Dear Jamaica: Celebrating 61 years of Independence
Dear Jamaica,
As we gather to celebrate Jamaica's 61st year of independence, we can't help but reflect on the profound global impact of our vibrant little island nation. From the reggae rhythms that have transcended borders to the unmistakable spirit of resilience that defines Jamaicans worldwide, there is much to honor and celebrate.
Tamara Johnson, Garfield Collins, Alrene Barr, Ambassador Audrey Marks, Polly Reid, Christine Marzouca and Dr. David Panton at the AFJ Gala After Party
Jamaica's influence on the world stage is undeniable. Whether you’re listening to Bob Marley at a Brooklyn cafe, savoring the flavors of Jamaican cuisine in South London, or breathing in the salty air when you ride down the coast in Montego Bay, you can’t help but appreciate Jamaica’s cultural contributions have left an indelible mark. The motto "Out of Many, One People" encapsulates the rich tapestry of Jamaica's multicultural heritage, where diverse backgrounds blend into a colorful mosaic that has painted the world with it’s beautiful pigment.
For 61 years and beyond, the Jamaican diaspora has carried with them a piece of their homeland to all continents and corners of the world. The strength, resilience, and inventiveness of the global diaspora are awe-inspiring. They have faced challenges with unwavering determination, turning adversity into opportunities for growth and success.
As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let's also look to the future. The Jamaican Museum and Cultural Center (JMCC) is on a mission to preserve and honor Jamaican culture for the diaspora and beyond. Our vision is to disseminate Jamaican customs, traditions, and subcultures through digital and physical spaces across the globe.
JMCC recognizes the importance of decolonizing the way stories are told, facilitating opportunities, and enriching our cultural understandings through love and community care, and inviting our community to join us in this organizational mission to foster collective preservation, recognition, and healing.
As we celebrate Jamaica's 61st year of independence, let us remember the power of culture, experiences, and humanity to unite and inspire. The global Jamaican diaspora, with its resilience and inventiveness, continues to carry the torch of Jamaican heritage around the world. And with the vision and values of JMCC guiding the way, the future promises to be even more vibrant.
Together, we look forward to building a brighter tomorrow for Jamaican culture and its global family. Happy Independence Day, Jamaica!
With love,
Your JMCC Board
Left to right: Rev. Dr. Maxine Osbourne Foster (Dr. Max), Polly Reid, and Winnie Starke at the Atlanta Jamaican Association’s 46th anniversary Independence Ball and Scholarship Awards
Polly Reid (left) and Christine Marzouca (right) with state representative Donna McLeod (center), who was previously presented with a JMCC Recognition Award
Members of the JMCC Board attend the Pre-Independence Annual Ball of the Atlanta Jamaican Association
