Many residents, significantly these of Jamaican ancestry, went to Queens Borough Corridor on Thursday, Aug. 1, to have fun Jamaican Independence Day.
Picture by Athena Dawson
All was good and nice—or “irie” because the Jamaicans say—at Queens Borough Hall in Kew Gardens on Thursday, Aug. 1.
Dozens of residents wearing inexperienced, black and gold—the colours of the Jamaican flag—gathered within the Helen Marshall Cultural Heart to have fun Jamaica’s Emancipation Day and Jamaican Independence Day, which falls on Aug. 6.
Visitors dined on a buffet of Jamaican delicacies, together with curry rooster, jerk rooster and rice and peas. The celebration included a number of performances and a ceremony honoring particular company of the night, together with Andrew Clark, founding father of BRAATA Productions, a Caribbean cultural group; Dr. Dennis Chambers, an area nonprofit proprietor and martial artist; and Debbie Smith, president of the Deerfield Civic Association.
Chambers, who immigrated to New York from Jamaica in 1975, was the keynote speaker of the night. He mirrored on his time residing within the U.S. and the state of the Caribbean nation right now.
“Celebrating Jamaica’s independence in the USA, we’re reminded of the robust cultural ties that bind us collectively regardless of the place we’re. We stock with us the wealthy traditions, the colourful music and a resilient spirit of our island dwelling,” he mentioned.
He additionally honored Vice President Kamala Harris, whose “Jamaican roots have been a supply of pleasure and inspiration for a lot of,” he famous. “Her story is a testomony to the goals and aspirations that bind our nation.”
The night kicked off with an brisk Caribbean “carnival type” efficiency by dancers from Life Camp Creative Arts Lab. Following the efficiency, the night’s emcee, Sherry Morgan, an area entrepreneur and media government, greeted the gang. “At present is an superior day. We’ve a lot to be blissful for, we need to thank the borough president for internet hosting this occasion, and I need to thank all of you for popping out to have fun Jamaica, its tradition, its music,” Morgan mentioned.
Following Morgan’s remarks, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards gave a speech reflecting on the tenacity and power of the Jamaican individuals.
“Aug. 6 is the day that Jamaica gained independence from the British after 300 years of rule, and we are able to say we’d not be right here with out the blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors,” he mentioned. “These events of Jamaican Emancipation and Jamaican Independence remind us of the resilience and willpower of the Jamaican individuals, in addition to the tradition and wealthy lineage that they go away behind.”
Jamaica gained its independence on Aug. 6, 1962, and Aug. 1, 1838, marked the day of emancipation for enslaved Jamaicans, who gathered in church buildings and city facilities to listen to the Emancipation Proclamation.
Richards, who’s of Jamaican descent by his father, mirrored on his father’s legacy and sacrifice, in addition to the sacrifice of different Jamaicans. “Jamaicans have at all times been instrumental within the fields of science, medication, regulation and enterprise, and that is our legacy as residents and immigrants and descendants of the island of Jamaica,” he mentioned. “Generations earlier than and after us who’ve formed our nationwide id.”
Richards additionally urged residents to donate to his workplace’s Hurricane Beryl Donation Drive, which can ship items to the island nation.
Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman (D-29) and Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-31), who’re additionally of Jamaican descent, gave celebratory remarks on the occasion. “With regards to medication, science, historical past and discoveries, there’s at all times a Jamaican within the background,” Hyndman mentioned.
Brooks-Powers spoke about Jamaica’s wealthy and numerous historical past. “This particular night commemorates the unbelievable spirit of Jamaica. Freedom from colonial rule allowed Jamaica to additional domesticate its richly numerous and profoundly influential nationwide id,” she mentioned. “Jamaica’s historical past is a testomony to resilience and power.”
Following Brooks-Powers’ speech, the honorees obtained plaques in recognition of their service to the local people. Among the honorees took time to replicate on their achievements.
“We’re pleased with the work that we now have been doing during the last 15 years to protect Jamaican and, by extension, Caribbean arts and leisure,” mentioned Clark throughout his acceptance speech.
The occasion closed with a closing efficiency by Clark and the BRAATA People singers, with the gang dancing and singing alongside to Jamaican classics.
