Staff Report

MIAMI, Fla. – Urgent Inc. will kick off Women’s History Month with the second annual “This Woman’s Work” event on Friday, March 3 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Historic Ward Rooming House Gallery, 249 NW 9 Street in Miami. The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, go to www.urgentinc.org. The event is sponsored by The Children’s Trust and neighborhood partner Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc.

Urgent, Inc.’s Rites of Passage Youth Media Project and FACE (Film, Arts, Coding & Entrepreneurship) Programs have joined together to recognize and honor women, men and young ladies who set an example for youth because they serve as community heroes. The event will showcase spoken word, a photography exhibit and artistic presentations from youth and special guests.

Board Chair of The Black Archives and granddaughter of Overtown’s earliest pioneer Patricia Braynon; Miami Times Editor Carolyn Guniss; and Suited for Success Executive Director Sonia Jacobson among others will be featured in either a photography exhibition or the poetry and spoken word performances.

Additionally, Urgent, Inc. extends its highest honor, the “Bronze Bra” Award to Eileen Cooglan, President/CEO of Allegany Franciscan Ministries; Dr. Marie Guerda Nicolas, Professor at the University of Miami; Andrea Fleming, Overtown resident; Magalie Gabriel, Urgent, Inc. Alumni; and organizations including the Dade County Bar Association Horizon Committee and the Circle of Brotherhood. The youth honoree will be MiamiDade County Youth Commissioner Shaunteria Guerrier.

“Wow! The Bronze Bra, I love it. I’m so honored by this and I hope that I and Allegany can live up to it,” said a surprised Coogan who learned that the “Bronze Bra” Award signifies those who have shown support, provided direction and served to uplift the community.

“Daily, we aspire to innovate, grow and transform our youth so they are inspired to transform their community. But, we can’t do it alone. Our success depends on the support of community partners and those as passionate as we are. This is one of the many ways we like to say thanks to our partners in service,” said Saliha Nelson, Urgent, Inc.’s Vice President and Executive Director.

“I learned so much while in Urgent, Inc.’s Rites of Passage program. Now that I’m an alumnus, I stay involved helping others who remind me of myself. I want them to have the same great experiences I did,” noted Gabriel “I’m delighted my efforts were noticed. I’ll continue to serve my community every chance I get.”