NEW YORK – Jamaicans across the U.S. will continue to commemorate the island’s 50th Anniversary of Independence on August 6th with a range of activities taking place throughout the year. These include literary performances, art exhibitions, outdoor festivals, galas, reggae concerts, and church services in honor of the destination’s heritage.
“We can’t help but be proud of the historical triumphs that have helped shape our cultural landscape,” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Through Jamaica 50 events, Diaspora communities across the world are showcasing Jamaica’s history through the various forms of cultural expression that have united our people. We encourage Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica to join us in these celebrations, on island and overseas.”
Following is a sample listing of events taking place across the U.S.:
CHICAGO
August 1 – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Jamaica Day/Emancipation Day
Consulate General of Jamaica-Chicago
(773) 373-8988 Daley Plaza
50 W. Washington,
Chicago, IL 60602
August 11 6:00 p.m. Jubilee Independence Gala Jamaican American Association of Illinois (773) 955-8950/(847) 866-7108 Marmon Ballroom
2230 S Michigan Ave # 1
Chicago, IL 60616
FLORIDA
August 5 4:00 p.m. Consulate General of Jamaica’s Ecumenical Church Service
Consulate General of Jamaica-Miami
(305) 374-8431 Christian Life Center
2699 West Commercial Blvd,
Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
August 5 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 pm. Jamaica Day
Riddims Marketing Inc
(954) 251-1643 Miramar Regional Park
172 Ave. & Miramar Parkway
August 6 4:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. South Florida Flag Day
Consulate General of Jamaica-Miami
(305) 374-8431 Miramar Town Center
2300 Civic Center Place,
Miramar, FL 33025
August 18 8:00 p.m. Jamaica 50 Diaspora Honours & Gala Benefit
Consulate General of Jamaica-Miami
(305) 374-8431 JW Marriott Marquis Hotel
255 Biscayne Blvd Way,
Miami FL 33131
GEORGIA
August 5 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Independence Church Service
Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Atlanta, Vin Martin (404) 297-7696 St. Luke’s Episcopal
435 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308
August 6 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Atlanta Flag Raising Ceremony
Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Atlanta, Vin Martin (404) 297-7696 Atlanta City Hall
NEW YORK
July 29 4:00 p.m. Annual Service of Thanksgiving
Consulate General of Jamaica-NY
(212) 935-9000 ext 123 &123 The Riverside Church
490 Riverside Drive,
New York, NY 10027
August 1 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Diaspora Day of Prayer & Fasting
Consulate General of Jamaica-NY
(212) 935-9000 Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene (718) 515-4633
Bethesda Healing Centre, Brooklyn (718) 493-9214
Rehoboth Open Bible Church, Brooklyn (718) 629-1491
August 6 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. An Evening of Culture
Consulate General of Jamaica-NY
(212) 935-9000 Consulate General of Jamaica-NY
767 Third Ave, New York, NY 10017
August 12 6:00 p.m. Caribbean Summer Concert Series
(718) 926-5975 1 Six Flags Boulevard
Jackson, NJ 08527 www.CaribbeanConcerts.com
August 18 6:30 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. Jamaica 50 Independence Ball
Jamaica Independence Celebration Foundation Inc.
(347) 992-9417 | (718) 527-3484
Special Guest: Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller New York Hilton Hotel
1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019
September 23 7:30 p.m. Poets and Passion – A Caribbean Literary Lime
Caribbean Cultural Theatre
(718) 783-8345 Caribbean Cultural Theatre at
St. Francis College
180 Remsen Street Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
October 7 7:30 p.m. Dialectics – Ring Ding
Caribbean Cultural Theatre
(718) 783-8345 Caribbean Cultural Theatre at
St. Francis College
180 Remsen Street Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
October 8-14 6:00 p.m. A Salute to our Heroes (Series of Documentaries)
Consulate General of Jamaica-NY
(212) 935-9000 Consulate General of Jamaica-NY
767 Third Ave, New York, NY 10017
October 19 7:30 p.m. Poets and Passion – A Caribbean Literary Lime
Caribbean Cultural Theatre
(718) 783-8345 Caribbean Cultural Theatre at
St. Francis College
180 Remsen Street Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
PENNSYLVANIA
August 12 4:00 p.m. Jamaica’s Independence
Service Historical First Baptist Church of Philadelphia
123 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
August 19 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 26th Annual Caribbean Festival Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
Columbus Blvd. and Chestnut Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19107
www.phillycaribbeanfestival.com
August 25 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Team Jamaica Bickle Jamaica 50th Independence Celebration
Team Jamaica Bickle (267) 259-4732 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
237 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
For information on a Jamaica vacation, please go to www.visitjamaica.com or call your local travel specialist.
For a listing of Jamaica 50 events in the U.S., please contact your local Jamaican Consulate. Click here for a listing of events in South Florida, http://www.sflcn.com/story.php?id=11727
