In celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month the Northern California Committee in conjunction with the NBA player Adonal Foyle’s Kerosene Lamp Foundation will host a VIP cocktail reception on June 10, 2007. Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Honorable P. J. Patterson, ON, PC, QC, MP will be the keynote speaker and the recipient of the CALA Award.

“Caribbean American Heritage Month will help pay tribute to the tremendous contributions Caribbean Americans have made through the history of this country. Their history is interwoven with ours and should be recognized and celebrated” said Congresswoman, Barbara Lee (D-Oakland).

The Most Honorable Percival James “PJ” Patterson was the Prime Minister of Jamaica from 1992 to 2006. During his illustrious political career he held various ministerial posts including Minister of Finance; in 1989 he became deputy Prime Minister under Michael Manley. P. J. Patterson’s commitment to the Caribbean community, “…his loyalty…his passion for service, his civility and ability to achieve consensus make him unforgettable. As a team builder, he has shown us that together we can make it.” The Caribbean community is steadfast in continuing this legacy.

The reception promises to be an intimate evening celebrating local, national and international individuals with a special award to Congresswoman Barbara Lee and a tribute to the late Shirley Chisholm. This historic occasion will be attended by various notables and celebrities.

The event will be held at the Waterfront Plaza Hotel, 10 Washington Street, Oakland, CA on Sunday, June 10, 2007, 3:00 – 6:00 pm.

For ticket information and media, contact: Shorron Levy @ (510) 382-1400, [email protected] or Darrin Thurman @ (510) 910-4038, [email protected]