Monte Irving Park in Orange, New Jersey on July 14, was a sea of radiantly dressed nationals many who got here in buses from Brooklyn to have fun the annual Caribbean American Household Enjoyable Day. Guyanese-born, Girl Ira Lewis, president, and members of the Guyana American Heritage Basis organized the occasion.
Lawmaker Britnee Timberlake who just lately grew to become the youngest Senator within the State of New Jersey, representing the 34th District, and co-sponsor of the occasion, joined Girl Ira Lewis on stage and danced to Bob Marley’s hit “One Love,” an ode to the camaraderie, and unity displayed on the huge grounds of the park.
The politician applauded the togetherness and gave a shout-out to nationals from the Caribbean African diaspora. She mentioned it has been a privilege to help the occasion each single 12 months for the final 10 years, due to Ira Lewis, “the Queen of Guyana.”
“I do know you’re all prepared to bop and hearken to good music, however I all the time have a message. The message now greater than ever is unity.”
“We have to be united politically; we should train our proper to vote. Which means you need to register to vote this coming November. “It’s extra essential than ever you need to vote,” she reiterated.
“Many people have come right here to this nation with the promise of democracy. As an African American girl, I acknowledge the partnership that we’ve everywhere in the globe as black individuals however so lots of your ancestors and your forefathers, and possibly you your self have come right here for the promise of democracy, and that’s susceptible to not being so. You and your loved ones members are on the market looking for the American dream. Are you going to vote,” she requested the gang, in return the favored senator obtained a powerful sure.
Senator Timberlake, who has been a staunch supporter and good friend to the Guyanese group whereas serving as an Assemblywoman, can be an element sponsor, and supporter of the Annual Independence Flag Elevating celebration at East Orange Metropolis Corridor, placed on by the Guyana American Heritage Basis, Inc.
A heavy downpour didn’t damper the spirits of picnickers, who upon return of the sweltering warmth, competed in observe and discipline, Lime and Spoon, and Sack racing occasions, for medals and trophies. The joy, fueled by a cultural presentation opened with a Hulu Hoop demonstration by this reporter, that set the tone for an exhilarating afternoon of leisure.
Along with the scent of nationwide dishes emanating from scores of picnic tents, compatriots many draped of their nationwide flag, danced to the music, from middle stage.
From Soca, to Soul, Rap, and Calypso the gang was entertained, and engaged by emcee Ervin “Washie” Washington, who resonant voice reverberated throughout the bottom, as music performed, and flags waved.
DJ King Aquarius, Gucci Boss, Lil Tim, Pablo-G, D-Angel, Nia, DJs Natty Samuels, and Dance Corridor artists, Warfare Youngster, and lots of others, had been among the many spectacular, line-up.
In style entertainer, and Soca Monarch, Adrian Dutchin, joined the revelers on the bottom for a fiery, efficiency with hits, “I’m a Guyanese, Mr. DJ”, and others.
Awards had been additionally offered to entertainers, Gucci Boss, and Pablo G., in addition to Cyd Hooper, Kim Greaves, and the Adams Household.
Ira Lewis applauded the resounding success of the household enjoyable day, noting that yearly, the occasion creates an financial increase to town of Orange, attributable to small enterprise homeowners within the space who profit from customers who attend the occasion.
She thanked Senator Britnee Timberlake for her steadfast help over the past ten years, talking to attendees, who proceed to make the occasion incident-free.
“What a tremendous occasion,” mentioned Lewis, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to everybody who made the Caribbean Household Enjoyable Day a powerful success.
“Particular because of The Hon. Britnee Timberlake,” she expressed. She additionally thanked, beneficiant sponsors.
They’re PSEG, Essex County Sheriff’s Division, Essex County Parks, Mayor of Orange and Police Division, Metropolis Council, Sandra and all meals donors, Springer Printing, Foreman Basis, and Darrel Charlton.
She additionally acknowledged, Exit Platinum Laparkin Delivery, Hair Power Salon, Mr. Tucker, Tangerine Clarke, Discuss A De City Radio, Byron Pitts Store Restaurant, Y.A. Restaurant. Reggie flyers/Enjoyable Bass, and lots of others.
“To our devoted members, hardworking volunteers, and gifted artists who shared their presents with us, thanks in your kindness, expertise, and tireless efforts.
To all of the individuals and households who got here from out of state, thanks in your help and for being a part of our celebration. Your contributions, massive or small, made a big impression on our occasion. Collectively, we made a distinction and created an unforgettable expertise for our group.”
“Let’s proceed to work collectively to realize larger heights! Thanks all once more in your help and generosity. We’re really grateful.
“Let’s stay up for our subsequent thrilling occasion. Be a part of us for our gala on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2024. Tickets can be found now. Name Girl Ira or any committee member at 973-951-9898 to safe your spot. We are able to’t wait to have fun with you once more.
Members of the Guyana America Heritage Basis, based by Ira Lewis, and co-founded by Orin Jay Mingo, secretary, in 2001, are, Sherif Barker, Brenda Telford, Janet Mitchell, Donna Marshall, Michael Campbell, Kheron Telford, Elijah Gordon, Sadie Richards, Audrey Somerset, Yvette Eswick, Robert Halley, Clinton Hollingsworth, Collette Boston, Grace Rafeeza Shahabudeen, Judy Thomas, Glenn Miller, Burgett Williams, and Michael DeAbreu Luthers,
