Discussion on Jamaica, The Confounding Island, Mobilizes the Diaspora
The Jamaican Nationals Association of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area (JNA), through the leadership of Dr. Elaine Knight, its President, and Rev. Dr. Noel Godfrey, its Vice President, has announced
Preserving Culture Through Younger Generations in the Diaspora
Interview with Bobbi Rossiter, Co-Founder and Chief Cultural Facilitator, Irie Camp Jamaica Jamaicans in the Diaspora often speak with pride of our “likkle but tallawah” culture – the strength, tenacity, grit,
Montgomery County June 16, 2020 Caribbean American Heritage Month Proclamation & Celebration
Please join the Montgomery County Executive’s Caribbean American Advisory Group (CAAG) as we celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month. The flyer is attached. Please share the information and plan to have
Your Diet’s Role in Conronavirus Risk
An April 20, 2020 New York Times article, summarized below, discussed how poor diet contributes to coronavirus risk. It also touched on why soaring rates of metabolic disease is an
Five-Year Strategic Plan Review: How to Increase Support for JNA
In 2018, JNA successfully undertook a well-attended Retreat & Visioning Exercise, moderated by Dr. Claire Nelson of the Institute of Caribbean Studies. That Exercise ultimately resulted in two major documents,
Together We Stand
How you can help Jamaica and Jamaicans in the Washington DC Metro area during the COVID-19 pandemic? To address the impacts of the pandemic, JNA is seeking your support for:
Do You Have a Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA)?
JNA is committed to reminding you of the need to have advance directives in place in this period of uncertainty. We want to empower you with these beginning steps. What
How to Determine Whether You’re Ready for a Leadership Role
Leadership is a learned skill. It’s performance art. To understand it, you have to experience it. To improve, you have to practice. We also know that leadership skills that you
Supporting JNA’s Student Scholarships
JNA’s history is closely tied to education as it was founded by Jamaican students attending colleges in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area (WMA) over fifty years ago. Over the years,
Volunteer Opportunity: Signing up for our Student Mentorship Bank
Knowing that mentoring can be extremely helpful in professional development, JNA’s Student Outreach & Educational Support (SOES) is relaunching its Mentorship Program and Mentorship Bank. Our Mentorship Program will initially
Volunteering Opportunity: Cancer Prevention Awareness
Partnering with Jamaica’s Cancer Society & Participating in Local Cancer Prevention Awareness Efforts JNA continues to partner with the Jamaica Cancer Society, St. Ann and St. Mary Branch by: Encouraging
Volunteering Opportunity: Shepherd’s Table
Every quarter, JNA offers an opportunity to volunteer at Shepherd’s Table, serving individuals currently experiencing challenging life circumstances. The next opportunity to volunteer is May 28, 2020 when we will
President’s Corner Message March-April 2020
Dear Members & Supporters: In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please continue to be vigilant and mindful of your own well-being and treat yourself with kindness and care. Follow the CDC’s
Developing Podcasts Targeting “Leadership & Communication Skills”
According to the Student Outreach & Educational Support (SOES) Program Committee Co-chairs, the rise of remote learning and social distancing resulting from the coronavirus pandemic has challenged the Committee to
A Discussion on Jamaica’s Strengths and Weaknesses
JNA’s June Meeting will feature a spirited discussion on the cultural “paradoxes” in Orlando Patterson’s recent book, The Confounding Island: Jamaica and the Post-Colonial Predicament. Here is an excerpt from
Be the Change: Volunteer & Make the Difference
JNA’s mission is to unite persons of Jamaican heritage and friends of Jamaica in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area (WMA) and to support charitable and educational efforts in WMA and
The Contribution of Jamaican Americans to Preserving African American History
Black History Month is an opportunity for persons of Jamaican heritage in the DMV to learn more about this region’s African American history and the contribution of Jamaican-Americans. With this
Craving Bun & Cheese this Easter
Photo Credit: Grace Foods As she took a bite from her second mini-sandwich, she turned to me with a smile and said “I really love the combination of flavors in