Jamaica 50th Gala Hartford, Connecticut , September 22, 2012

In 2012, the island nation of Jamaica celebrates fifty years of independence from England. Jamaicans and people of Jamaican heritage around the world will be commemorating this milestone throughout the year. This event is particularly important because Connecticut, the Hartford area specifically, is home to the third-largest population of Jamaican-Americans in the United States. The story of how these Caribbean nativessettled in the Nutmeg state goes back to the1940s and the American importation of foreign labor during World War II.

On Saturday, September 22, 2012, at 6 p.m., the Jamaica 50th Independence Anniversary Celebration Gala will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center. This event will be presented by the Jamaica 50th Independence Anniversary Celebration Gala Committee under the auspices of the West Indian Foundation.This will be an evening of history, culture, and elegance where we will not only reflect on Jamaica’s first 50 years as a nation, but also highlight the deeply-rooted Jamaican-American story in Connecticut and New England.

The gala will feature a presentation of two $3,000 scholarships to deserving graduating high school seniors of West Indian/Caribbean descent in the State of Connecticut. Applicants will submit an essay addressing West Indian migration to the northeastern region of the United States. In addition, a $5000 scholarship will be awarded to a deserving graduate student or junior faculty in Jamaica who is currently conducting research on emerging chronic health issues.

This event is proudly presented by the Jamaica 50th Independence Anniversary Celebration Gala Committee under the auspices of the West Indian Foundation.

Where: Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Boulevard #400  Hartford, CT 06103

Tickets: $150