The Jamaican Diaspora in the states of Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) are planning elaborate Emancipation and Independence celebrations, which kicked off last Sunday, July 28.

The day will be a red-letter day for Jamaicans in the DMV states as they gear up for Jamaica’s momentous Independence celebration. A special service of thanksgiving will be held to commemorate two important anniversaries. 

The first is the 186th anniversary of Emancipation from slavery while the second is the 62nd anniversary of Jamaica’s independence from the United Kingdom. The event will highlight cultural pride and community spirit.

Jamaicans in the DMV will also be honoured with awards for their contributions for the second year in a row. 

Heads of various diasporic organisations and clergymen in the DMV area have partnered with the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, DC, to organise this grand celebration.

Set to return to the Sligo Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, the event will begin at 10:45 am. The service will feature a sermon by Pastor Everette Brown, president of the Jamaica Union of Seventh-Day Adventists. 

It will be moderated by Rev Dr Bertram Melbourne, professor and former interim dean of the Howard University School of Divinity, assisted by Rev Eron Henry, communications and media manager for Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention, and Bishop Stanley Murray, pastor of the Baltimore United Church of God. Attendees will also hear Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s message delivered by the deputy chief of mission at the Jamaican embassy, Lishann Salmon.

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks will give a warm welcome at the event. The music will feature performances by Yasmin McCoy, Lady Da Flame, and Tamara Simpson. The choir, Performing Artists Under the Lord (P.A.U.L.), led by Linda Gatling, will also perform.

Jamaica Diaspora 2024 DMV Award

Three individuals will be recognised for their outstanding contributions to the Jamaican community with the Jamaica Diaspora 2024 DMV Award. The esteemed recipients are Carmen Edwards, Doreen Thompson, and Larry Sindass. Additionally, the Friends of Jamaica Award will be presented to Performing Artists Under the Lord (P.A.U.L.) for their dedication and performances at the annual church service for over thirty years.

Ian Edwards, who chaired the awards subcommittee for the 2024 edition of the awards introduced in 2023, explains, “Ït is so good that people who have served community and homeland with such focused devotion and selflessness, to be recognised.”

This years’ service of thanksgiving not only celebrates Jamaica’s rich history and cultural heritage and contribution to the world but also aims to support the broader community. 

Proceeds from the collection will be donated to the Black River Infirmary, which suffered severe damage from Hurricane Beryl – a gesture that exemplifies the enduring spirit of solidarity and generosity within the Jamaican Diaspora. As the community gathers to honour these milestones, the atmosphere will be one of reflection, gratitude, and anticipation for the future. The event symbolises the resilience and unity of Jamaicans, both at home and abroad, and serves as a reminder of the enduring strength of their cultural and historical bonds Ambassador Marks commented.

Ambassador Marks points out that the Emancipation and Independence Thanksgiving Service is more than a commemoration saying it is a celebration of freedom, heritage, and the progress achieved since gaining independence. The event is expected to bring together a diverse group of attendees, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among those who hold Jamaica dear to their hearts.

With the contributions of distinguished speakers, captivating performances, and heartfelt recognitions, the service is poised to be a memorable occasion. It will not only highlight the achievements and contributions of Jamaicans in the DMV area but also reinforce the importance of giving back to the community and supporting those in need.

The organisers say this year’s celebration promises to be a testament to the enduring spirit and cultural richness of the  Jamaican people, a vibrant mosaic of history, resilience, and unity that continues to inspire generations.