The Jamaica Progressive League celebrated Black History Month with their annual Cocktail Sip on Sunday, February 19 at the Elegant Rosehall on White Plains Road in the North East Bronx. The well attended event attracted many long time members and their families. The 76 year old organization which was formed on September 1936 came about as a result of Jamaicans living in the US being concerned and outraged by the injustices being meted out to masses of Jamaicans on the island. This group of progressives led by Rev. Ethelred Brown, W.A. Domingo and W. Adolf Roberts in the face of great opposition and danger to their lives forged ahead and formed the organization that would ultimately change the course of Jamaica’s history. The evening celebrated their work as visionaries along with those others who championed the way for Jamaica’s independence in 1962.
Sadie Campbell, current President of the league, told those gathered that they should assist in lobbying the Jamaican government to ensure that these pioneers are honored as part the Golden Anniversary celebration of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of Independence from Great Britain. The evening opened with Welcome remarks from 3 year old Dylan Campbell, followed by an awe inspiring dance by 7 year old Douglas Baldeo in tribute to Alvin Ailey’s Revelations. Also bringing greetings was Jose Richards, Vice President of the League, who spoke and quoted from Jamaican National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Later, he read from “If We Must Die” by Claude McKay before breaking out in his unique rendition of the Johnny Ace classic, “Forever My Darling. Forensic social worker Carmeta Albrus –Lindo, founder of Family Unification and Resettlement Initiave (FURI) shared with the audience about her work with Jamaican deportees and the challenges of resettlement as well as the injustices of the US Penal System.
Olympian Byron LaBeach, a member of the 1952 Gold Medal winning 4x400 relay team also spoke and advised of his upcoming book Legends of Jamaica Track and Field. Desmond Clarke of the Jamaica National Movement also brought greetings on behalf of his organization. Recognition was made of Mrs. Icy Bloomfield a long time member of the League and a community stalwart who has long been the person tasked with researching where the annual Independence Church Service occurs in New York City.
