Institute of Caribbean Studies
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Washington, DC - A nationally renowned handwriting expert, the first Caribbean-American female fighter pilot and a leading cardiologist are among those who will be honored at the 22nd Annual Caribbean American Heritage Awards on Friday, Nov. 20 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
The honorees will be recognized for their extraordinary contributions and philanthropic efforts in the Caribbean-American and other communities. From outstanding professional accomplishments including leading national organizations and history making acts, the 2015 honorees demonstrate a cross-section of contributions from individuals of Caribbean descent living in the U.S.
"Each year, ICS is honored to profile and highlight the amazing stories of our Caribbean-American brothers and sisters in the Diaspora. Over the years, we are pleased that CARAH has become the premiere event where Caribbean-Americans' gather to celebrate and learn about each other," said ICS President and Founder Dr. Claire Nelson. "More importantly, CARAH is where the accomplishments of Caribbean-Americans are on display for the wider American community to learn how we are lending our skills to our adopted home."
The 2015 honorees are:
Beverley East - A nationally known graphologist and one of the most requested handwriting experts in the legal and news world. East has been asked to contribute her skills to infamous trials and cases including the Monica Lewinsky investigation and the 2012 Jamaican Stone Crusher Gang trial.
Gordon Henderson - the first Creole musician signed to a major French label, an author, and the gold-record producing and selling God-Father of zouk, cadence-lypso and soca.
Barbara Hutchinson, MD - a leading cardiologist, Dr. Hutchinson was the first Black Chief Resident at the University of Maryland medical school. A managing partner at a successful Medical practice, Dr. Hutchinson has built her practice with an emphasis on personalized care matched with exceptional professional training and experience.
Magdalaah Racine-Silva - a successful business owner, Racine Silva contributes her skills and expertise as a member of the National Women's Business Council, the congressionally chartered organization that provides research and council on economic issues affecting women entrepreneurs.
Miguel Southwell - is the general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the country's busiest airports. He oversees a 63,000 person staff, the airport's $500-million concession program and its development plan through 2030.
Michael Thompson - an artist that uses his talent for social activism. His dramatic posters have been raised and plastered across the globe to support a number of international social issues, including Palestinian statehood, Cuba and Haiti.
Lt. Col. Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell - history making fighter pilot, Rochelle was the first black female fighter pilot for the U.S. Air Force.
Since its creation in 1993, the CARAH awards have honored more than 100 Caribbean-Americans. Past honorees include Susan Taylor, former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine; Rita Marley, reggae matriarch and philanthropist; musician Jimmy Cliff, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder; Earl Graves Sr., publisher of Black Enterprise; Congresswoman Barbara Lee and former ambassador the Honorable Andrew Young. To learn more about CARAH, visit caribbeanheritageawards.org.
Join ICS in celebrating these extraordinary individuals and the collective contributions of the Caribbean-American Diaspora. Emmy-award winning anchor Maureen Bunyan of Washington DC ABC7 will serve as the evening's host. Of Guyanese and Aruban heritage, Bunyan has been a leader in her profession and an outspoken advocate for women and minorities in the newsroom. Music will be provided by Image Band and Friends.
Proceeds support ICS projects and programs including Caribbean American Heritage Month, LifeSEED, and youth empowerment and entrepreneurship program.
