April 2, 2024
Several Jamaicans were among those who received awards in recognition of their work and achievements in various fields including entertainment, sports, education, and humanitarian at the third annual staging of the Atlanta Caribbean Community Awards.
The Atlanta Caribbean Community Awards is organized by veteran media practitioner Robert Shaw, a native of Portland, and Wesley Graham, who was born in England but lived in Westmoreland for several years before migrating to the United States.
The third award ceremony took place at 8020 Rockbridge RD, S.W. Lithonia, Georgia on Saturday, March 9.
Jamaicans receive honors
Among this year’s awardees included:
- Renowned publicist and music producer Ralston Barrett.
- Veteran football coaches Lenworth ‘Lenny’ Hyde (Clarendon College) and Everton Tomlinson (Manning’s School).
- Folklorist, Educator, and Poet Tania “Lou” Hernandez.
- Appolone Reid, founder of the nonprofit JAMASOCA and president of the Jamaican Museum and Cultural Center.
- Christine Marzouca, the Vice President of the Jamaican Museum and Cultural Center.
- Maxine Foster, past president of the Atlanta Jamaican Association.
- Garfield McCook, entrepreneur and singer; founder of the Jamaica International Independence Festival Song Competition.
The first staging of the awards took place in 2022 to give recognition to Caribbean nationals contributing positively to their communities in Atlanta.
Jamaican mentor and coach, Lenworth “Lenny” Hyde, was presented with the Atlanta Caribbean Community Lifetime Achievement Award
“Both Wesley and I are pleased with the support that the event has received since its first staging because as the event continues to grow we can do more to honor our Caribbean people here in Atlanta and those who live in the Caribbean and the diaspora for the extraordinary work they’re doing in various fields,” said Shaw.
Around 50 Caribbean nationals were honored this year at the awards.