceeds benefit crucial programs and services. More at www.bgcmia.org
Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.
This story was originally published November 26, 2025 at 11:42 AM.