South Florida’s Caribbean-American Community has big plans for Caribbean Heritage Month in June 2009
MIRAMAR – Under the distinguished patronage of the Caricom Consular Corp, the Caribbean-American Heritage Foundation (CAHF), The Caribbean-American Book & Art Fair (CABA), in association with Jamaica Awareness, Inc., is pleased to announce the 2009 Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration with four fantastic events taking place Thursday, June 18 to Sunday, June 21 at the Miramar Town Center, Florida.
The celebration kicks off on Thursday, June 18 with a Black Tie event honoring two cultural icons from the Caribbean: Nobel Poet Laureate, Derek Walcott of St. Lucia , and the Honorable Rex Nettleford, Vice Chancellor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies and Founder/ Artistic Director of the National Dance Theater Company of Jamaica.
This event starts at 7pm, and will be preceded by a reception at 6:30pm.
Additionally, Jamaica Awareness, in celebration of its 25 years of presenting quality cultural programming, will posthumously recognize the work of local community builders who have contributed to the growth and development of the Caribbean community in South Florida .
Among the honorees are Mr. Clint O ’Neil, recognized as the pioneer of Caribbean radio in South Florida, and Mr. Selman Lewis, one of the most significant contributors to the growth of the Caribbean Carnival in South Florida.
On Friday, June 19 the celebration takes on a familiar and comfortable feel with a verandah- style conversation, starting at 6:00pm, between Mr. Walcott and Mr. Nettleford.
The discussion will center around three primary topics: the creolization of languages in the Caribbean; the role of literature and its importance from a cultural perspective; and the Caribbean Sea as a cultural connector. The audience will be invited to ask questions about the discussion after each topic is addressed.
On Saturday, June 20 from 10am to 7pm, the 2nd Annual Caribbean-American Book & Art Fair will feature such authors as Paule Marshall, Earl Lovelace, Zee Edghill, Pearl Springer, Opal Palmer Adisa.
A Caribbean-American Multi-Cultural Extravaganza will take place on Sunday, highlighted by “Two Kings;” The Mighty Sparrow and Ajamu. Also appearing will be Ancient Man, Chris Daley, Fat Man George, Body Nation Dancers, Tassa Drummers, and various Spoken Word artists.
All events will be taking place at The Miramar Town Center, located at 2300-3600 Civic Center Place in Miramar.
