Caribbean Heritage Salute to Hollywood 2016 Program

Marva Griffiths Herman was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica and has been involved with the Caribbean-American community for much of her life.

After a break of caring for her two young sons, she became active again in the Caribbean-American community when she was approached by longtime friend Dr. Claire Nelson of the Washington, DC-based Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), to assist her with efforts to petition the United States government to establish a National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

On February 14, 2006, the United States Senate passed the Concurrent Resolution establishing June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Herman spearheaded the successful Los Angeles grassroots campaign and the inaugural celebrations held on June 16, 2006 where the Los Angeles City Council presented a proclamation establishing June as Caribbean American Heritage Month in Los Angeles in perpetuity.

As a result of the congressional resolution, in 2007 Herman founded the Caribbean Heritage Organization, Inc. (CHO), which produces the official Los Angeles Caribbean-American Heritage Month gala, the Caribbean Heritage Salute to Hollywood & Excellence.

In addition to serving as executive director of the CHO, she is the West Coast Representative for ICS and serves on the advisory boards of the Office of the Los Angeles Honorary Consul of Jamaica and READ/LEAD, an educational and mentorship initiative that among other things, provides literacy-based summer and after school programs in the Los Angeles area.

This proud mother of two Jamericans is pleased that her Anansi and Jamaican folklorist, the Hon. Louise Bennett, bedtime stories paid off when her younger son, garnered a spot on Bill Cosby’s “Kids Says the Darndest Thing” with his toothless recital of Miss Lou’s “Love Letta.”

For more information on Caribbean Heritage Organization, please visit www.caribbeanheritage.org.

Claire Nelson is Founder and President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS). Under her leadership, the non-profit community think/ do-tank, founded in 1993, has become known as the leading Caribbean American advocacy group in Washington DC and has succeeded in placing the Caribbean American agenda on the national policy stage.

She is the visionary behind the successful campaign to declare June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. ICS is the architect of activities such as the only White House Caribbean American community briefings, the annual Caribbean American Legislative Forum on Capitol Hill and the Caribbean American Leadership Dialogue: Invest Caribbean, which focuses on economic development and investment opportunities in the Caribbean.

Dr. Nelson is Chair of the Caribbean American Complete Count Committee for the U.S. 2010 Census. As a result of her leadership in the Caribbean American community, she has received commendations by several members of the US Congress in the Congressional Record and was Grand Marshall in the 2010 West Indian Labor Day Carnival in Brooklyn, New York and most recently was honored by the White House as a Champion of Change.

An award-winning writer and performance artist, Claire most recently appeared in Washington, DC’s New Arts Festival as a storyteller. Her play ‘Resident Alien, which received critical acclaim ran for three months in Jamaica and a month in Barbados. Her docudrama ‘Rivers of Blood’ copped Best Director credits in the Washington, DC Source Theatre New Play Festival, and her musical comedy ‘Ten Downing Street’, earned a silver medal in the Jamaica Festival. She has directed folkloric shows, which have been featured at locales such as the Smithsonian, the Kennedy Center and the World Bank Auditorium. She served as Technical Consultant on the Whoopi Goldberg film, Clara’s Heart. She recently premiered a onewoman show called Limbo Like This - Tales of Caribbean Life in America’.

She is a regular guest on CaribNation TV and Caribbean Experience on WHUR FM and Caribbean Exchange on WEAA FM.

The Garifuna drum set consists of the Segunda; a larger drum often known as the bass--the drum which maintains the steady pace during a song. It also consists of the Primero; a smaller drum often called the speaking drum.

These drums are used amongst the Garifunas in the countries of Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. They are made of hollowed out hardwood such as mahogany or mayflower, but other types of woods are also used. The drums are covered with the skin of an animal such as a deer, sheep, or cow etc. The Garifuna drums are played by a drummer striking the top of the animal skin with the palms of their hands and fingers and it’s usually performed while being seated. The drums play an integral role in Garifuna music and culture. The various drum rhythms include Paranda, Punta, Chumba, Hungu-Hungu, Wanaragua, Gunjei and during the Garifuna spiritual ceremony called the Dügü.

By Dale Aranda – Master Garifuna Drummer

Dana Elizabeth Verde started her entertainment career while she was an undergraduate at the New School University (NSU) pursuing her degree in Media Studies/ Screenwriting. Entering the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, her first full length feature script “The Only Black Girl” made the final round in the competition. She completed her degree at NSU and became a script reader for Maisha Film Lab (founded by filmmaker Mira Nair) and co-hosted a TV show on MTV called “Your Movie Show” as a film reviewer.

Wanting to further knowledge of her craft, Verde attended the London Film School (LFS), London UK. After receiving her MA in Filmmaking in 2008, Verde returned to New York to work as an independent filmmaker. Her short film “Lock & Key” was a major success in 2012, screening at 10 film festivals internationally and winning a best short subject award at the North Carolina Black Film Festival.

In 2014, Verde wrote, produced and directed her first feature film “Grand Gesture” on a shoestring budget of 10k.

The film was shot in three cities New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas and was nominated for best feature film at the Martha’s Vineyard African American film festival.

Dana wrote the screenplay for the 2016 hit, “The Perfect Match” staring Paula Patton, Terrence J and Cassie Ventura. The film was produced by Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit production company and is now in theatres.

Verde indicates that “as a filmmaker I enjoy creating narratives from a cross cultural prospective and incorporate my Caribbean heritage into the world of cinematic storytelling”.

Dana is of Cuban and Jamaican heritage.

Keisha Edwards is the owner and Creative Director of Shasha Designs, a women’s ready to wear fashion brand based in Guyana.

In operation since 2008, Shasha Designs creates chic designs capturing the individual tastes of each client.

In 2014, she launched “Shasha Weddings” where she uses innovative cuts and symmetrical lines to create unique wedding gowns for her clients.

Currently, Shasha Designs is working on collections that embody Guyanese and Caribbean cultures and has displayed collections at the Guyana Fashion Week, Curacao Fashion Extravaganza, Carifesta in Haiti and Maryland’s Style & Culture Fashion showcase. Along with four other Caribbean designers, she had the opportunity to display a piece at the White House to commemorate National Caribbean American Heritage Month 2013.

She describes her art as the creation of unique garments. “Fashion designing makes me feel alive… It fills my life with purpose because I get to do something that I love every day and I get to help others to express their emotions or personality through the clothes they wear. When people look good, they feel good so I get to make others happy and that makes me happy.

Funche (Puerto Rican Cornmeal Porridge) Servings 6-8 Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter 6 cups water 1 tablespoon salt 2 cups yellow cornmeal butter for greasing the baking pan Directions: In a saucepan, bring the water, milk, butter, sugar and salt to a boil. Whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring until the funche thickens, about 15 minutes. Pour it into a bowl and top it off with your favorite fruit.

Sugar or sweetened condensed milk may be used for sweeter taste buds. Sugar substitutes such as saccharin and Stevia may be used for those who cannot have sugar.

Different variations of this meal are used in many parts of the Caribbean and Latin American.

Francesca Harewood is Vice President, Business Affairs for NBCUniversal where she negotiates agreements for NBC prime-time scripted series and specials. Francesca serves as the network business contact for outside studios producing NBC series, from the start of development, through pilot production and series. Francesca is also the business affairs executive for NBC annual specials, including “New Year’s Eve”, “Red Nose Day”, “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks” and “Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade”; and musical specials for artists such as Adele, Miley Cyrus and One Direction.

Before joining NBC, Francesca was Director of Business Affairs for Disney/ABC, negotiating talent and production deals for daytime soap operas, talk shows and syndicated programs.

After graduating from Wesleyan University, Francesca began her career in entertainment working in radio and television ad sales in Boston, MA. A few years later, USC Law School gave her the opportunity to move to Los Angeles and work in Hollywood. During her third year at USC, Francesca worked on “Entertainment Tonight” while interning on the Paramount lot. Following graduation, Francesca became a real estate attorney at Jones Day

Reavis and Pogue in LA, and later a corporate securities attorney at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati in Silicon Valley. At WSGR, Francesca advised clients ranging from small start-ups to large public corporations on corporate and compliance matters, and worked on numerous IPOs, mergers and private equity financing transactions.

In 2003, Francesca transitioned to entertainment law as a production attorney for Disney/ABC syndicated programs, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” and “The Tony Danza Show.” She has also held positions as General Counsel of an internet marketing company in San Diego, CA, and Head of Business and Legal Affairs for SiTV (now Nuvo TV) cable network.

Francesca serves on the Board of Directors of the Fort Greene Council, the non-profit organization in Brooklyn, NY that her mother ran for over 30 years. She is also a founding member of Angelenos for LA, a private giving circle making annual grants to nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles.

Francesca was born in Brooklyn, but grew up in Dover, Christ Church, Barbados where she maintains a family home and visits as often and for as long as her schedule permits.

For Disney fans and families, the Company’s network of digital experiences provides a way to explore and engage with favorite stories and characters whenever they need a little magic. Finding new ways to reach and delight a new generation of fans and families is at the top of JamaicanAmerican Mark Walker’s to-do list as senior vice president and general manager, Disney Interactive Media.

Mark leads all product development, marketing, programming, content and operations for Disney’s network of digital gateways, including Disney.com, Family.disney. com, Babble.com and StarWars.com. He also is in charge of Disney’s vast social media footprint and its award-winning content apps, including Star Wars, Disney Animated and Disney GIF. Prior to joining Disney Interactive in 2011, Mark was the head of Yahoo! News and Information properties. Under his leadership, Yahoo! News was transformed from an online

news aggregation platform into a premier source of original reporting and premium original video programming.

Before taking the helm at Yahoo! News, Mark was the vice president of business development for Yahoo! Media, responsible for leading the business development teams in entertainment, sports and lifestyle content. He was the co-principal of Oceanaix Ventures LLC, an investment and consulting firm focused on digital media businesses. He has also held top business and legal affairs positions for several entertainment media companies in music, film and television.

Mark holds a J.D. degree from Stanford Law School, an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford, and a S.B. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT. He is an active member of the Visiting Committee for the MIT Media Laboratory/ Media Arts and Sciences.

As Vice President of Creative Development for Walt Disney Imagineering, Carmen Smith is responsible for developing a diverse pipeline of product and people to enhance Imagineering’s consultant talent and its creative processes. Her four areas of primary emphasis: creative product and services development, consultant talent identification, casting talent to the full range of creative assignments, editorial participation in the creative process and the establishment of external partnerships to enhance product relevance in the diverse global marketplace.

East West Players - the nation’s longest running professional theater of color and is also a member of the advisory board of the Urban Women’s Retreat. She was a presenter at the United Nations’ Fourth Non-Governmental Forum on Women in Beijing, China. She was elected to the Hall of Fame of the Alumni of Hunter College of the City University of New York; she received the Urban Resource Institute Certificate for Outstanding Leadership; the Great Seal of the State of New York for Community Service; recognition from the Doors of Hope Foundation for outstanding service to Battered Women.

Carmen served as vice president of Global Strategies for Diversity and Inclusion for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. She was responsible for integrating diversity and inclusion strategies into creative entertainment worldwide, global development and all Walt Disney Park Operations and businesses.

Carmen was selected as the ABC, Inc. Black Achiever in Industry for 2000 and has received many awards including the 2001 John D. Blodger Diversity Award and the 2003 AFTRA National American Scene Award (Crystal Award), was a 2004 AFTRA, Actors’ Equity and SAG Diversity Honoree; received the 2004 Oneness award for promoting diversity in Television and film and received the Directors Guild of American African-American Steering committee award for outstanding efforts to elevate the stature of women and minorities in the entertainment industry; 2005 AFTRA National Scene award as Executive Producer of the ABC Entertainment Micro-Mini TV Series and the 2005 Theresa’s Haven Award from the Family Support Systems Transitional Housing Services of New York, for improving the quality of life for homeless families in New York and received the Institute of American Indian Arts 2006 Visionary Award.

Prior to joining Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Carmen served as the vice president of the Talent Development Programs for the Disney/ABC Television Group. In this position she was responsible for overseeing and managing the Disney/ABC Writers Fellowship Program and Writers Breakage Initiatives; the ABC/DGA Directors Fellowship Program; the Touchstone/DGA Partnership; the Directing Assignment Initiative; the Casting Project; the Talent Development Scholarship/Grant Program for filmmakers, writers and directors; the Entertainment Associates Program; ABC/Disney Writer-Director Summer Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at the Institute of American Indian Arts; the American Indian National Center for Television and Film and she executiveproduced the Micro-Mini Television Series Project. She also functioned as a liaison with diverse creative communities around the country, nonprofit arts institutions, entertainment industry guilds, colleges and universities to nurture talented, emerging writers, actors and directors.

In 2007, Carmen received an honorary doctorate from the Metropolitan College of New York. Ms. Smith serves on the board of the Urban Resource Institute, Robey Theatre, The Mattie C. Stewart Foundation,

A native of New York with roots in the twin island country of Trinidad & Tobago, Carmen graduated from Hunter College with a degree in communication arts. She received a master’s degree in international administration from New York University and completed the Simmons Graduate School of Management Certificate Program for Developing Managers, as well as the Women and Power Executive Education Program at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Location & History Guyana an Amerindian word meaning “Land of Many Waters” is the land of my birth. Approximately 83,000 square miles, Guyana is located on the North Eastern coast of South America. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Brazil to the south and southwest, Suriname to the east and Venezuela to the west. Beautiful Guyana boasts six unique races all of whom, except the Amerindians, were brought here to grow sugar cane and other crops.

The Dutch were the first to occupy the territory, before it was ceded to the British and the French in turn for brief periods, until the British took over in 1803. After many struggles and hardships Guyana finally gained independence on May 26th 1966. Guyana, in colorful, grand style recently celebrated its 50th Independence Jubilee Anniversary.

Culture and Food Guyana is often times said to be geographically South American, but culturally Caribbean. Not an incorrect statement as Guyana’s rich culture is directly influenced by all of our six races, similar to that of many Caribbean Islands. Because of this Guyanese, along with most of the English speaking Caribbean are also called West Indians.

This is especially evident in our cuisine. Many of the dishes one can sample are derived from many cultural influences coming together to make up a totally unique National Menu. Some delectable offerings include: •

Tasty Metemgee, a West African-influenced dish of ground provisions and coconut milk.

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Our national dish Pepperpot, an Amerindian dish made with a thick molasses-like sauce made from cassava called Cassareep.

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Various taste bud tantalizing spicy curry dishes and sweets derived from our Indian ancestors from South India.

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A flavoursome Christmas specialty, garlic pork, is derived from our Portuguese ancestors who hailed from Madeira

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Feast on various Cantonese-influenced Chinese cuisine.

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Tons of pastries, pies and cakes from our European ancestors including our much talked about “Guyana Black Cake” and fruit cakes.

Apart from our food, a visitor to Guyana will be enthralled by the many colonial style buildings that can be found around the country. Guyana’s National Museum and National Art Gallery are must visit hot spots which house various artifacts from Guyana’s past as well as many modern sculptures and paintings.

One thing you are sure to hear on a visit apart from the sweet sing-song dialect of our people is music….. a blend of reggae, soca, chutney, as well as modern hits make up the music scene.

Land National Geographic said “…Guyana may be the best-kept secret in South America…..with stunning natural wonders…”* Guyana is made up of ten administrative regions and further divided into three counties; Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice and consists of four main geographical zones; the interior savannahs, the highland region, the hilly sand and clay area and the low coastal plain.

Places to Visit: • Rupununi Savannahs: situated in the south of Guyana is an a favourite destination for eco-tourists, with stunning waterfalls, creeks and rivers; splendid rainforest and an abundance of wildlife that includes more than 800 species of birds and over 1000 tree species in its savannahs.

• Georgetown: The Capital of Guyana was designed by the Dutch. Guyana’s capital has wide, tree-lined avenues, lily-covered canals and many fine examples of 18th and 19th century colonial buildings. Throughout the city are colourful markets, historical monuments and wonderful museums. The “GT Seawall” is another venue in Guyana which is alive with activity in the evenings. While in Georgetown check out the beautiful St. Georges Cathedral and the Umana Yana, a 55-foot high coneshaped benab constructed by Amerindians of the Wai Wai tribe.

• Kaieteur Falls: It is a waterfall on the Potaro River. Kaieteur Falls, at over 700 feet, is five times taller than Niagara. Kaieteur National Park is situated on the Guiana Shield, a plateau that is one of the world’s oldest and remotest geological formations. Kaieteur is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. It is one of the few places in the world where endangered species are easily observed.

• Fort Island: Located not very far up the Essequibo River, boasts the best preserved built evidence of Dutch settlement in Guyana.

• Essequibo River: Guyana’s main waterway runs from the Atlantic to the Amazon dividing Guyana roughly in half. The Essequibo offers wildlife watching trips through some of the most pristine parts of the Amazon.

Numerous wonderful lodges and resorts can be found along the river where the service is second to none and activities for the entire family are plentiful.

Anyone visiting Guyana will be left in awe at the distinctive makeup of the land: from vast savannahs, unspoiled rainforests, magnificent mountain ranges, eye catching flora, countless species of birds and animals, rivers and waterfalls that will leave your breathless. Whether you are seeking adventure, serenity or history glorious Guyana has much to offer.

Barbados was formed by the collision of the Atlantic crystal and Caribbean plates, which created a volcanic eruption to create this country of contrasts; from serene Caribbean waters and coral beaches for sunbathers and swimmers to an Atlantic coastline ideal for surfers and sailors. Meadows of golden sugar cane and historic plantation houses are a short walk away from the bustling port of Bridgetown. A range of full-service resorts, quaint bed & breakfasts, private villas and self-contained apartments accommodate all types of travelers from families to couples.

Visitors will find excitement in recreational and island activities – from golf and scuba to Harrison’s Cave and Orchid World. Rich in culture, Barbados is known for friendly people and entertaining events year-round. The Barbados Jazz Festival, held each January, offers tropical ambience with top international artists, while The Crop Over Festival heats up every July, and is a celebration of music, masquerade and tradition signifying the end of the annual sugar cane harvest.

The first indigenous people were Amerindians arriving from Venezuela. The first English ship touched the island in 1625, and it was claimed on behalf of King James I, remaining a British colony until internal autonomy was granted in 1961. The island gained full independence in 1966, and maintains ties to the British monarch represented in Barbados by the Governor General. Barbados is a member of the Commonwealth. The Honourable Errol Walton Barrow, PC, QC was the first Prime Minister of Barbados.

Despite years of independence from Great Britain, cricket is still played throughout the island, with International matches every spring. Barbados recently hosted the 2007 Cricket World Cup finals. Bajan cuisine such as Cou-Cou and Pepperpot are worth a taste, as is Flying Fish, an island favorite. With daily non-stop and direct flights out of major US cities that will have you on the beach in time to catch the afternoon sun, Barbados is closer than ever.

The island nation is divided into 11 parishes: St. Lucy, St. Peter, St. Andrew, St. James, St. Joseph, St. Thomas, St. John, St. Michael, St. George, St. Philip and Christ Church. The infrastructure of Barbados and its business operations are highly advanced, allowing convention and meeting bookings to flourish at a host of internationally acclaimed resort hotels. The Sherbourne Center is among the Caribbean’s finest conference facilities,

featuring state-of-the-art technology, and a wide selection of meeting spaces and special services.

Dining in Barbados is a feast for all senses.

Choose from folk recipes for “Pudding and Souse” to culinary experiences that rival the world’s finest. Diverse sightseeing options feature a wide array of natural attractions, abundant sporting choices, world-class shopping and lively nightlife. With all this, and a temperate, year-round climate of sunshine and warm breezes, it is clear how Barbados has remained the Caribbean’s most re-visited destination.

European settlers established tobacco and cotton plantations, and during the 1630s, sugar cane was introduced to agriculture. The Barbadians dominated the Caribbean sugar industry in these early years.

Barbados is also known for its single greatest natural resource: its people. With a mixed population of some 268,000 citizens, Barbadians (also known as “Bajans”) are warm and hospitable people, many originating from West Africa and the United Kingdom.

Barbados enjoys a 98% literacy rate, and a very high percentage of the island’s youth attain a college or university education.

Proud of their island, Bajans are always willing to share a rich cultural heritage and provide insight on favorite local “haunts,” as great “finds” can be discovered off the beaten track.

BOB GRIFFITHS - MASTER OF CEREMONY Bob Griffiths is a Jamaican-born performing artist. For nearly 30 years, he has shared Caribbean culture as “Jamaica Bob” with schoolchildren across the US through his show “Calypso for Kids.”

In addition to performing, Griffiths is a speaker and certified wellness coach specializing in serving those who suffer from COPD and their families. Griffiths also has a passion for sport and fitness, competing as a vegan sprinter in regional and national Masters and Senior Games events. Most importantly, however, this husband and father sees himself as being in the people development business, striving to better to lives with whom he comes in contact.

DALE ARANDA Garifuna Drummer Considering his work as a language teacher, drum instructor, dancer, singer, musician, and as a former police constable in his native Belize, it is fair to say that Dale Aranda has been busy doing what he loves for the most part of his 44 years.

Aranda was born June 17, 1970, in the coastal town of Dangriga, a Garifuna word often translated as “sweet water”. The town is the largest in southern Belize, and it’s the capital of the Stann Creek District. It is also the cultural center of the Garinagu people.

Garinagu or Garifuna, are the descendants of Arawak and Carib Indians and African slaves who settled in the southern coast of Belize in the early 19th century. Their history of endurance and perseverance dates back to the beginning of the 17th century in the island of St. Vincent.

Preserving his Garifuna culture has been a driving force in Aranda’s work, so after 13 years in the Belize Police Department, he left the department and joined the Ugundani (happiness) Dance Group. He later became an international performer with the Belize National Dance Company and toured France, Italy, several cities in Mexico, and performed twice in Jaca, Spain, for the 35th and 39th Pyrenees Festival.

A need to expand his horizons took Aranda to Los Angeles, California where he has worked as a Garifuna language teacher, drum instructor, and as a dancer with the Garifuna American Heritage Foundation United. He is an active member in the local Garifuna community where he volunteers as a drumming teacher for the children at St. Raphael Church, and continues to be busy doing what he loves as a member of the Village Voices Choir, the Iseiri Isanigu Cultural Group, and the Lidan Aban Culture Band.

LINLING HSU Violinist Recognized for her “eclectic, energizing, and deeply moving” (Banff Centre Report) performances, genre-bending violinist Linling Hsu captivates audiences with her expressive lyricism and soulful sound. Acclaimed for “transcending cultural boundaries” (FFwd Calgary Weekly), Linling combines a strong classical background with her signature improvisational style and performs repertoire ranging from traditional classical to Persian-fusion, reggae, and beyond.

From the day her sister gave her a Bob Marley tape, Linling has had a deep love for reggae music. After over a decade of studying reggae, she adds her own flavor to classic “riddims” from original songs to Bob Marley covers. Linling and her “Rasta” violin have shared the stage with reggae artists, Scientist, Michigan & Smiley, Ladee Dred, Michael Fabulous, Jah Beloved, Roberto Gell, and Dub Station. As a soloist,

Linling Hsu has performed with renowned artists such as Edgar Meyer, Bennie Maupin, Munyungo Jackson, Anton Kuerti, Angela Cheng, John Stetch, Barry Shiffman, Chen Halevi, Mark Applebaum, and Hugh Fraser.

Born in Nashville to Taiwanese parents and currently based in Los Angeles, Linling began playing violin at the age of five. A dedicated music educator and certified yoga instructor, Linling holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, and her primary teachers were Bill Kennedy and Kathleen Winkler.

Linling is working on her first solo album, which draws on a wide range of musical influences including reggae, hip hop, down-tempo, meditative soundscapes, and traditional Chinese songs. For more information, please visit www.linlinghsu.com.

CARIBBEAN JEMS Cultural Dance Group Based in Southern California, Caribbean Jems specializes in dances from Africa and the Caribbean. They are famous for performing dances such as the Marketplace, Bed of Nails, Broken Glass, Fire Eating and Limbo dance. The group also provides Stilt Walking Entertainment featuring Girls parading in traditional Caribbean carnival costumes.

The group was founded in 2001 by the Director Edward Olive and Artistic Director, Joy Ann Martin-Olive. Caribbean Jems has had stage performances with many local and internationally recognized Caribbean and American artists.

Each dancer is highly trained in many forms of dance such as jazz, modern and hip-hop. They are also experienced in ethnic and world dance forms such as Belly, Polynesian, Middle-Eastern, Caribbean, Brazilian and West African. They all continue to study various dance forms and are involved with other dance companies in Southern California.

Caribbean Jems wows audiences with their vibrant costumes and unique high energy dances. They perform to popular Caribbean music such as Calypso, Soca, and Reggae and perform to live music such as African Drums and Steel Pan Band. For more information, please visit caribbbeanjems.com.

DJ WILLY WONKA Adolfo Quan, also known as the “The Deejay with the Golden Ticket” or Dj Willy Wonka was born in Belize and grew up in the Bronx, NY. Graduating from Syracuse University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Information Management and Technology, Willy with a great educational background and wide range of technical skills, which was a great asset as a Disc Jockey, start branching out to the DJ World. He also took over the “Drive at 5” radio show on WJPZ Z89(89.1FM) in Syracuse, NY. This was a great opportunity that gave me a chance as a selector to show his skills to the city of Syracuse and spread the Caribbean culture and music. But, really Dj Willy was in touch with his Caribbean culture through Syracuse University Caribbean Students Association, where he was a web manager, events chair, and inhouse Dj. Willy’s West Indian ethnicity transpire the way he looks at music. He became one of the well-known Tristate College djs touring about 16 colleges.

Today, DJ Willy is an active member in the Los Angeles Caribbean community. He dj’s in the Hollywood Carnival and is also a member of illusive Radio App, which is a mobile app based in Los Angeles spreading Caribbean culture and music.

Executive Producer Marva Griffiths Herman

Social Media Sarah Gaskin

Co-Producers Claire Nelson, PhD Audrey Mitchell

Legal O’Melveny & Meyers, Los Angeles

Creative Director Jody Gilbert Director Elvert Waltower Consulting Director Ina Bruce-Adrabu Production Assistants Javed Mitchell Taylor Reed Terrence D. Herman Michelle McKnight Patrea Gardiner Event Manager Audrey Mitchell VIP Manager Denise Gardiner

Hosts Constantine Nsizoa Jackie Watson Marcia Adams Gigi Whittaker Tracy Trahan Teri Walters Sharon Franks Rosemarie Miller Fashion Consultant Finiana Joseph

Special Thank You

Special Thank You

Dan Reynolds William Trowbridge Michael Hundgen Jodi Resnick Teresa Pfiffner Elma Bozik Dorothy McCleod – Jamaica Cultural Alliance Presenters Alfred Rutherford, Actor Joan Chanman – Forbes Our Children, the Future, Inc. Marcell Greenidge – Bajans and Friends for Health & Education Kimone Gordon - Jamaican Diaspora, Technology Task Force

The Hon. Roland Yorke – Consulate General of Belize The Hon. Cadrin Gill, MD – Honorary Consul of Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Constance Innocent Nicole Reyes Holly Franks

IN MEMORIAM OF JEFFREY GRIFFITHS Jeffrey was the brother of Caribbean Heritage Organization’s founder, Marva Griffiths Herman. He was one of her biggest cheerleaders and supporters. Thank you, brother, you are sorely missed.