Host of events slated to mark Ja’s 63rd independence celebrations across US
Published:Tuesday | August 5, 2025 | 12:08 AMLester Hinds/Gleaner Writer
Flag-raising ceremonies, church services, galas and a parade are just some of the activities in which Jamaicans across the United States will participate as they gear up to mark their homeland’s 63rd anniversary of Independence.
The Jamaican Embassy in Washington DC marked the occasion with a church service on July 27 at the Sligoville Seventh-day Adventist Church as well as other activities in Washington DC and surrounding states that will culminate with Jamaica Fest on August 17.
In Rockland County, New York, the Jamaican Civic and Cultural Association of Rockland (JAMCCAR) hosted a church service on July 27 at the St Paul’s Episcopal Church on South Madison Avenue, Rockland.
The Jamaica Foundation of Houston’s annual gala, to mark Jamaica’s Independence, was held on July 26 at Chateau Crystale, located at 2517 S Gessner Rd, Houston.
On August 2, a flag-raising ceremony was held in Union, New Jersey. Yesterday, the flag-raising ceremony hosted by the Jamaican Consulate in New York took place in the financial district at Bowling Green in downtown Manhattan.
Team Jamaica Bickle Philadelphia celebrated Jamaica’s Independence on Saturday with a gala held at the Hilton Hotel, City Avenue. At this gala, several distinguished persons were recognised.
Among them were Keishia Thorpe, 2021 Global Teacher Prize winner, and Andrea Lawful-Sanders, A Lawful Truth Enterprises volunteer.
Yesterday, the annual motorcade to mark the occasion was held from Tamarac to Fort Lauderdale.
On August 9, an independence gala will be held at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale West Hotel in Fort Lauderdale.
On August 10, starting at 4 p.m., a church service will be held at Grace Community Church of God of Prophecy located at 4982 Master Street in Philadelphia.
Over in Atlanta, Georgia, the Atlanta Jamaica Association will host its annual Jamaica Independence and Scholarship Gala. The gala will take place on August 9 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel.
On August 10, starting at 4 p.m. a service will be held at Grace Community Church of God of Prophecy located at 4982 Master Street in Philadelphia.
The annual church service hosted by the Jamaican Consulate in New York will be held on August 10 at the Community Baptist Church of Englewood in Englewood, New Jersey.
The Jamaica Independence Gala will be held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Time Square on August 23.
The event promises an enjoyable evening of lively music and vibrant festivities while supporting a meaningful cause – empowering students through scholarships and educational opportunities.