CELEBRATION OF Hope is an exhibit of Jamaican art on display at the Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is an eclectic collection of works including folkloric and abstract pieces by 12 artists of all ages living on the island and is presented as part of the library's observance of Black History Month.
A reception will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday in the sixth floor gallery and will feature entertainment by Sound and Creation, the Edwards Quartet, a gospel performance by Lady 'D', Body Nation Dance Ensemble and a fashion show by Kulture Klothes.
"It's going to be an opportunity to meet and greet people of Jamaican descent who will be there," said Tanya Simons-Oparah, director of outreach services. "They'll hear the variation in the accents, taste the food of the country, hear and dance to the rhythms of Jamaica and see how Jamaicans see themselves as a people through the art exhibit."
Other guests include Miss Florida Caribbean, Athena Lightburn, and Consul-General of Jamaica, John P. Atkins, who will talk about the cultural contributions of Jamaican men and women in South Florida.
"We are concentrating on Jamaica, because of all the Caribbean countries represented here, Jamaica is the largest," Simons-Oparah said. "I live in Lauderhill, which is also known as Jamaicahill because there are so many Jamaicans living there. But all over South Florida there are pockets of Jamaicans."
Malachi Smith will perform an interactive kind of poetry called dub and Jamaica Folk Review is a group that sings and tells stories. "They'll be very colourful, dressed in the traditional Jamaican bandana cloth with head wraps," Simons-Oparah said. "You don't have to be Jamaican to come," she added. "It's a way to learn about a rich and vibrant culture from people who will be presenting their best. People can come, share and be thankful for all the things we have in our community."
Taken from the website of the Sun-Sentinel
newspaper.
