Jamaican Dr. Claire Nelson Set To Deliver Keynote Speech at The Atlanta Jamaican Association Independence Ball and Scholarship Awards

The Atlanta Jamaican Association, Inc. (AJA) in collaboration with AJ Cultural and Educational Fund, Inc. (AJCEF), is delighted to announce the staging of our 2023 Independence Ball in recognition of 46 years of service to the community in metro Atlanta and the 61st Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence. This annual Gala and Scholarship Awards is a traditional Black-Tie event to be held at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel on Saturday, August 12, 2023, commencing at 6:00 pm.

We are happy that we will have with us Her Excellency Audrey P. Marks, Ambassador of Jamaica to The United States of America and Dr. Elaine Grant-Bryan, Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Atlanta.

We are in for a treat from Keynote Speaker, Jamaican Dr.  Claire A. Nelson, storyteller, Forbes 50 female futurist, sustainability engineer, social entrepreneur, and White House Champion for Change. Dr. Nelson is the Founder and President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies and was instrumental in the campaign to have June designated as Caribbean American Heritage Month. The lineup would not be complete without our MC, Mr. Andrew Dennis (Miss Pearly Grandson). Live entertainment will be no other than Atlanta’s own SWATT BAND, alongside DJ Cold Rice & Mikey Sparkle Productions.

This year the AJA will award 16 scholarships to college-bound students from metro Atlanta and Jamaica. The AJA has been giving scholarships and helping students with financial hardships since 1995.

We acknowledge our Gold Sponsor Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for their continued generous support. Some of our other generous event sponsors are, Couples Resorts, GB Roofing, Inc, GoldenKrust, JN Money Services (USA) Inc., Metals & Materials Engineers, LLC (MME), Panton Equity, PNC Bank, and The Jamaica Tourist Board. The AJA is appreciative of their continued support over the years.

Early ticket purchase is encouraged. All tickets are available online.  You may  choose your table and seats and indicate your  meal choice at:  https://www.tickettailor.com/events/theatlantajamaicanassociationinc .  Tickets are $135.00 through June 30 and $145.00 after June 30, until Sold Out!

“The AJA would love to have everyone’s support for our Independence Celebrations. Get in the Independence spirit by joining us for our Pre-Independence CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA on Sunday, July 23rd at 5:00 pm at STAR COMMUNITY (formerly St. Timothy) UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 5365 Memorial Dr. Stone Mt., GA 30038.,” said Rev. Dr. Maxine Osbourne Foster, President of the AJA. The Cultural Extravaganza with MC Wayne Hall will feature Music, Songs, Poetry, Comedy, Skits and a Fashion Show.

Proceeds from the Ball benefit ongoing Charities supported by the AJA and Scholarships awarded in Atlanta and Jamaica.

We look forward to having you grace us with your presence.