World 100m champion Oblique Seville and World silver medalist Christopher Taylor were at the center of an electrifying celebration last weekend as the Calabar Alumni Association Florida Chapter staged its annual Green-and-Black Ness: Day Experience.
The two Calabar High School standouts were welcomed by members of the Green and Black Army and the wider Jamaican diaspora in a weekend that blended athletic achievement with school pride and national celebration.
Festivities began Friday evening with an exclusive meet-and-greet attended by former Calabar athletes, sponsors and invited guests. The gathering was hosted by alumni chapter president Karl Thompson, the board of directors, and Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, Oliver Mair. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as anticipation built for the weekend’s honorees. A McLaren supercar on display served as a fitting symbol of speed — a nod to Seville’s victory at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo and Taylor’s continued presence among the sport’s elite.
Saturday’s Day Experience at Markham Park drew hundreds of alumni, families and track-and-field supporters. The event featured authentic Jamaican cuisine, music, giveaways and prizes, reinforcing the cultural bonds that connect the diaspora to home.
A key highlight was the presentation of the inaugural Lion Heart Award to Seville, recognizing his discipline, resilience and achievement on the global stage. Taylor received the Lion Paw Award for his accomplishments and for the pride he continues to bring to Calabar and Jamaica. Both awards were sponsored by Victoria Mutual VM Building Society–Florida Representative Office.
In accepting his award, Seville recounted the buildup to the World Championship 100m final, sharing details of his mental preparation and execution. The crowd roared when he repeated the line that has since echoed across the track and field community: “Put Respect Pon Mi Name.”
Both athletes expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.
“We are truly humbled by the warmth and love shown to us this weekend,” Seville and Taylor said in similar remarks. “Calabar shaped who we are, and we are happy to do our part to support Calabar Alumni Florida’s fundraising efforts and the continued development of the next generation.”
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Antony Anderson, also conveyed support in written remarks, stating that Seville’s world title reflects “the strong athletic tradition of Calabar High School and the broader excellence associated with Jamaica,” and noting that investment in schools is critical to shaping future leadership.
Thompson described the weekend as a powerful affirmation of heritage and purpose.
“Green-and-Black Ness was more than an event — it was a statement,” he said. “It celebrated Jamaican excellence, cultural pride, and our diaspora’s strength. Honoring two of our own on U.S. soil made this weekend historic.”
With attendees traveling from across Florida and neighboring states, the event continues to grow as a signature celebration of Jamaican unity and achievement in the southeastern United States.
