Jamaican pride shines at Independence Day event at Queens Borough Hall

All was good and pleasant—or “irie” as the Jamaicans say—at Queens Borough Hall in Kew Gardens on Thursday, Aug. 1.

Dozens of residents dressed in green, black and gold—the colors of the Jamaican flag—gathered in the Helen Marshall Cultural Center to celebrate Jamaica’s Emancipation Day and Jamaican Independence Day, which falls on Aug. 6. 

Guests dined on a buffet of Jamaican cuisine, including curry chicken, jerk chicken and rice and peas. The celebration included multiple performances and a ceremony honoring special guests of the evening, including Andrew Clark, founder of BRAATA Productions, a Caribbean cultural organization;  Dr. Dennis Chambers, a local nonprofit owner 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 evening. He reflected on his time living in the U.S. and the state of the Caribbean nation today.

“Celebrating Jamaica’s independence in the United States, we are reminded of the strong cultural ties that bind us together no matter where we are. We carry with us the rich traditions, the vibrant music and a resilient spirit of our island home,” he said.

He also honored Vice President Kamala Harris, whose “Jamaican roots have been a source of pride and inspiration for many,” he noted. “Her story is a testament to the dreams and aspirations that bind our nation.”

The evening kicked off with an energetic  Caribbean “carnival style” performance by dancers from Life Camp Creative Arts Lab. Following the performance, the evening’s emcee, Sherry Morgan, a local entrepreneur and media executive, greeted the crowd. “Today is an awesome day. We have so much to be happy for, we want to thank the borough president for hosting this event, and I want to thank all of you for coming out to celebrate Jamaica, its culture, its music,” Morgan said. 

Life Camp Creative Arts Lab performers bring enormous energy to the crowd. Photo by Athena Dawson

Following Morgan’s remarks, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards gave a speech reflecting on the tenacity and strength of the Jamaican people.

“Aug. 6 is the day that Jamaica gained independence from the British after 300 years of rule, and we can say we would not be here without the blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors,” he said. “These occasions of Jamaican Emancipation and Jamaican Independence remind us of the resilience and determination of the Jamaican people, as well as the culture and rich lineage that they leave behind.”

Jamaica gained its independence on Aug. 6, 1962, and Aug. 1, 1838, marked the day of emancipation for enslaved Jamaicans, who gathered in churches and town centers to hear the Emancipation Proclamation. 

Richards, who is of Jamaican descent by his father, reflected on his father’s legacy and sacrifice, as well as the sacrifice of other Jamaicans. “Jamaicans have always been instrumental in the fields of science, medicine, law and business, and this is our legacy as citizens and immigrants and descendants of the island of Jamaica,” he said. “Generations before and after us who have shaped our national identity.” 

Richards also urged residents to donate to his office’s Hurricane Beryl Donation Drive, which will send goods to the island nation. 

QBP Richards speaks about the rich history of Jamaica and its cultural exports. Photo by Athena Dawson

Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman (D-29) and Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-31), who are also of Jamaican descent, gave celebratory remarks at the event.  “When it comes to medicine, science, history and discoveries, there’s always a Jamaican in the background,” Hyndman said. 

Brooks-Powers spoke about Jamaica’s rich and diverse history. “This special evening commemorates the incredible spirit of Jamaica. Freedom from colonial rule allowed Jamaica to further cultivate its richly diverse and profoundly influential national identity,” she said. “Jamaica’s history is a testament to  resilience and strength.”

The BRAATA Folk Singers performing classic reggae songs. Photo by Athena Dawson

Following Brooks-Powers’ speech, the honorees received plaques in recognition of their service to the local community. Some of the honorees took time to reflect on their achievements. 

“We are proud of the work that we have been doing over the last 15 years to preserve Jamaican and, by extension, Caribbean arts and entertainment,” said Clark during his acceptance speech.  

The event closed with a final performance by Clark and the BRAATA Folk singers, with the crowd dancing and singing along to Jamaican classics.