THE MONTHLY GLEANER | MARCH 3 - APRIL 2, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 4 Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK: Dr Karen R. Green, a vice-chair of the Florida Democratic Party, will be running for a seat in congress as of the next election circuit. Green, one of the highest profiled Jamaican-born women in Florida, says she was encouraged by representatives of a number of organisations, and close advisers. “I believe that I will bring a different perspective to Congress. I have been in the political trenches for many years and have a keen understanding of the needs of the people whom I would serve,” she told The Gleaner. While she has not yet settled on the Congressional District she would seek to represent, Dr Green has already set her campaign machinery in gear. She has in place an exploratory committee, began raising funds and is looking for office space to be her campaign headquarters. Further, she has reached out to the democratic party to secure its backing. She will be filing the necessary papers in the coming days in what is Women’s History Month. In March 2019, she received a commendation in Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 43, in honour of Women’s History Month. “It would be a significant milestone to file in this month because my campaign would be centred around giving voice to women and the less fortunate in the community,” she said. Should Dr Green be successful in the November 2022 mid-term elections, she would become the first Jamaicanborn person to sit in the United States Congress. But she is under no illusion of how difficult winning would be. “Florida is a red state and a difficult state for someone running for Congress for the first time, but I am confident that I would get the support needed to win,” she said. Dr Green is no stranger to the United States political arena, having been involved in a number of high political races, both presidential and congressional. Her political service record includes roles as Pledged PLEO Delegate to the DNC 2020 for President Dr Karen R. Green to run for congressional seat Dr Karen Green ATLANTA, GA: SOME LUCKY students atWestminster Academy in metro-Atlanta received hands-on experience in Caribbean culture and science thanks to the Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation (CACAF). Students participated in the Foundation’s Cultural Connect programme during a twoweek learningmodule that began on January 8, and concluded on January 20, 2022. The Cultural Connect programme offered students from diverse backgrounds and experiences the chance to immerse themselves in their global community. CACAF leaders partnered with the Westside Parent Avengers Program, an organisation which engages students from the historic Vine City neighbourhood in Atlanta, to join in the fun, free of charge. The culturally rich programme included components such as Caribbean culinary arts, humanities, and marine biology. Students took a field trip to sample delicious Caribbeanmeals from Tassa Roti, a Marietta-based Caribbean American restaurant that served up a heaping side of history to connect students with the flavours and spices of Caribbean cuisine. Students were then given the opportunity to experience glimpses of Caribbean fine arts with a special presentation from MockoJumbie (stilt dancing) performer, AlisonMoolenaar-Foy. The module also opened students’ eyes to the significance of mask wearing and design with a special craft instruction from educator, Sherry Bellille. Bellille is also the founder and executive director of the Westside Parent Avengers. In addition to arts and culture, the CACAF Cultural Connect programme gave students the chance to participate in a virtual marine biology class. Using virtual technology, the students were able to learn about marine life in the Caribbean and how to help care for the oceans that attract millions of visitors to the Caribbean each year. Students were able to ask questions and learn from several professors including Charen Glasgow of Kennesaw State University, Howard Forbes from the University of the Virgin Islands Department of Marine Biology and Molly Perry, a liberal arts educator, also from the University of theVirgin Islands. Chairman of the Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation and US Virgin Islands native, Michael Thomas, believes this programme is one of the most powerful programmes of the foundation because it helps to bridge the gap of cultural understanding. “Immersive cultural experiences have the power to engage students, increase their aptitude for diversity, and allow them to improve their social skills. We believe the programme will allow for a greater impact on students’ability to learn about their global community,” said Thomas. The organisation plans to roll out the programme to more students in local schools, with hopes of replicating the initiative in cities across the country. The Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation’s Cultural Connect programe is supported in part by the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta. CACAF was founded in 2016 by Michael Thomas. Since then, the Foundation has established programmes that support disaster preparedness and response and educational mentorship programme for young people. In addition, the Foundation has been committed to the study, advancement and presentation of Caribbean arts, culture, and humanities. To learn more about the work of the Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation’s Cultural Connect programme or to donate, visit www. caribbeanculturalarts.org. Bridging the cultural gap Caribbean American Cultural Arts offers diversity education Students at Westminster Academy, Atlanta, get a lesson in Caribbean culture through the Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation program. A TASTE OF THE ISLANDS. Atlanta students enjoy lunch at Tassa Roti, Atlanta, as part of their Caribbean cultural orientation with the Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation program. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS MICHAEL THE MENTOR. USV Islander Michael Thomas (left), Chairman of the Caribbean American Cultural Arts Foundation (CACAF, left), with student/participants of the program, on a recent outing. Joe Biden; senior director to the Michael Bloomberg Campaign for President; field director for President Obama’s Presidential election campaigns; coalition director for Hillary Clinton’s Presidential primary and general election campaigns; liaison for Democrats Abroad, political advance to the US Territories, for President Bill Clinton; Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and State lead for Organize for America (OFA).
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