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    A resonant cultural atmosphere and a strong sense of unity filled the hearts of nationals who waved flags and danced at the annual Town of Hempstead Caribbean American Heritage observance on June 4, as community members paid tribute to Guyana’s 60th Independence and America’s 250th year of freedom. Supervisor John Ferretti, in collaboration with the executive director of the Department of Community Affairs, Zahid Syed and host Committee Members Trudy King, Sherry Williams, Ingrid Jeannis Desire, and Dr. Beryl Williams, showcased a spirited cultural presentation on the Dorothy Goosby Plaza.  Eleven nationals were also honored with the Town of Hempstead citation. [caption id="attachment_83760" align="aligncenter" width="700"]Caribbean nationals were honored with citations. (In no particular order, they are Maria Calderon, Pauline Deborah Noel, Beryl Williams, Sherry Williams (for Alana Mahato-Shakeer),Paulette Moore, Tiltda Francis, Annette Trewick, Sandra Lino, Windie Auguste, Rose October, and Ameil Sloley, Back; Trudy King, and Zahid Syed, on the Dorothy Goosby Plaza at Hempstead Town Hall during a June 4 Caribbean Heritage celebration. Caribbean nationals were honored with citations. (In no particular order, they are Maria Calderon, Pauline Deborah Noel, Beryl Williams, Sherry Williams (for Alana Mahato-Shakeer),Paulette Moore, Tiltda Francis, Annette Trewick, Sandra Lino, Windie Auguste, Rose October, and Ameil Sloley, Back; Trudy King, and Zahid Syed, on the Dorothy Goosby Plaza at Hempstead Town Hall during a June 4 Caribbean Heritage celebration.Tangerine Clarke[/caption] They are Alana Mahato-Shakeer, Paulette Moore, Annette Trewick, Tilda Francis, Sandra Lindo, Pauline Deborah Noel, Windie Auguste, Maria Calderon, Rose October, Ameil Sloley, and Beryl Williams. Syed, who also served as emcee, welcomed celebrants before extending greetings from Supervisor Ferretti, who acknowledged Caribbean nationals for bringing their culture and talents to the Town of Hempstead. “We are proud to celebrate Caribbean heritage month in the largest and most diverse Township in America," the message noted. "Our community is home to a sizable population of Caribbean Americans,”  “Many families have come from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and other Caribbean islands," Sayed said. "Despite our many different customs and cultural backgrounds, we all share the same value of family and community. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Griffith, a native of Guyana, is a dedicated advocate for the Hempstead community, having served as a Trustee of Hempstead Village." Dr. Clariona Griffith, advocate, entrepreneur, and former President of Hempstead Chamber of Commerce, in turn, recognized Guyana’s 60th Independence anniversary and the United States' 250th anniversary of freedom, highlighting two nations filled with history, culture, sacrifice, opportunities and unbreakable spirits of their people. She said the celebration of years is due to faith, perseverance, resilience, and God-given favor over two countries. “I thank God for both countries because they shaped the woman's standing before you today," she said. "A proud mother of two sons, a woman who helped govern over 70,000 people in this village.” [caption id="attachment_83761" align="aligncenter" width="700"]The Uniondale Show Choir puts on a dynamic performance, singing The Uniondale Show Choir puts on a dynamic performance, singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and "the Battle Hymn of the Republic" during a tribute to America's 250th Independence Anniversary segment at a Caribbean American Heritage celebration on the Dorothy Goosby Plaza at Hempstead Town Hall on June 4.Tangerine Clarke[/caption] “Let us celebrate not only the anniversary of two great nations, but also the strength of the people who continue to build bridges between them," Dr. Griffith, who was also presented with a Citation for her contributions. "It is very important to teach the children our culture, our faith, our hard work, and to give back. Happy 60th anniversary to my beautiful homeland, Guyana, and happy 250th Anniversary to America. God Bless America and God bless Guyana."  A Color guard, led by members of the American Legion, the pledge of Allegiance, and the Star-Spangled Banner, by the Uniondale Show Choir, commenced an ‘America 250 Strong’ segment.  Recruits of JROTC of Hempstead High School saluted America with the Declaration of Independence and "I have a Dream" abridged. [caption id="attachment_83762" align="aligncenter" width="700"]JROTC recruits pay tribute to the 250th US Independence anniversary. JROTC recruits pay tribute to the 250th US independence anniversary at an annual Caribbean American Heritage commemoration on the Dorothy Goosby Plaza at Hempstead Town Hall on June 4.Tangerine Clarke[/caption] Trudy King honored the commemoration with "America Here," followed by the Uniondale Show Choir, with "Lift Every Voice and Sing," and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," that encapsulated, the love of country, and the freedoms enjoyed.  The audience was also encouraged by King to join an American Wave of the Stars and Stripes flag to cement the enduring commemoration. [caption id="attachment_83763" align="aligncenter" width="700"]A colorfully dressed audience waves the Stars and Stripes American flag during a tribute to the 250th independence anniversary segment at an annual Caribbean American Heritage commemoration on the Dorothy Goosby Plaza at Hempstead Town Hall on June 4. A colorfully dressed audience waves the Stars and Stripes American flag during a tribute to the 250th independence anniversary segment at an annual Caribbean American Heritage commemoration on the Dorothy Goosby Plaza at Hempstead Town Hall on June 4.Tangerine Clarke[/caption] The Haitian American Student Association entertained the enthusiastic audience with a classical folk dance choreographed by Windie Auguste, setting the tone for the rest of the afternoon’s program that included a performance by Danza Folklorica and a spirited poetry session by members of the Caribbean American Poetry Association. An uplifting Soca Gospel medley by Akeil Benn, a Steel Pan solo by DOMO, an Afro-Caribbean Fashion show case of designs from AJYI Variety store, and DJ music capped off the memorable celebration. Additionally, Wild ‘n Out executive producer Veronica Spencer announced an open call for Nick Cannon’s TV show, set for a “Brooklyn Live” on June 28, at the Barclay’s Center. The Opening Act producer is calling on dancers, comedians, and musicians to sing-up to participate in the event.  Spencer, host of "MicHeals Music" on Island Zone Radio, said it is time for Caribbean nationals to shine. She is inviting entertainers to make good use of the opportunity on the Wild ‘n Out show when it is on tour in New York.  For more information, email @openingactsearch. Tastes and Flavors, a special edition showcasing authentic Caribbean food from restaurants in Elmont, West Hempstead, Uniondale, the Village of Hempstead, South Richmond Hill, Queens, and Queens Village, was also showcased.  Cuisines from some of these eateries were served.  Special thanks were extended to Emblem Health, Together We Serve Food pantry, Occupy Until He Comes, Ridgewood Bank, Building Healthy Outreach, and others.
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