On Sunday, June 14, Atlanta Caribbean tastemakers gathered for the Atlanta Caribbean American Movers and Shakers. The 2015 list of 13 honorees highlights the best and brightest of the City of Atlanta and pays homage to professionals and civic minded individuals of Caribbean heritage, living in the metro Atlanta area, The event took place at Caribbean restaurant Negril Village.
Although all of the honorees could not be present those on hand included: Consul General of the Bahamas Hon. Randy Rolle, Founder Black Supply Institute Mr. Devin Robinson, Managing Partner 135th Street Agency Ms. Saptosa Foster, National Black Latino Council Chairman Mr. Dan Vargas, American Hero Kwame James, Television and Radio Personality Mr. Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan, Youth Pioneer Honorees Phoenix Girls and Humanitarian of the Year: Mr.Saurel Quettan, Food for the Poor.
The evening was a prime example of Caribbean American pride at its best — a coming together to show love, support and sharing of accolades. From Big Tigger announcing that he would donate $1,500 to help honorees the “Phoenix Girls” (Ny’Asia Bell, Brooke Harris, Victoria Smiley and Shauna Stewart) continue in their STEM competitions (by the way, this was AFTER they received a Phoenix Award from the Office of the Mayor of Atlanta), to the heartwarming story told by the wife of Honoree Saurel Quettan, the night was filled with many touching moments. Mrs. Quettan spoke on how growing up Haitian was a struggle for her husband because he constantly faced ridicule and disrespect and even disavowed his nationality and how he turned all that negativity into positivity. Eventually, he would proudly display his Haitian flag and devoting his life to serving the Haitian community. Devin Robinson spoke on the importance of entrepreneurship, Kwame James told us how the shoe bomber said told him he was Jamaican. James refused to believe that and told the terrorist, “no you’re not from Jamaica because Caribbean people don’t do this!” Indeed, it was a night of Caribbean solidarity.
I hope you enjoy the pics and hope to see you next year!
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