An upcoming presentation at Sinclair Community College promises a taste and feel of the real Jamaica, according to the event’s organizer. Designed to introduce the island nation and its culture in an educational way, the presentation on Jamaica will include food, fun facts, and plenty of music to showcase the island’s unique diversity.
The event’s presenter Trish Burke-Williams, said, “Despite its small size and population, Jamaica has had an undeniable global impact. Jamaica’s unique diversity, its mélange of cultures is a good example for the rest of the world.”
According to Burke-Williams, while giants of the music industry such as Bob Marley and Buju Banton have put Jamaica on the cultural map, there are a wide variety of historic sites, milestones, and factoids that make the island standout. That includes everything from its famous jerk chicken to the ruins of Port Royal, remembered for being “the wickedest place in the world.” With Jamaica having been home to legendary figures such as Henry Morgan, Blackbeard, and Admiral Horatio Nelson, the island’s impact on world history extends far beyond the realm of music.
“Learning about other countries and sharing our culture with others is fun. Scratching the surface of other stories allows you to take it in and expand your horizons,” said Burke-Williams. “There’s this idea that the story of black people in the Americas is a single story when in reality, there is a multiplicity of stories that extends across the breadth of Jamaica’s many different religions and cultures. It is a unique story that has a lot to teach the world.”
Attendees can expect to learn plenty of fun facts about the island and even gain an alive on-the-ground account of life in Jamaica. Traditional food and music will also be on-hand to immerse the audience into the flavors and vibes of Jamaican life.
Burke-Williams said, “I want them to have some fun, have a laugh or two, a taste of Jamaica and a feel for what Jamaica is and what being Jamaican means.”
Those ready for an hour of Jamaican fun will have to head to the Stage Area of Building 8 on Jan. 26 from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Ismael Mujahid
Reporter