This past weekend was all about Jamaica's 49th Independence and being a true Jamaican, I had to show my colors and attend as many as I could (after getting some much needed rest of course).

On Saturday, a group of us went to the Jerk Pit located on Baltimore Avenue (close to the University of Maryland) and spent the evening listening to music and enjoying the yaadie vibes (food, conversation, jokes, dominoes, and drinks).  Even though the rain kept many away and me and my crew were fashionably late, the energy was turned up so high that many refused to leave when the event was over.  While we were at the Jerk Pit in casual attire, many others spent the evening dressed in elegant attire and attended the Independence Gala which was hosted by the Jamaican Association of Maryland in Baltimore.  Word on the street is that the event was beautiful and well attended as usual. We love that!

SEE SOME PHOTOS HERE


On Sunday, many like myself who have not attended church since the last wedding or funeral made it our point of duty to be present for the Independence Church Service.  The service was so good that I was clapping as if I were attending a reggae concert and even though no one visibly got "into spirit," we could feel the spirits of our ancestors as The Reverend Karl B. Johnson who came all the way from Jamaica gave us a message that we should always be reminded of.  What resonated most with me is "As Jamaicans, we are to exemplify moral and spiritual ideals that are linked by our heritage..we should honor the memory of the triumph of the human spirit."  Think hard on that because it is not just a Jamaican thing.

Those in attendance included Jamaica's Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen; Jamaica's Ambassador to the US, Audrey Marks; Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin, Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis; Sonya Headlam, Soprano; and many from the CARICOM community.  Kudos to the staff of the Jamaican Embassy in DC for such a wonderful Sunday morning.  Oh yes, the fashions were stellar!

Sunday afternoon, it was off to Crossroads Restaurant and Bar for an evening with one of Jamaica's favorite reggae singers, Beres Hammond. The place was PACKED and the show was amazing. Those of us who could not get enough had our own after party because we were still in a celebratory mood. 

Ever since I thought of leaving Ghana, my message has been "the journey continues."  I was smiling so hard on Sunday in church when I realized that that was the theme for our Independence celebrations.  Just goes to show that GMTA (great minds think alike).  Well, the journey does continue this weekend with more events in the DC area (and around the world) to celebrate Jamaica's Independence.  Join the Jamaican Nationals Association on Saturday, August 13 for their Independence Gala which is a MUST attend.  Of course, I will be there since I am the PR Officer for said organization.

Until we meet again, walk good,

Yaa Gyasi Peppy Parke

Creative Director

Peppy Entertainment & Promotions

Claudette B. Henry is the only girl and last of five children born to Lilly McCarthy. Though born in Kingston, Claudette's best memories of Jamaica are of the years spent in Manchester before joining her mother in the United States in 1968. Claudette's inquisitive mind was evident from an early age, developing into a love for reading and traveling. As the years passed, her family and friends dubbed her a professional student after she migrated attending first Strayer College, American University, and then George Washington University. Claudette's greatest academic accomplishment was her four years at Bible College earning a degree in Pastoral Counseling, which led to her attending Maryland University earning a degree in Psychology.

 

Claudette joined the Jamaican Nationals Association (JNA) in 2006, immediately taking an active role as its Executive Secretary under then president, Moreen Wallace.  Claudette continued her role as executive secretary under Dr. Jacquie Payne's presidency. During the 2010 elections, Claudette was nominated as the organization's president (under much protest from Claudette herself and none from the membership).  Since then, she has jumped into her role as the president and is leading the organization very well even though she likes to say "I am a doer and prefer to work in the background versus being in the limelight all the times."  Claudette will tell you that JNA's mission "to unify, foster and promote the welfare of Jamaicans in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Jamaica" is what led her to, and will keep her committed to JNA.