OUR
MISSION
The mission of the Atlanta Jamaican Association, Inc. (AJA) is to foster goodwill and understanding among Jamaicans and all peoples in metro Atlanta, through civic, economic, cultural, and philanthropic programs and activities; and to provide assistance to Jamaicans living in the area and in Jamaica.
Specific goals include:
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Providing scholarships to deserving students in metro Atlanta and Jamaica
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Acquiring a building to be used as headquarters for the Association, and as a center of Jamaican culture in the area
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Informing members about political, social and economic developments in Jamaica and providing assistance where possible
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Establishing cultural ties with cities and other organizations in metro Atlanta
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Prior to 2023, elections were held annually in October to fill all positions, with the exception of those for the trustees who are appointed by the president and subsequently voted in by the membership. In 2023 the bylaws were amended to hold elections every two years.
HISTORY
The Atlanta Jamaican Association Inc. (AJA) was founded on October 8, 1977 and incorporated on September 13, 1978 as a non-profit organization with 501© (4) status under the Internal Revenue Service Code. The AJ Cultural and Educational Fund Inc. (AJCE), a subsidiary entity with 501© (3) status under the Internal Revenue Service Code, was established in 1995 for charitable and educational purposes. It is intended to enable the Association to pursue some of its objectives more effectively. Any contributions it receives are tax deductible.
The goals of the Association were stated at the time in the following terms:
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To obtain and maintain a permanent building to be used as Headquarters for the Association, and as a center of Jamaican culture in the Atlanta Area;
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To provide information and counseling services to members.
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To assist Jamaicans wherever possible in the pursuit of their educational objectives.
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To inform members of job opportunities.
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To provide housing information to Jamaicans entering the Atlanta area.
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To keep abreast of political, social and economic developments in Jamaica and assist where possible.
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To establish cultural ties with the city of Atlanta.
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To foster unity within the Jamaican community in the Atlanta area.
LASTING
IMPACT
Today AJA is the oldest Jamaican organization in metro Atlanta. Its many activities and accomplishments include:
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Supporting students of Jamaican heritage in Atlanta and Jamaica through its scholarship program
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Promoting Jamaican Independence Week activities, in collaboration with other Jamaican organizations
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Providing a network of support for Jamaicans living in Atlanta
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Organizing an annual family fun day and many civic, social and cultural functions
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Sponsoring an annual Toy Drive for needy children in the area
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Donating educational items to schools, and medical items to health facilities in Jamaica
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Providing support to many charitable organizations in Jamaica
FOUNDERS & PRESIDENTS
FOUNDING MEMBERS:
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Gillian Baccus
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Neville Barrett
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Wesley Barnes
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Neville Bolton
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Lascelles Buchanan
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Mark Clark
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L.P. Collymore
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Cecil Davis
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Denzil Dixon
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Quo Vadis Dixon
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Glenda Erskine
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Noel Erskine
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Lascelles Ferguson
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Randy M. Hyman
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A. Inerarity
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Angelita Largie
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G. Loundes
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Ilene Lee Fong
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Vincent Lee Fong
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Ricky Leonard
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Beverley McGann
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Rudy McGann
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Mike Mordecai
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Yvonne Patterson
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Juan Reid
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Nancy Reid
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Beverley Smith
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Cecilia Smith
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Errol Smith
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Karl Verley
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Milton White
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Cecile Wynter
FORMER PRESIDENTS:
Cecelia Smith was the first President of the Association. Other presidents over the years are:
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Dr. Juan Reid (1978)
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Mike Mordecai (deceased) (1979)
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Professor Bernard Headley (1980)
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Denzil Dixon (Life Member) (1981)
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Derrick Wright (Life Member) (1982-86)
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Dr, Noel Erskine (1987-89 & 1992)
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Vin Martin, Esq. (deceased) (1990)
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Allan Alberga, Esq. (1991 & 2004-2007)
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Anthony Winkler (deceased) (1993-1994)
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Astley Leslie (deceased) (1995 & 1997-2000)
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Monica Pinnock (1996)
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Derrick Harvey (2000-2002 & 2008-2009)
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Brian Carter, (2003)
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Errol Ritchie (2010-2013)
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Alan Stewart (2014- 2017)
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William Gray (2018-2020)
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Maxine Osbourne-Foster (2022 - 2023)
CONTACT US
MONTHLY MEETING VENUE:
Exchange Park Recreation Center
2771 Columbia Drive
Decatur, GA 30034
Secretary: secretary@atlantajamaicanassociation.org
President: president@atlantajamaicanassociation.org
MAILING ADDRESS:
The Atlanta Jamaican Association
P.O. Box 2207
Lithonia, GA 30058
MEETINGS:
Held on the second Saturday of each month starting at 6:00 p.m. except August and December. All are welcome to attend and to join, discuss, plan, celebrate our culture, socialize and network.