Date/Time
Date(s) - 08/05/2017 - 08/06/2017
8:00 pm to 1:00 am
Location
William E. Reed Auditoriu
The Massachusetts Diaspora celebration of Jamaica’s 55th Anniversary, will host the Jamaica 55 Independence Gala and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at William E. Reed Auditorium, Prince Hall Grand Lodge, 24 Washington Street, Dorchester, MA 02121. This event is to heighten public awareness of the outstanding achievements of the Jamaican Diaspora to the – US community and the presentation of awards to those who have made significant contribution to Jamaica and the Jamaican communities in MA, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. The evening’s event will also include a VIP reception and an auction. The charitable recipients of this event are domestic violence prevention initiatives in Jamaica. Nangie Williams is the Master of Ceremonies Jamaica Independence Gala and Awards https://youtu.be/G_gGxOKmnfQ
The following awardees will be recognized:
- Jonathan Chambers – Flames Restaurant
- Kenneth I. Guscott, posthumous
- Meghan I. Irons
- Sandra A. McCarroll
- Melvin B. Miller
- Kenneth E. Reeves
- Rev. Dr. Wesley A. Roberts
- Rev. Steve Robinson
- Shirley Shillingford
The country of Jamaica will celebrate the 55th anniversary of its independence on August 6, 2017. To commemorate this achievement, Celebrate Jamaica, Inc., in collaboration with the Jamaican Diaspora in Massachusetts, Boston JUMP, COJO, Jamaica Associates, and JCDS, is hosting a series of events to showcase Jamaica’s history and rich culture. These events will take place from July 15, 2017- August 12, 2017. We expect to reach over 10,000 people throughout the six-week long celebration. There are more than 40,000 Jamaicans residing in the greater Boston area. Proceeds from the Jamaica 55 Boston celebration events will support domestic violence prevention initiatives and women’s shelters in Jamaica.
Jamaica National Day (Independence Day) was first celebrated on August 6, 1962 by raising the National Flag which signified the birth of the nation. This auspicious occasion is celebrated every year in Jamaica and the 6th day of August is a national holiday in Jamaica. Jamaicans have played an integral part in the development of American politics, music, acting, sports and culture and cuisine.
