City of North Miami to Host “Bridging of Two Cultures” Honoring His Majesty King Gbaguidi XV of Savalou
NORTH MIAMI, FL (November 10, 2025)
North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme, Ed.D., and the City of North Miami will host Bridging of Two Cultures, an exclusive welcome reception honoring His Majesty Dadah Ganfon Gangnihoun Gbaguidi XV, King of Savalou. The reception, a rare and special event, will take place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 770 NE 125th Street, North Miami, FL 33161. This is an invite-only event.
The evening will be a celebration of the historical and cultural connections between North Miami and the Kingdom of Savalou, located in the Republic of Benin, West Africa. It will highlight the City’s ongoing efforts to embrace diversity, a key aspect of our community, honor African heritage, and strengthen international cultural ties.
“The City of North Miami is proud to welcome His Majesty King Gbaguidi XV to South Florida. His visit is a powerful reminder of our shared heritage, our cultural strength, and the deep ancestral ties that connect North Miami to the Kingdom of Savalou,” said Mayor Alix Desulme, Ed.D. Guests at the reception will be part of an evening of cultural exchange, art, and community fellowship, a testament to the rich traditions that unite both regions. This is an opportunity to be part of a larger community and celebrate our shared heritage.
Following the private reception, a fundraising gala honoring His Majesty King Gbaguidi XV will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Florida International University Kovens Conference Center, 3000 NE 151 St, North Miami, FL 33181. This gala is open to the public and will feature cultural performances, fine dining, and opportunities to support initiatives that strengthen ties between our community and Savalou. The dress code for the gala is formal attire and the dress code for the reception is elegant African attire.
For more information, please contact the City of North Miami Office of the Mayor and Council at (305) 895-9818 or visit www.NorthMiamiFL.gov.
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Media Contact
Stephanie Zenon, Communications Manager
305-893-6511, Ext. 12152
szenon@northmiamifl.gov
About the City of North Miami
North Miami is a suburban city located in northeast Miami-Dade County, Florida. It is roughly 10 miles (16 km) north of Miami. The city lies on Biscayne Bay which surrounds the Biscayne Bay Campus of Florida International University. North Miami is home to a diverse demographic of residents. With more than 64,000 residents, North Miami is the sixth largest city in Miami-Dade County. We are home to the Oleta River State Park; the largest urban park in the Florida State Park System and the nationally accredited Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA North Miami).