Hundreds gather in Maryland to honor Jamaican community leader Dr. Darien Green

Hundreds of family members, friends, former students, colleagues and members of the Jamaican Diaspora gathered at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park on Sunday to celebrate the life and legacy of Jamaican-born academic, entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Darien Antonio Green.

The thanksgiving service honored Dr. Green's decades-long contributions to education, business, music and community service, with mourners remembering him as a mentor, visionary and champion of the Jamaican community both in the United States and at home.

The gathering drew educators, business leaders, diplomats and community members, all paying tribute to a man whose influence extended across multiple fields.

Among the honors presented were official citations from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, recognizing Dr. Green's contributions to education, entrepreneurship and community development.

Born in Leith Hall, St. Thomas, Dr. Green excelled as both a scholar and athlete at Excelsior High School before earning a scholarship to Howard University, where he studied accounting and finance. He later served as a professor at the University of the District of Columbia for more than 30 years, mentoring generations of students while also building a successful career as an entrepreneur and accountant.

Beyond academia, Dr. Green played a significant role in Jamaica's music industry. He was instrumental in the formation of the internationally acclaimed reggae band Third World, serving as its first manager and helping establish the professional business structure that supported the group's international success.

He also became one of the founding investors and first general manager of Zanzibar on the Waterfront, helping transform the Washington, D.C., venue into one of the city's leading multicultural entertainment destinations.

Dr. Green maintained strong ties to Jamaica throughout his life, supporting Excelsior High School and helping launch the cricket career of West Indies fast-bowling great Courtney Walsh after recognizing his talent at an early stage.

His sons, Warren and Naeem Green, reflected on their father's enduring impact during emotional tributes at the service.

"Our father taught us the value of education and perseverance," Warren Green told mourners. "He invested not only in businesses but in people. Everywhere we go, someone tells us how he mentored, encouraged or inspired them. That is his legacy."

Naeem Green said his father's greatest achievement was the lives he touched.

"To so many people he was a mentor, a businessman, an icon and a community leader. To us, he was simply Pops. He pushed us to be our best, supported us through life's challenges, and showed us what it means to give back. His greatest accomplishment was the lives he changed."

The Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., also paid tribute through Information Officer Derrick Scott, who described Dr. Green as a steadfast supporter of both the embassy and the Jamaican community throughout the Washington metropolitan area.

Scott announced that the Jamaica Independence DMV Diaspora Awards Committee will posthumously honor Dr. Green with a Citation of Appreciation during the annual Service of Thanksgiving marking Jamaica's 64th anniversary of Independence at Seabrook Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lanham, Maryland, on July 26. The recognition honors his decades of support for the embassy and the Jamaican Diaspora.

Delivering the eulogy, Pastor Novella Smith encouraged mourners to focus not on Dr. Green's passing but on the lasting impact of his life.

"The revelation of Dr. Green's life is not about an ending," she said. "It is about unveiling a life of impact, influence and generosity. He used his resources, his wisdom and his heart to create opportunities for others. That is the legacy we should seek to emulate."

Throughout the service, speakers highlighted Dr. Green's ability to bridge academia, business, culture and philanthropy while remaining deeply connected to his Jamaican roots. Whether mentoring students, supporting young athletes, guiding musicians or strengthening community ties, they said his life's work was defined by lifting others.

Dr. Green is survived by his sons, Warren and Naeem; his daughter, Nydia; his siblings; and an extended family, along with countless former students, colleagues and friends whose lives he influenced.

He will be interred in the family plot at Leith Hall in St. Thomas, Jamaica.