NEWS & EVENTS
Stay connected to AJA and the wider Jamaican community through the latest news, event highlights and opportunities to participate.
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Exchange Park Recreation Park | 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30034
Upcoming Meeting
Celebrating Jamaica 64
Highlights from AJA’s 2026 Independence Ball & Scholarship Awards
The Atlanta Jamaican Association’s 2026 Independence Ball & Scholarship Awards brought the community together for an unforgettable celebration of Jamaican pride, achievement, culture and service.
Held on August 8 at the Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort, the sold-out event welcomed members of the Jamaican and wider Caribbean diaspora, dignitaries, sponsors, scholarship recipients, community partners and friends of AJA. The evening commemorated Jamaica’s 64th anniversary of Independence under the theme “Jamaica 64: A Legacy of Resilience.”
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere reflected elegance, cultural pride and a powerful sense of community. Through music, conversation, recognition and celebration, the Ball honored the resilience and excellence that continue to shape Jamaica and its diaspora.
Investing in the Next Generation
A defining moment of the evening was the presentation of AJA scholarships to deserving students pursuing higher education. Their accomplishments reflect the promise within our community and reaffirm AJA’s longstanding commitment to education, opportunity and the development of future leaders.
These scholarships were made possible through the generosity of our sponsors, advertisers, donors and community partners. Their investment extended far beyond the evening itself; it helped open doors for students working to transform their aspirations into achievement.
An Evening with Sanya Richards-Ross
Four-time Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, broadcaster and philanthropist Sanya Richards-Ross served as keynote speaker. Her message, and the evening’s engaging fireside conversation—invited guests to reflect on excellence, identity, resilience, purpose and the responsibility to remain connected to our roots while creating opportunities for others.
With Gratitude
AJA extends its sincere appreciation to every sponsor, advertiser, donor, attendee, volunteer, committee member and community partner who contributed to the success of the Ball.
Our sponsors helped make the celebration and scholarship awards possible. Our advertisers strengthened the commemorative journal while showcasing businesses and organizations serving our community. Our volunteers and committee members worked diligently behind the scenes, and our guests filled the evening with warmth, energy and Jamaican pride.
The success of the 2026 Independence Ball demonstrated what becomes possible when community, culture and shared purpose come together. As AJA approaches its 50th anniversary, we remain committed to preserving our heritage, investing in education, strengthening community connections and building a legacy that future generations can carry forward.
Thank you for celebrating Jamaica with us, and for helping AJA invest in the future of our community.
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An Evening of Legacy, Excellence & Jamaican Pride
Relive some of the memorable moments from AJA’s 2026 Independence Ball & Scholarship Awards, a sold-out celebration of culture, achievement, community and Jamaica’s enduring legacy of resilience.
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