Remembering Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen
Tributes poured in for Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, who was found dead in her home Wednesday, with political peers, nonprofit leaders and others who knew her describing her as a “good heart” and strong advocate for her constituents.
Bowen, 38, was the city’s first Black and Haitian-American woman elected commissioner and received several awards connected to her political and environmental science careers, including the Top 20 under 40 by the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce, the United Nations Clean Water Advocacy Award and induction into the CLEO Institute.
Before her death, she was expected to announce a bid for Congressional District 20 held by Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. Bowen’s death is a loss for the Haitian American community for which she fiercely advocated.
A vigil is being held in her honor at 7 p.m. the Coral Springs City Hall at 9500 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs. Read more about her and other stories in this week’s newsletter.
Need to know:
Trump says his Miami presidential library tower will probably have a hotel, too
Supreme Court weighs Trump administration bid to end birthright citizenship
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INSIDE THE 305:
‘She was a beacon.’ Nancy Metayer Bowen remembered as a champion for Haitians
Nancy Metayer Bowen was a politically-ambitious trailblazer for a new generation of Haitian Americans in South Florida before her tragic death, which is being criminally investigated, was announced Wednesday.
‘Completely shocked’: Broward high school students treated to a free prom
![Senior class council from left to right: Jaden Turner, president, Amaya Henry, vice president, Jayli Exceus-Asante, secretary, and Jayla Huntley-Murphy, treasurer, react to hearing that prom tickets will be free for students during a ceremony with the senior class announcing that Becca’s Closet and Macy’s donated $65,000 so that prom would be free for students on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Nova High School in Davie, Fla. “I’ve been president since sophomore year, and it made me feel relieved [that] I had this weight lifted off my shoulders. I’m just grateful that everyone will get to experience something as big as prom,” said Turner. “The money from our balance is split between the remaining classes so it will continue to help in years to come.”](https://www.miamiherald.com/public/latest-news/t5b6jh/picture315199820/alternates/FREE_1200/Beccas%20Closet%20AGS%20106%20.jpg "Beccas Closet AGS 106 .jpg")
Nova High’s prom was fully paid for thanks to a partnership between Becca’s Closet, a nonprofit, and Macy’s.
Gospel concert hosted by Liberty City nonprofit honors MLK’s legacy
The Reclaim the Dream Candlelight Memorial and Gospel Concert event, held during the week of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, mobilizes Miami’s community leaders while honoring King’s legacy.
OUTSIDE THE 305:
Brandy gets star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Our favorite Cinderella, Brandy, received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week. She also released her memoir, “Phases,” and has described it as healing the little girl she once was.
HIGH CULTURE:
Martin Luther King Jr.’s only granddaughter has cotillion debut
At 17, Yolanda Renee King is already a children’s book author and has carved her path in her grandfather’s legacy. This past weekend, she stepped into womanhood during the Ivy Community Foundation Pink Cultured Pearls Cotillion. For young Black girls, cotillions and debutante balls are more than just a coming of age ceremony. They also challenge people’s assumptions about Black people. A recent article in The British Journal of Photography dives into the cotillion and debutante ball history and culture.