Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) will come together on Sunday, July 27, to celebrate 63 years of Independence from Britain and the 187th anniversary of Emancipation from slavery.
The 2025 Jamaica Independence Thanksgiving Service is set to take place at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, 7600 Carroll Avenue in Takoma Park, Maryland, beginning at 10:45 a.m.
The event, themed “Be Proud, Be Bold: God Is Doing a New Thing,” promises a spirited display of cultural pride and unity. It also marks the third consecutive year that the DMV Jamaican community will be recognized with awards for outstanding contributions to Jamaica and its diaspora.
Ambassador Antony Anderson, Jamaica’s newly appointed envoy to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States, will deliver his first major address to the Jamaican diaspora in the DMV region. Messages from Prime Minister Andrew Holness will also be featured.
“This year’s theme reminds us of the deep meaning held within the colours of our national flag,” said Ambassador Anderson. “The black speaks to the strength and creativity that have sustained us… the green reflects the hope and abundance of our beautiful land, and the gold captures the warmth of our sunshine and the richness of our spirit as a nation.”
The celebration will include participation from members of Washington’s diplomatic corps, along with local, state, and federal officials. Dr. Bertram L. Melbourne, a Jamaican-born professor and former interim dean of Howard University School of Divinity, will preside over the service. Assisting him will be Canon Rev. Dr. Kortright Davis, Rev. Eron Henry, and Bishop Stanley Murray of Baltimore.
Rev. Sylvia McDonald Kaufman, associate minister at Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ in D.C., will deliver this year’s sermon. Music will be provided by the Voices of Excellence, under the direction of Dr. Garnett Mowatt.
Among the special guests are Dr. Weymouth Spence, President of Washington Adventist University and a co-sponsor of the event, and Rev. Kimrose Goodall, a counseling psychologist.
The DMV Jamaica Diaspora Awards will honor four individuals and entities for their service and impact:
-
Dr. Franklyn W. Knight, Professor Emeritus at Johns Hopkins University – Lifetime Achievement Award
-
Ms. Esther Sanderson, Richmond, VA – Individual Award
-
Marguerite Chinn/Negril Eatery – Institution/Organization Award
-
Ms. Elda Devarie/EMD Sales – Friend of Jamaica Award
“This is the third year the Committee is conferring these awards on DMV individuals who have made sterling contributions towards keeping Jamaica’s flag flying high,” said Ian Edwards, chair of the awards subcommittee. “This year’s honourees are well-deserving.”
Offerings collected at the service will go toward supporting the Hanover Infirmary in Jamaica.
The celebration continues a long-standing tradition of collaboration between Jamaican clergy, community leaders, and the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., to honor the nation’s journey of freedom and independence.
 will come together on July 27 to celebrate 63 years of Independence.){kind=link}