MIRAMAR – Nobel Laureate, Derek Walcott and Professor Emeritus Rex Nettleford are among the Caribbean legends to be honored at the first Commemorative Gala, to be held this Thursday (June 18) at the Miramar Cultural Center, as Caribbean American Heritage month activities continue throughout South Florida.
Five legends will be honored for their contributions to the development of Caribbean culture in the USA and will also include Belizean author, Zee Edgell. Two awards will be presented posthumously, Jamaican radio personality, Mr. Clint Oneil (1944-2004) who pioneered reggae music on the South Florida airwaves and Trinidian, Mr. Selman Lewis, (1948-2008), former executive of the Miami Carnival, Incorporated, also one of the founders of Caribbean Carnival in South Florida.
Under the patronage of the Caribbean Consular Corp in South Florida, the event which forms part of the weekend activities of the Caribbean-American Multi-cultural Extravaganza, is coordinated by the Caribbean American Heritage Foundation, the City Commission of Miramar and Jamaica Awareness, Incorporated.
Speaking to JIS News, Director of Jamaica Awareness said that “as we reflect and honor our cultural heritage, the contribution of the Caribbean to the development of the Americas cannot be overstated”. He added that it was fitting that June month was set aside for recognizing those accomplishments.
The Multi-cultural Extravaganza continues on Friday (June 19) with an evening with both legends – Walcott and Nettleford. Themed “A Laureate conversation” the two awardees will be guests at a rap session talking of their respective experiences in regional cultural development.
On Saturday (June 20) the weekend celebrations culminate with a Caribbean American Book and Art Fair, showcasing the works of some 22 authors and artists.
A host of Caribbean-American performers including the legendary Mighty Sparrow, Calypso King will showcase a diversed series of Caribbean entertainment throughout the weekend celebration.
