The First Jamaican WNBA Player Simone Edwards, OD has signed on as National Spokesperson for Caribbean American Heritage Month. Ms. Edwards who was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, accepted the duties of spokesperson for Caribbean American Heritage Month to help bring more visibility to Caribbean Americans and the contributions they make.The history-making player was selected by the New York Liberty in the 1997 inaugural WNBA season. After competing internationally, Ms. Edwards returned to the WNBA to play for Seattle Storm, ultimately winning a championship. The Jamaican Hurricane as she was called in the game, is equally known for making headlines off the court, speaking out on issues of bullying, sexual abuse and self-esteem. In her heartfelt memoir, ‘Unstoppable’, Ms. Edwards reveals the harsh realities of growing up poor in a gang-infested village, and how she found the inner strength to maintain hope in the face of opposition. In 2017, the Jamaican government bestowed Simone with the Order of Distinction award for her outstanding contribution to Jamaica’s Women National Basketball.
“I am extremely honored to once again be part of the month-long celebration to commemorate Caribbean American Heritage. Caribbean Americans are making remarkable strides on so many fronts to the American landscape, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to help bring awareness in any way I possibly can,” said Edwards.
About Caribbean American Heritage Month
In June 2005, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted H. Con. Res. 71, sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, recognizing the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States. On February 14, 2006, the resolution similarly passed the Senate, culminating a two-year, bipartisan and bicameral effort. The Proclamation was issued by President George Bush on June 6, 2006. For more information on Caribbean American Heritage Month events, visit www.caribbeanamericanmonth.org.About Simone EdwardsSimone Edwards dubbed the “Jamaican Hurricane” is a former WNBA player and the first Jamaican WNBA player. She is a motivational speaker and the founder of Simone4Children, uplifting underprivileged children, and The Anti-Bully Project. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa and Seminole State College and, she formerly coached women’s basketball for George Mason University and Radford University. She is the author “Unstoppable: A Memoir of Adversity, Perseverance & Triumph.” You can follow her @jamhurricane on Facebook and Instagram. For more information on Simone, visit www.jamaicanhurricane.com.
About Institute of Caribbean Studies
The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), founded in 1993, is the Architect and Campaign Chair for Commemoration of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. ICS is a non-partisan, non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization founded by Dr. Claire A. Nelson. The premiere Caribbean American Think/Do Tank, ICS seeks to address development problems facing Caribbean peoples, and to adopt a thorough, systematic and coordinated long-term perspective towards their resolution. For more information on ICS, visit www.icsdc.org.
