It’s been over four decades already since Trinidad & Tobago-born national, Jean P. Alexander had the vision to co-found the Caribbean American Center of New York, (CACNY), based on her own life experiences as a new immigrant after arriving in 1971.
Alexander says she is still stunned at the rapid passage of time and cannot believe it’s been over 45 years already. This September, in honor of the 35th anniversary of CACNY, the organization’s Board will celebrate 2022 with their 7th Biannual Role Models of Distinction Awards & Scholarship Benefit Gala, while also putting the spotlight on its scholarship and mentoring program and several top executives and role models citywide.
The 30th anniversary Role Model Awards this year will be presented to a prominent NYS Supreme Court Judge; Vice President at Goldman Sachs & Ionic 6, Georgia Forbes; Founder & Producer-Blue Channel Films, Chauncey C. Chester; President & CEO of The Eagle Academy Foundation, David C. Banks; VP External Affairs, Brookdale Hospital, Khari Edwards; Entertainer/Performer, Devon Martin, aka Lyrikal; President & CEO, Trinbago Shipping, Pamela Lindsay; VP-Govt. Affairs, Charter Communications, Camille Joseph-Goldman; President & CEO- WIN TV, Raquel Jaikaran and General Counsel, NYC Dept of Probation, Wayne S. McKenzie, Esq.
The CACNY 2017 Role Models of Distinction Awards & Scholarship Benefit Gala is set for tonight, Friday September 8, 2017 at the Grand Prospect Hall, 263 Prospect Ave, Brooklyn, NY from 7 pm, and its goal is to raise funds for scholarships and the Center’s Youth Ambassador Mentoring & Training Program.
Additionally, CACNY hope to donate 5 percent of its profits this year to the American Diabetes Association and the ASH American Society for Hypertension, because of the devastating impact of these diseases on the Caribbean and minority communities.
Corporations like MCU, NY Daily News, Con Edison, HealthFirst, Ireland Chamber of Commerce, JW May’s & Co, Spectrum and the Caribbean Life are all stepping in to assist the CACNY mission this year. Other corporate partners can give back with as little as $2,500 this year or sponsor a child for college directly with a $1,000 donation. Corporate tickets are $200 each and community partners can support the cause with a $125 ticket. To support CACNY contact 917-651-4499 or 718-625-1515 or email: caribbean195@gmail.com.