The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) hosts the 13th Annual Caribbean American Heritage (CARAH) Awards Gala to take place on Friday, November 17th at the J.W. Marriott in Washington DC. The event, held under the distinguished patronage of the Caribbean diplomatic corps, has come to be recognized as the premier celebration of Caribbean American achievement in the United States. Past keynote speakers and honorees include Prime Minister Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia, and Prime Minister Owen Arthur of Barbados; Black Enterprise publisher Earl Graves Sr., legendary actress Cicely Tyson, and former Atlanta mayor, Ambassador Andrew Young.
The 2006 Nominees include: Congresswoman Barbara Lee, D-California; Dr. Joseph Fergus, CEO of Communications Technologies, who is of US Virgin Islands heritage; Susan Taylor, Publications Director, Essence Communications, who is of Trinidadian heritage; Carlton Masters, CEO of Goodworks International, who is of Jamaican heritage; Tracey Neale, Anchor, WUSA TV9 who is of Bermudan heritage; Lloyd Carney, President, IBM Netcool Division, who is of Jamaican heritage; and the legendary Calypso Rose, who is of Tobagonian heritage. The Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts-Nevis has been invited to keynote the event which will be co-hosted by Maureen Bunyan, news anchor, ABC channel 7, and John Blake, host of the Caribbean Experience which airs on WHUR FM 96.3. Congresswoman Donna Christensen will be Honorary Chair; and Chris Gardiner, Chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Caribbean Affairs will be Chair. Other special invited guests include Sheryl Lee Ralph and Rick Fox, official Spokespersons for National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Last year’s CARAH Awards gala attracted close to five hundred guests.
As in previous years, ICS will also host the Leadership Dialogue in conjunction with the Gala. The theme for this year is “Creating Partnerships for a Sustainable Future”. The Dialogue to be held November 17-18th will include topics such as: sports and economic development; infrastructure needs; and access to financial capital. The Dialogue will engage key funding and development agencies to explore opportunities for doing business in the Caribbean.
Estimated to number at least 5 million, the Caribbean diaspora in the US is recognized as an increasingly significant political and economic force. Amidst the current anti-immigrant climate, the ICS believes it is especially important to recognize Caribbean Americans who contribute significantly to the American landscape, as well as to honor Friends of the Caribbean who contribute to advancing the interests of Caribbean-Americans.
ICS founder and president, Dr. Claire Nelson says this year’s Gala and Leadership Dialogue promise to be even more energizing than in previous years. Dr. Nelson notes that “Coming on the heels of the successful inaugural commemoration of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month, the Dialogue provides a key opportunity to build on the momentum of interest in things Caribbean, and stimulate new investments in Caribbean development.”
For tickets or general information, please contact Yasmin Anderson-Smith at 301) 792-2276. For small business and/or corporate sponsorship and other information, please contact Claire Nelson (202) 907-6140.
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