It has been quite an exuberant week as the celebrations continued for National Caribbean-American Heritage month (CAHM).   Actually, fantastic programs took place all over the United States honoring, recognizing, and most importantly the sharing of our cultural heritage with different communities; and this will continue until the last day in June (19 days away.)  

Not only has this special month been celebrated with music, dance and song; but it has, and will continue being spotlighted with readings, festivals of all sorts, and just the sharing and teaching through workshops and discussions of our Caribbean-American Heritage. Hooray for the people who did there utmost in making June month one where our Caribbean-American Heritage is spotlighted Nationally.

One of my inspirations; and a powerful woman from our area who has been the foundation, the voice , and extremely essential with June being declared National Caribbean-American Heritage Month is Dr. Claire Nelson.  This highly educated and fantastic woman made her dream become a reality and played a valuable role in making sure the month of June is designated to recognizing the significance of Caribbean-American Heritage.  What an accomplishment!!!

Over this past weekend we were honored by Dr. Nelson's presence as we attended a festival in Prince George's County Maryland [the festival's sole purpose was to celebrate this great month;] and as we greeted each other Dr. Nelson said a few kind words to us that we appreciated tremendously.  She said "Thank you for sharing our events" through our means of communication.  I am aware those words may not mean much to a lot of people, but to us those two small words "Thank You" meant quite a lot, and they are truly appreciated.  Throughout the years it has been very important to us to expose our heritage, as well as everything that has been transpiring with CAHM, and to hear those words made us proud to be doing what we do for our community.  If you have been following us and reading our weekly commentary, then you know we try to use our forum to educate, discuss and share important issues, and what we are doing have been acknowledged by one of my inspirations.

If you don't know who Dr. Claire Nelson is, let me share her works with you.  In fact, before I do; let me share my thoughts about her on a personal level.  You see this woman is one of the voices I have been hearing a lot of years, a woman who have been integral in solving and making sense to a lot of issues that plague our Caribbean Community.  In previous years I have had the great opportunity to serve on a Committee with this lovely woman, and she is an inspiration.  I have sat in the background and listened to her; I have watched her as she handled important issues; I have seen her brainstorm on vital matters and was fascinated by her intellect.  I have watched her as she addressed some of the top community leaders, as well as top political leaders here in Washington DC; and on a more lighter note I have seen her perform her poetry on a number of occasions and truly loved them.  Dr. Nelson motivates me to be all I can be.  Dr. Nelson is the FOUNDER & PRESIDENT of The Institute of Caribbean Studies, and you will find I have added her bio below.  So please take the time to read it, and learn more about her professional career and her works with her beloved Institute of Caribbean Studies.

Dr. Claire Nelson has been actively engaged in the business of international development for over twenty five years, working in the area of project development and management, with a particular focus on private sector development. A renaissance woman, she has been alternately described as a Social Entrepreneur, Futurist and Change Leader.

The first Jamaican woman to hold a Doctorate degree in an engineering discipline and only Black in her graduating class, Dr. Nelson holds Industrial Engineering Degrees from the State University of New York at Buffalo, Purdue University, and a Doctorate in Engineering Management from the George Washington University. She has served on numerous Boards and Committees including: US Department of Commerce US/Caribbean Business Development Council; Advisory Board; DC Caribbean Carnival Association; International Think Tank, Commission on Pan-African Affairs, Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados; African-American Unity Caucus; National Democratic Institute/Carter Center Election Observer Mission to the Dominican Republic; Black Professionals in International Affairs; and the International Committee, National Society of Black Engineers-Alumni Extension...  TO READ DR. NELSON'S ENTIRE BIOGRAPHY PLEASE CLICK HERE! 

On an important note: as we continue celebrating our heritage and the Caribbean overall; we should certainly take this month to spotlight Haiti as this island recovers from one of the most devastating earthquake earlier this year.  The people of Haiti are in desperate need of help, and if you have any disposable income consider donating it to our brothers and sisters in Haiti   Click the "Donate Now" Button on the right to make your donation.  We must also keep Jamaica in our thoughts due to so many losing their life recently in the city of Kingston (West) over the extradition of Christopher "Dudus" Coke.  Finally, on a happier note we must celebrate with/and spotlight Trinidad and Tobago on the nomination of their First Female Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

Please take time to continue celebrating us, our culture, contributions  and commemorate our heritage and history.  To learn more about Caribbean-American Heritage Month and its history log on their site by CLICKING HERE!  To read the Proclamation issued by President Barack H. Obama PLEASE CLICK HERE!

Across the United States there are several events taking place - many we have received notices for, and requests for exposure; which we have added to our "Events" Page.  Therefore, take the time to browse through our "Events " Page.  For additional events across the US PLEASE CLICK HERE to see what is taking place in your area and for the details.  Kindly check the Caribbean-American Heritage Month's site for the national calendar by clicking the following link www.caribbeanheritage.org for Events located on the National Calendar page.

This past weekend continued to be a splendid one.  We spent a great deal of it walking.  

However, another important thing that we had an opportunity to be a part of was spending time with people who we can easily call friends.  These fantastic folks spent their Saturday walking 6 miles to raise funds for Cancer research through their foundation "Walk In The Name of Love".  The Executive Producer of this foundation Mrs. Barbara Jones and her team had a extraordinary day as they walked specifically in the name of her twin Sister who she lost from breast cancer.  

I remember the first time Todd and I met Mrs. Jones, we spent the afternoon talking over dinner about everything.  When she came around to talking about her twin sister her words were heartfelt and she expressed her passion behind the "Walk In The Name Of Love" foundation, and how important it is to do everything in her power to help with raising funds and bringing awareness to the dreaded disease [Cancer. ]

Read some words she wrote to her sister by clicking on the picture below.

Mrs. Jones and her partners invited us to spend the evening with them last Saturday after the Washington DC American Cancer Society walk, and it was a marvelous evening that was hosted by Kristina Noell owner of Hogates by Kristina.  During the festivities at Hogates the founder of the foundation Ms. Jocasta Jones-Harrison – a cancer survivor (her cancer is currently in remission), along with Mrs. Jones honored some essential members of their team and presented some of the most gorgeous and expensive trophies.  The evening progressed with some great performances from a few up and coming local artists.  However, the highlight of this fabulous evening was an incredible performance by Hip Hop Legend Kurtis Blow [aka Kurtis Walker.]  Kurtis Blow's performance was excellent, especially after 38 years of being in the business.  He entertained us with all of his hits and even did a few break dance moves.  He was truly fantastic, and so was this incredible evening.  

After this event we vowed to get more involved  with the "Walk In The Name of Love" foundation - to help with raising funds for the American Cancer Society. [The goal of the American Cancer Society (ACS) is to prevent cancer, save lives, and diminish suffering from cancer.  The mission of the American Cancer Society is to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. Because cancer is a global health problem, this mission extends around the world.]

Before we close we want to express our sincerest condolences to our friends Trevor and Jennifer Selman - owners of the successful and popular Crown Bakery here in Washington DC on the passing of their beloved Victor Selman on May 22nd, 2010.

To the Selman Family: Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
we pray that looking back in memory will help comfort you tomorrow.  May the memories you hold dear for Victor forever stay in your hearts and mind.  

"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. " ~Author Unknown

May Victor Rest In Peace!    Click here to view Mr. Selman’s obituary. 

This week we welcome Mr. Hollis Flash Lashley insightful "Flashpoint", which you will see below.   Please read and be inspired!   Kindly check out the events we have spotlighted below under our "Featured Events" section .  PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF AND MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND Pan Master's Anniversary Calypso Show on Saturday, June 12th, and The Carnival Bandleaders Association of DC BBQ taking place on Sunday, June 13th.  

Actually, check out all the events including all the upcoming events by logging on to our Events Page here.  

Be inspired and Motivated to increase your Spiritual Energy.  

By Mr. Hollis P. Lashley

Mr. Lashley is the author of his new book "Gifts From The Heart" that is now available at www.xlibris.com and from www.hollislashley.com .  Pick up your copy NOW!!!

PROSPERING!

In the midst of turmoil

I will still express Peace.

I stay conscious of Good,

And the negatives cease.

The Christ consciousness

Energizes me now,

And problems disappear

Somehow!

I know that darkness

Is the absence of light;

And that evil is only

Failure to do right.

Still, my Spirit of truth

Keeps on moving within;

Leading me, guiding me,

Prospering!

Hollis Patrick Lashley.

Copyright © 2010

Have an enjoyable and fantastic weekend, and we will certainly vibe some more with you next week.

We welcome your input, so if you have any comment or feedback on the commentary or events - please feel free to send an e-mail to: susan@ariousentertainment.us