A.J. Nicholson and wife Yvonne at the African Liberation Committee's fundraising dinner at Hilton Kingston Hotel. ABOVE THE head table was a banner bearing the words of Marcus Garvey: "I am only the forerunner of an awakened Africa that shall never go back to sleep."
The ballroom of the Hilton Kingston Hotel was decorated in black, red and green, the colours of the UNIA, for the African Liberation Day Committee's fund-raising dinner to mark the 113th birthday of Marcus Garvey.
Songs of Africa played, which heightened the sense of Africanism. Chairperson, Amina Blackwood-Meeks, referred to guests as 'sons and daughters' of Marcus Garvey and called them to acknowledge his works.
"It is the responsibility of the society and the educational process that we cherish our history and appreciate our culture," special guest, Dr. Julius Garvey, son of National Hero Marcus Garvey, told The Gleaner.
He also told The Gleaner it was sad that so many people were not aware of the works and the teachings of not only Marcus Garvey, but the other National Heroes and other great men and women who have contributed to our freedom and who have helped to shape our society.
Greatest philosophy
Dr. Garvey also stated that "each generation builds upon the shoulders of the previous one" and that the society should have the confidence that it can solve the problems it faces.
Guest speaker, Mozambican High Commissioner, Carlos dos Santos, said Marcus Garvey was an "important historic personality. He was the greatest philosopher of the last century and a hero not only in Jamaica, but worldwide and especially in Africa."
The High Commissioner expressed gratitude to the Jamaican government for its quick and generous assistance in helping Mozambicans regain normality and a sense of hope following flooding in that country, despite the economic and social problems that this country.
Guests were served Jamaican delicacies such as pumpkin soup, stuffed chicken breast with callaloo and cheese, escoveitched fish, rice and peas, followed by coconut creme pie.
The most outstanding performance was a blues piece, Summer Time, performed by eight-year-old Aisha Ricketts who received an award as most outstanding female performer in the national music finals of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).
Among those present were Cuban Ambassador, Jose Francisco Piedra Rencurrell; Ambassador of China, Guo Chongli; Attorney General, A.J. Nicholson and wife Yvonne and Professor Maureen Warner-Lewis.
The proceeds of the dinner will go towards the flood victims of Mozambique and Liberty Hall restoration fund.
