Jamaican Independence Celebrations in Atlanta

Jamaicans in Atlanta will celebrate Jamaica’s 49th year of independence with a range of activities for Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica young and old under the auspices of Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Atlanta, Mr. Vin Martin, Esq., in conjunction with the Union of Jamaican Organizations in Atlanta (UJOIA).

The celebrations get started on July 30th with a festival dance at The Vibes Club, 4469 Glenwood Road, Decatur, with DJ Extreme at the controls. Doors will open at 10:00 p.m.

“Jamaican’s have so much to share with our adopted homeland, more than just the reggae and beaches that so often spring to mind when you hear of Jamaica,” said Vin Martin, Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Atlanta. “Our independence celebrations run the gamut - from the religious to the literary to the creative and of course – the parties.

Our culture and heritage are strong and we are delighted that we can come together to celebrate this anniversary and allow others to get a glimpse of the history and culture of our beloved Jamaica,” Mr. Martin said.

The Independence celebrations will continue in earnest with an ecumenical Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, July 31 at 5:00 p.m. at Hillside Presbyterian Church, 1879 Columbia Drive, Decatur.

This year’s service will feature the music, songs and poetry of Jamaica and will recall the rich heritage of the arts in Jamaica.

On Wednesday, August 3, renowned Jamaican TV personality and author, Dr. Marcia Forbes, will be on hand to sign copies of her highly regarded book, “Music, Media & Adolescent Sexuality in Jamaica”.

This well-researched paperback evaluates the impact of various styles of music and media on teenagers and documents their responses. Dr. Forbes will be hosted by UJOIA at the St. Timothy United Methodist Church Hall, 5635 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain at 5:30 p.m. The event is free to the public.


A “Cultural Extravaganza,” showcasing the diverse talents of the local Jamaican community will be staged on Wednesday, August 3rd at 7:00 p.m., also at St. Timothy United Methodist Church.

There is a small admission to the concert and children twelve and under are free.

The annual Independence Ball hosted by the Atlanta Jamaican Association, will be held on Saturday, August 6th at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park.

Keynote speaker will be Dr. Marcia Forbes, renowned Jamaican TV personality and author. Music will be provided by the legendary DJ Carlton.

UJOIA will start making plans for next year’s 50th anniversary independence celebrations as soon as this year’s activities are concluded. Plans call for year-long activities with input from all Jamaican organizations in metro Atlanta “This is a once in a life time celebration and all Jamaicans in metro-Atlanta should plan to join together in remembrance and celebration of the wonderful heritage of our island home as we reach 50 years of Independence.” Mr. Martin said.

The Union of Jamaican Organizations in Atlanta (UJOIA) is an organization of civic and cultural Jamaican organizations that draws on the resources of each organization to plan activities to celebrate Jamaica’s independence on August 6th.

For additional information contact the Jamaican Honorary Consul, Vin Martin at 404-297-7696 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              404-297-7696      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

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