Season’s Greetings from the Jamaica Foundation of Houston,
As the new year approaches, we want to take a moment to extend our warmest wishes to all our supporters, volunteers, donors, and friends. It has been an extraordinary year, filled with unity and resilience. At the Jamaica Foundation of Houston, our mission to enrich lives and promote Jamaican culture within our community has remained steadfast. We have continued to make a difference by providing support, resources, and opportunities to those in need.
To our dedicated volunteers, we thank you for your unwavering commitment and passion for our cause. Your selflessness and dedication have truly made a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families within our community. Without your tireless efforts, our organization would not be able to achieve all that we have accomplished. To our generous donors and sponsors, we appreciate your continued support and belief in the work we do. Your contributions have enabled us to make a positive difference in the lives of so many individuals, providing them with the resources they need to thrive and succeed. To our friends and supporters, whether near or far, your enthusiasm and encouragement have been vital to our success. Your continuous engagement with our events, programs, and initiatives have been a constant reminder that our work is valued and making a difference.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we remain committed to our mission, determined to make an even greater impact. We have exciting plans and initiatives in store that will further empower individuals, celebrate our vibrant culture, and strengthen the bonds within our community. May this holiday season bring joy, peace, and prosperity to each and every one of you. Let us cherish the moments of togetherness, spread love and kindness, and create lasting memories that will warm our hearts throughout the coming year.
Season’s Greetings and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!
With sincere gratitude,
Dr. Nicole Bent Jones – President
The Jamaica Foundation of Houston
The Year 2023 in Review
JFH Christmas Party
JFH Christmas Party
Members and friends gathered in a jubilant celebration at the Tracy Gee Community Center, hosted by the Jamaica Foundation of Houston on December 15, 2023. Amidst the festive ambiance, Chef Milton Jones, renowned for his culinary prowess with Jamaican and diverse cuisine, delighted everyone’s taste buds with his 20 years of expertise from Green Pasture Catering. The air buzzed with laughter and camaraderie as they engaged in a spirited trivia game, adding a touch of friendly competition to the joyous occasion. The excitement peaked with group song “Linstead Market”, a Jamaican folk song of the mento type, and the giveaway raffle, spreading smiles and creating moments to cherish amidst the holiday cheer.
Members and friends won prizes including: 1st Prize — TUF Gaming VG249Q Display Monitor 23.8-inch, 2nd Prize – Liquor Bottle, 3rd Prize – Jamaican Puzzle by SG, and 4th Prize — original watercolor painting by professional artist Robert Matta.
Annual Board of Directors Election Meeting
The Jamaica Foundation of Houston held the annual election on November 17, 2023. 
We also met o share collective wisdom and enthusiasm of our community to steer the course for the upcoming year.
The primary purpose of the election meeting was to elect board members. Current members voted and election results were announced during the meeting.
General Meeting - September 15
Members and friends of the Foundation listened to a Hot Topics Panel discussion on Education, Immigration, as well as China and Russia’s business in Jamrock! The General Meeting was held on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 7 pm CST at Tracy Gee Community Center in Houston’s Westchase District. Panelists included Evie Larmond, Attorney Michelle Fanger, and Norris McDonald.
Evie Larmond, retired educator and actress with the Caribbean Community Association of Tampa, Florida, spoke on the importance of giving back. Attorney Michelle Fanger, family and immigration lawyer based out of Florida, spoke on immigration. Norris McDonald, a Gleaner economic journalist, political analyst, and respiratory therapist, spoke on the implications of China and Russia in Jamaica. The discussion was accented with Larmond’s rendition of Louise Bennett’s “Poor Sammy” and McDonald’s quote from Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s book ‘The Mis-Education of the Negro’.
Annual Jamaica Independence Gala - July 27
The Annual Gala celebrating Jamaica’s 61st Year of Independence — themed Jamaica 61 “Proud and Strong” — was a remarkable event held in the elegant Red Oak Ballroom at the Norris Conference Centers – Houston/CityCentre on the evening of Saturday, July 29, 2023. The venue’s grand ambiance perfectly complemented the spirit of the celebration. Attendees were treated to a night of cultural splendor, as the gala showcased Jamaica’s rich heritage through music, dance, and a silent auction. The performances were vibrant and engaging, leaving the audience enthralled throughout the night.
Overall, the gala program was a well-crafted blend of eloquent speeches, official recognition, and vibrant youth performances. It successfully honored Jamaica’s 61st Year of Independence while bringing together people from all walks of life in a celebration of culture, heritage, and unity. The efforts of the organizers and the participation of distinguished speakers and talented youths contributed to making this gala program a memorable and uplifting experience for everyone involved.
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General Meeting - June 16
Members and friends joined us for our General Meeting at 7 pm CDST on Friday, June 16, 2023, at the Tracy Gee Community Center located at 3599 Westcenter Dr, Houston, TX 77042.
They heard how the Foundation continues to strengthen cultural ties between Caribbean people and the Houston community. Members and friends were kept abreast of current events in Jamaica by Honorary Consul K. Omari Fullerton. They learned more about our upcoming Annual Gala celebrating Jamaica’s 61st Year of Independence. The meeting closed with a mento.com online trivia game on all things Jamaica!
JFH at the 1st Annual Caribbean American Heritage Expo - June 2
The Jamaica Foundation participated in the 1st Annual Caribbean American Heritage Expo (free event) at the Houston Missouri City Domino Club (HMCDC), on Saturday, June 2, 2023. Various Caribbean organizations participated in the event, with family, friends, and members of the various organizations in attendance. The Foundation shared information about the upcoming Jamaica Independence Gala.
Scholarship Awards Luncheon - May 20
The Foundation delighted in celebrating students at our Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon on May 20, 2023, at 11:30 am CDST. The luncheon was held at Ashford United Methodist Church located at 2201 S. Dairy Ashford Rd, Houston, TX 77077. Proceeds from ticket sales went towards our scholarship fund.
Consulate Hi-5 5k Walk/Run - May 6, 2023
Friends and members of the Foundation participated in the Jamaica Consulate’s Hi-5 5K Run/Walk fundraiser on Saturday, May 6, 2023!
The Jamaica Consulate’s Hi-5 5K Run/Walk fundraiser is designed to raise funds for the Adopt-a-Clinic initiative by the Ministry of Health in Jamaica. The event began at 7 am CDST at Arthur Storey Park, 7400 W Sam Houston Pkwy S, Houston, TX 77036.
General Meeting - April 21
The Foundation held a second General Meeting on April 21, 2023, at 7 pm CDST at the Tracy Gee Community Center located at 3599 Westcenter Dr., Houston, TX 77042 — with special guests from Integrated Diaspora Services and Victoria Mutual. Guests also heard from Consul General for Jamaica Hon. Oliver Mair about the upcoming Consulate 5k Walk/Run. Also, invitations were extended for the May 20th Scholarship Awards Luncheon and July 29th Annual Independence Gala.
General Meeting - February 17
Our first General Meeting of the year was held at 7 pm CST on Friday, February 17, 2023. A year in review was followed by upcoming events. The Foundation was also honored to have guest speaker Major Stanley Ford of Integrated Diaspora Services speak about services available to the Diaspora across the globe.
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45th Annual Original MLK Parade - January 16
Members and friends of the Jamaica Foundation of Houston participated in the 45th Annual Original MLK Parade in Downtown Houston on January 16, 2023! The parade started at the intersection of Smith and Lamar streets in Downtown Houston, with Mayor Sylvester Turner serving as the 2023 parade grand marshal. Our volunteers helped to make the event a success!
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