Trinidadian-American entrepreneur Keita Charles receives Caribbean American Heritage Award in Nassau County
Trinidadian-American entrepreneur Keita Charles says he was humbled to be among recipients of the Caribbean American Heritage Award in Nassau County, Long Island.
“Receiving the Caribbean American Heritage Honor was a truly humbling and meaningful experience for me,” Charles, who recently received the award at The Reckson Center at the Museums at Mitchel – Cradle of Aviation, Garden City, told Caribbean Life on Friday, July 17.
The event was sponsored by Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive; Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs; Caribbean Business Connections; and Team Jamaica Bickle.
“I felt proud to be recognized as a Trinidadian-American and grateful that my work, values, and commitment to the community were acknowledged,” said Charles, also a Morehouse College graduate, father, entrepreneur and community advocate, whose professional background includes real estate, banking compliance, marketing, and business development.
More recently, Charles worked with Schneps Media and Caribbean Life, helping local businesses and community organizations expand their visibility through print, digital, advertising, and strategic marketing.
He said he remains committed to celebrating Caribbean culture, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities within the community.
“The honor also gave me an opportunity to reflect on my journey as a father, entrepreneur, and man of faith,” Charles said. “I was thankful for the family members, mentors, friends and supporters who encouraged me along the way, and helped shape the person I became.
“I accepted the honor with gratitude and pride, knowing that it represented more than my individual accomplishments,” he added. “It represented my heritage, my community, and my continued responsibility to inspire, serve and create opportunities for others.”
The honorees also included Patricia Chin, affectionately called “Miss Pat,” a legendary Jamaican entrepreneur, music pioneer, and co-founder of VP Records.
For more than six decades, she helped introduce reggae and dancehall music to audiences worldwide, transforming a small Kingston record shop into one of the more influential Caribbean music companies in the world.
“Miss Pat’s vision, determination and dedication have made her a respected cultural icon and a powerful example for women in business,” Charles said.
Another honoree was Andrew Morris, a Jamaican-born entrepreneur and co-founder and CEO of Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace in West Hempstead, Long Island.
Since founding the family-owned business with his wife, Jean, in 1993, Morris has helped make authentic Caribbean foods and products accessible to customers throughout the United States and abroad.
He is also a respected community leader committed to preserving Caribbean culture through entrepreneurship, service, and education.
More About Keita Charles
Rooted in Trinidadian heritage and shaped by Morehouse College, Charles brings more than two decades of experience across real estate, advertising sales, compliance, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
He has built a reputation as someone who connects people, opportunities, and ideas with intention — whether guiding families through real estate transactions, helping businesses reach multicultural audiences, driving advertising initiatives for Caribbean Life and Schneps Media, or exploring emerging ventures in AI marketing.
In everything he touches, Charles said he brings “strategy, heart, and hustle.”
As a devoted father, brother, son and man of faith, he said he understands that “true success is measured not by personal achievement alone, but by legacy — by the doors opened, the bridges built, and the ground made firmer for the generation that follows.”
He said he lives by the truth that “one hand can’t clap,” stating that his work consistently centers collaboration, community uplift, and culturally intelligent business.
Charles said his professional path has never been “a straight road.” From banking compliance to real estate, media sales to business development, Charles has demonstrated what it means to adapt, reinvent, and keep moving.
His said his journey reflects “the determination carried by so many Caribbean-American families who arrived on these shores with faith, ambition and a plan.”
Today, Charles said he represents the full promise of Caribbean-American achievement: business-minded, family-centered, culturally proud and community-focused.
He said his recognition during Caribbean American Heritage Month is a testament not only to his own work, but to the ancestors, elders, mentors, and community members who shaped him, “because Caribbean Americans have always contributed far more than food, music, and carnival energy.
“They have brought leadership, entrepreneurship, education, creativity, and a work ethic that commands respect,” said Charles, stating that he carries his roots like a “foundation.”
He added that he moves “through the world the way Caribbean people always have — with grace under pressure, fire in the vision, and an unshakable belief that what was built with sacrifice deserves to be celebrated.
“The work continues, the legacy grows, and the culture wins.” Charles continued.
