Atlanta nonprofit to mark Jamaica’s 64th Independence with education fundraiser

Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica in Atlanta will celebrate the country’s 64th anniversary of Independence while supporting educational initiatives in Jamaica and the United States through an annual fundraising event hosted by Benevolent Missions of Atlanta (BMA).

The organization will host its Annual Independence Fundraising Brunch on Sunday, August 9, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta at Villa Christina under the theme “Resilience in Action: Stronger Together.”

The event will bring together members of the Jamaican Diaspora, civic leaders, educators, business professionals and philanthropists to raise funds for BMA’s efforts to expand educational opportunities for underserved children.

A key feature of this year’s celebration will be the participation of Paula Chambers-Morris, principal of Mount Ward Primary School in Hanover, Jamaica, one of BMA’s beneficiary schools.

Chambers-Morris will provide an update on the school’s recovery following damage caused by Hurricane Melissa and discuss how support from the Atlanta-based nonprofit is helping to restore learning opportunities for students.

For more than two decades, BMA has supported education through scholarships, school improvement projects, educational resources and strategic partnerships benefiting students in Jamaica and metropolitan Atlanta.

BMA President Gail Dunwell said this year’s theme reflects the strength and unity of Jamaicans at home and abroad.

“Our theme, ‘Resilience in Action: Stronger Together,’ reflects the values that continue to unite Jamaicans wherever they live,” Dunwell said.

“Education remains one of the greatest investments we can make in our future. Every scholarship awarded, every school strengthened and every student encouraged represents another step toward building stronger communities in Jamaica and throughout the Diaspora,” she added.

The annual Independence brunch has become a major celebration of Jamaican culture in Atlanta, featuring musical performances, cultural presentations and opportunities for community members to support education programmes.

Funds raised from the event will support BMA’s ongoing initiatives, including scholarships, school improvement projects and continued assistance for beneficiary schools in Jamaica.

Founded in Georgia, Benevolent Missions of Atlanta is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on improving educational opportunities for underserved children in Jamaica and metropolitan Atlanta through scholarships, educational resources, school projects and community partnerships.