City Of Miami Gardens Commemorates Caribbean American Heritage Month and Jamaican Diaspora Day

MIAMI GARDENS – This Wednesday, June 10, 5:30p.m, the City of Miami Gardens will commemorate Caribbean-American Heritage Month and Jamaican Diaspora Day at a community reception at City Hall, 1515 N.W. 167th Street, Suite 200 in Miami Gardens.

The City will recognize the work and contributions of City residents, businesses and organizations of Caribbean descent.

On June 16, 2004, at the launch of the first Jamaican Diaspora Conference in Kingston, Jamaica, the attending delegates from around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, resolved to declare and recognize June 16 to be observed as Jamaican Diaspora Day.

Subsequently, the Government of Jamaica adopted the resolution and recognition of Jamaican Diaspora Day on June 16th worldwide. Likewise in 2006 and 2009, respectively, President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama proclaimed June as the commemorative month for National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

In celebration of this day, the Jamaican Diaspora Southern USA calls on all Jamaicans and Jamaica-focused organizations to honor the recognition of Jamaican Diaspora Day on June 16th and to celebrate Caribbean-American Heritage Month in their own special way.

Communities around the Southern United States, including Houston, Nashville, Atlanta, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Broward County, and Miami, Florida will celebrate Jamaican Diaspora Day through celebratory occasions, special events, and other activities reflecting the experiences of Jamaicans living in the Diaspora and celebrating milestones accomplished in our respective communities.

“The City of Miami Gardens is a richer community due to the extraordinary contributions of citizens, businesses, and organizations of Caribbean heritage. We welcome and embrace this cultural diversity and infusion into our emerging city,” stated Shirley Gibson, mayor, City of Miami Gardens.

“The celebration of one’s heritage is vital to understanding your voice and place in your community. Even before its incorporation, the City of Miami Gardens has been opening the door to Caribbean-Americans and their families. It was the starting point for thousands of families,” stated Marlon A. Hill, Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board Member for the Southern United States.

The City will recognize the following citizens, businesses, and organizations at the reception:

· Mr. Wendell James, original City of Miami Gardens Charter signatory

· Father Horace Ward and Holy Family Episcopal Church, pastor and co-chair of Jamaican Diaspora Faith Based Initiatives

· Mr. Desmond Worrell, posthumously, and Miami Carnival, Inc., founder of Annual Miami Caribbean Carnival in the City of Miami Gardens over 25 years ago.

· Ms. Rosie Fletcher-Lawrence and Discount Food Market, owner of Miami Gardens grocery store and patron of community events;

· Mr. Leslie Chin and Dave’s Jamaican Bakery and Restaurant, owner of longstanding Jamaican restaurant in Miami Gardens;

· Ms. Marjorie Speicher, President, Miami Gardens Crime Watch

· Ms. Sara Jean Phillipe, honor student at Miami Norland Senior High School and member of Miami Gardens Youth Council