The Institute Of Caribbean Studies Gala to celebrate the achievements of Caribbean Americans
WASHINGTON, DC – The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) will host the 14th Annual Caribbean American Heritage (CARAH) Awards Gala to be held on Friday, November 16, 2007 at the Renaissance Washington Hotel, 999 Ninth Street, NW, Washington, DC.
The 2007 CARAH Gala, chaired by Congresswoman Donna Christiansen (D-USVI); and held under the patronage of the Caribbean Diplomatic corps, honors and celebrates individuals of Caribbean heritage and friends of the Caribbean who have been standard bearers of excellence, and who have made positive contributions to the Caribbean, American and international landscape. The event has come to be recognized as the premier celebration of Caribbean American achievement.
The distinguished 2007 CARAH awardees include: Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert, international reggae legend, George Fraser, CEO, FraserNet; Ato Boldon, Olympic Medallist; John Blake, Radio Host, WHUR 96.3FM; Maria Kong, President, National Association of Real Estate Brokers; Ray Goulbourne, Executive, BET; Frank Ross, Retired Partner, KPMG and Co-Founder, National Association of Black Accountants; Dr. Cardinal Warde, Inventor, Technology for Digital Camera Lens and Dr. Muriel Petioni, Legendary Medical Doctor. The CARAH Gala will be co-hosted by Maureen Bunyan, Anchor, ABC TV 7, and Neki Mohan, Anchor, ABC TV 10, Miami.
In conjunction with the CARAH Awards, the Institute of Caribbean Studies will also host a Leadership Dialogue titled, “Building Partnerships for Sustainable Futures”, which will be held at the Renaissance Washington, November 15-16, 2007. Specific topics for discussion include, Green Technology for Social Infrastructure; Renewable Energy; and Access to Financial Capital.
Estimated to number at least 5 million, the Caribbean Diaspora in the US is recognized as an increasingly significant political and economic force. Amidst the current anti-immigrant climate, the ICS feels it is especially important to recognize Caribbean Americans who contribute significantly to the American landscape, as well as Friends of the Caribbean who contribute to advancing the interests of Caribbean-Americans community.
Past keynote CARAH Awards speakers and honorees include Prime Minister Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia, Prime Minister Owen Arthur of Barbados; Black Enterprise publisher Earl Graves, and former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young.
