HAPPY 63rd ANNIVERSARY JAMAICA
~ "THE PEOPLE'S BALL" 2024 PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
JULY 4, 2024
NEW YORK CITY: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE GLEANER - Writer Mr. Anthony Turner
JIFI~NYC – “The Official People’s Ball” 2024, Celebrating Jamaica 62nd Independence
Jamaica Independence People’s Ball returns to dazzle New Yorkers
New York area residents are in for an exciting Independence treat with the staging of the People’s Ball, hosted by the Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc in Queens on Saturday, August 10.
The popular People’s Ball, which is held in New York annually to celebrate Jamaica’s Independence, is one of the most glamorous Jamaican events on the entertainment calendar.
Last year, music legend Tommy Cowan was honoured with a Living Legend Award for his dedication to the preservation of Jamaican music. Patron of the ball was former Consul General of Jamaica in New York, Dr Basil K. Bryan. Other honorees included Morgan Heritage, social media influencer Juliet ‘Julie Mango’ Bodley, and veteran reggae singer Stranger Cole.
This year, in the absence of the decades-old ball by the Jamaican Consulate, the People’s Ball will take on an elevated level of prominence. It will be the main platform for celebrating Jamaica’s journey to 62 years of independence.
The event is being produced by New York-based entertainment industry veteran Lexy Brooks, who brings years of high-level production experience to the table. In the past, she has lent her support and expertise to the Jamaican Consulate ball.
GREAT PRIDE
“As a people, we are very celebratory about our milestones, so it is with great pride that I am creating for our people a premium, first-class, professionally executed event that New Yorkers from all walks of life can enjoy”, Brooks told The Gleaner.
“The People’s Ball, in its third year post-pandemic, is by the people, for the people; meaning, all are invited. This is about our country and the sterling accomplishments over the past 62 years. Our ball will rock!” she stated emphatically.
This year’s ball will be held at Terrace On The Park, in Queens, NY. The theme is ‘The Rise of the Black, Gold, and Green’, while the hashtag is #62for62.
“Our guests will think it is 1962 when they arrive inside the ballroom, yet it will have a presence and the luminosity of 2024. We will have surprise dynamic speakers and honorees. We are also sorting through performers to bring the best entertainers to the event,” Brooks added.
Part proceeds from the People’s Ball will benefit organizations like Team Jamaica Bickle, Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (UJAA) and Woman Inc’s Crisis Centre. -END-
JIFI~NYC TEAM MESSAGE
OUR - Board of Directors, and Committee Members cordially invites all family, community members and friends of Jamaica to come celebrate with us at:
· Event: The Official People’s Ball - Celebrating Jamaica's 62nd Independence
· Date: Saturday, August 10, 2024
· Where: “Terrace On The Park” | 52-11 111th Street, Queens, New York
· Time: 7:00pm – 12:00am
· Attire: Black-Tie (Celebrate our national pride wear Black, Gold or Green)
· Keynote Speakers, Host, Entertainers, Charities & Honorees to be announced.
Purchase early bird tickets at www.Jifinyc.org. Seats are limited
For sponsorship, advertising, media, and more information please email info@Jifinyc.org or visit www.Jifinyc.org, to learn how you can help.
Donations and Contributions to the Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by New York State and federal laws.
~ "THE PEOPLE'S BALL" 2023 IN THE NEWS
PRESS RELEASE
August 11, 2023
NEW YORK CITY: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JIFI~NYC – “The People’s Ball” 2023, Celebrating Jamaica 61st Independence
**This year Jamaica proudly celebrated its 61st anniversary of Independence and the Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc.,(JIFI~NYC) a 501(c)(3) accredited non-for-profit organization hosted their 2ndannual “The People’s Ball”, fund-raising gala under the theme “Out of Many, We Are One”. The event was a tribute to the 1960’s decade of Jamaican style & fashion, and music with emphasis on the Rock Steady genre.
The Grand black-tie Ball (Cocktail, live auction, dinner, awards and dancing) was held on Saturday, August 5, 2023,at the luxurious Terrace on The Park, located at 52-11 111th Street, Queens, NY 11368.
**Invocation was given by Elder Haydn Smith and the event was hosted by the incomparable Ms. Juliet Bodley pka “JulieMango”, with entertainment by the big band sound - True Tribute Organization Foundation, and performances by Dr. Thomas Cowan pka “Tommy Cowan” who surprised the audience with a duet performance with his daughter the very talented Naomi Cowan. “Richie Innocent” performed a heartfelt poem titled the “Good Old Days”, and DJ Roy of Road International had the crowd rocking from start to finish.
**Our Honorary Patron was Ambassador, Hon. Dr. Basil K. Bryan, O.D., and Keynote Speaker – Dr. Annabelle Manalo-Morgan, PhD.
President, Ms. JLexy Brooks gave a moving and compassionate introduction of the mission and vision of the organization and thanked and introduced the Board of Directors, Committee members and volunteers who for their commitment, dedication, and passion for the cause. She asked the attendees to help support their 2023 charities which includes, Team Jamaica Bickle, Union of Jamaican Alumni Association (UJAA), USA and Lions Clubs International. Net proceeds from the event will support these charities. She continued to highlight the organizations that benefited from last year’s event which includes Safe Horizon, Mustard Seed Communities, and the Rose Town Foundation (Jamaica).
Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) was represented by Vice Chair & Chair of Labor of Love, Mrs. Karen Wilson-Robinson, Esq. She brought apologies and greetings on behalf of CEO and Founder, Mr. Irwine Clare Snr. She spoke of the journey of TJB over 26+ years, with growth from a small operation to where the organization is today.
President of UJAA, USA, Mr. Donovan Wilson, brought message of hope and aspirations for his organization and stressed the importance of supporting our upcoming generation to stay ahead of a competitive stem and robotics research in a fast-growing robotics world.
Lions Clubs International (Kingston), President, Mrs. Michelle Sadler, brought message of a Club that is making a global impact for the betterment of underserved communities.
**Ms. Brooks further expressed gratitude to the sponsors for their support with special thanks to VP Records, Ms. Pat Chin, Mr. Chris Chin, Mr. Randy Chin, Caribbean Food Delight, VIP Connected Entertainment, Terrace on The Park and all who contributed to the success of the event this year.
Ms. Jacquie Jones represented and spoke on behalf of CEO of Caribbean Food Delights, Ms. Sabrina HoSang-Jordan, and the entire HoSang Family. She spoke on the humble beginnings of the organization and how they started and operated a small Food truck to what is now one of the largest and respected Caribbean Food service companies.
Our 2023 Awardees
Amb., Dr. Basil K. Bryan, O.D. – Lifetime Achievement Award for Service Excellence and Leadership
Morgan Heritage Band – Universal Impact Award in Reggae Music
Dr. Annabelle Manalo-Morgan – Lifetime Achievement Award for Discovery in Scientific Application
Dr. Thomas Cowan – Living Legend Award
Wilburn T. Cole pka Stranger Cole – Living Legend Award
Roy Walters pka DJ Roy of Road International – Excellence in Media Award
Juliet Bodley – Daughter of the Soil Award
Garfield Clarke - The Community Service & Business Development Achievement Award
**In addition to the awards, the Honorees received Proclamations from Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke’s Office. Congresswoman Clarke brought a message of accomplishment to a country that strives to be its best self. Also in attendance was New York Senator Kevin S. Parker’s, who also brought greetings and presented the Honorees with Proclamations from his office. Representative, Mr. Hercules Reid brought greetings on behalf of the New York City Mayor, Hon., Eric D. Adams.
**The Silent and Live Auction boasted fabulous deals to include Vacations, Jewelry, Fashions, Art and more.
Donations and Contributions to the Jamaica Independence Foundation, Inc are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by New York State and federal laws.
Contact us by email at info@Jifinyc.org or visit www.Jifinyc.org for more information on how you can help support the cause.
JIFINYC – 2023 Planning Committee
"The People's Ball" 2023- In The News
https://clintonlindsay.com/2023/08/23/tommy-cowan-honored-in-new-york/
https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2023/08/22/tommy-cowan-honoured-in-ny/
https://jifinyc.org/media%2Fjifi-in-the-news/f/jifinyc-the-peoples-ball-2023-in-the-news
https://go-jamaica.com/nagleanerbrandededition/Gleaner-NA20220707/7/
https://nycaribnews.com/the-official-peoples-ball-new-york-city-night-out/
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