New York State Assembly Member Brian Cunningham, representing the 43rd District and boasting a strong Jamaican heritage, will inaugurate the Friends of Falmouth Symposium & Brunch on Saturday, May 25, in Brooklyn.
The event, scheduled from 12-4 PM, aims to reinforce connections within the Jamaican diaspora.
Deep roots in the community
Raised in Flatbush by Jamaican immigrant parents, Cunningham’s ties to the Jamaican community are profound, with his mother hailing from Falmouth.
His participation underscores the event’s significance, focusing on strengthening the bonds within the Jamaican diaspora.
Bridging Falmouth and the tri-state area
Michael A. Wattkis, president of Friends of Falmouth, announced that the Symposium & Brunch seeks to gather Falmouth residents in the tri-state area and beyond.
The goal is to update attendees on the economic and cultural developments in Falmouth, providing exclusive opportunities to engage with key government agencies from the parish.
Event details
The event will take place at the Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center in Brooklyn, with tickets priced at $50 for the brunch.
It forms a part of the broader Trelawny Memorial Day Weekend celebrations in New York, now in its 44th year.
Celebrating the Jamaican diaspora
The Memorial Day Weekend festivities celebrate the enduring spirit and unity of the Jamaican diaspora.
Events include the Friends of Falmouth fundraiser, vibrant dances, a mega-family picnic, and high school reunions, all aimed at strengthening community bonds and aspirations.
Friends of Falmouth’s mission
Friends of Falmouth, a New York-based non-profit, is dedicated to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Falmouth and promoting sustainable economic and social development in the town.
One of its goals is to keep supporters informed about the town’s evolution, including its rise as a major cruise port.
Distinguished guests and presenters
Falmouth Mayor Colin Gager will headline the event, accompanied by former mayors Garth Wilkinson and Fred Bartley.
Additionally, Patrice Beharie, acting Principal of Falmouth Infant School, will present.
Friends of Falmouth adopted the school in 2023, contributing significantly to its development.
Supporting falmouth infant school
Falmouth Infant School, a cornerstone of the community for 62 years, urgently needs repairs, educational materials, and technology.
Friends of Falmouth’s initiatives have already provided significant support, and they aim to expand their contributions in 2024, focusing on essential improvements like acquiring cooling fans and constructing a sick bay.
A weekend of celebrations
The 44th annual Trelawny Memorial Weekend will draw thousands of Trelawnyites from around the world to New York.
The festivities begin on Friday, May 24, with events including a Trelawny Meet & Greet on Long Island and the Friends of Trelawny Association Annual Award Banquet & Dance in Queens.
Saturday features the Friends of Falmouth’s 2nd Annual WaterSquare Symposium & Brunch, followed by the “WaterSquare Link-Up” and “Country Saturday Lime,” and culminating in the All-White “Trelawny We Come From” party.
Sunday highlights the 44th Annual Trelawny Reunion Picnic at Rockland Lake State Park, with the weekend concluding on Monday with the William Knibb High School Alumni Annual Memorial Day Barbecue in the Bronx and Scarlett’s Backyard Falmouth Barbecue in Queens.
