ATL celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

Caribbean American Heritage Month got into full swing June 9, as ATL celebrated the region’s rich heritage and significant contributions with a feast for the senses.

The event at the International Terminal featured stilt dancing, flag waving and food sampling, and it drew ATL leaders as well as international dignitaries. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport began marking the occasion last year, on the 10th anniversary of National Caribbean American Heritage Month.

“The [Caribbean] influence runs the gamut, with noteworthy achievements in the arts, food, music, education, commerce, leadership, science and, of course, sports,” Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. said.

“But beyond its distinctive culture and world-class cuisine, calling attention to the Caribbean heritage is important for another reason,” Council said. “Hartsfield-Jackson has some 30 flights a day to the Caribbean, making it an important regional destination. We will continue to work with our airline partners to build air service to this region.”

ATL Director of International Affairs Alrene Barr introduced members of the Georgia Consular Corps, who shared facts about their respective country. Attending members included Jewel Scott, honorary consul of Jamaica; Marva Jacobs, honorary consul of Guyana; and Reginald Michel, economic and commercial officer for the Consulate of Haiti.

“As respective regional ambassadors, the Consular Corps work closely with those from their nation, the government and one another to shape Atlanta’s rich cultural tapestry,” Barr said. “These members represent our region’s global diversity and international focus. They’re our partners in so many respects, helping develop and nurture the cultural, commercial and scientific ties between this region and the area in which they serve.”

Also on hand to share her story was Simone Edwards, the first Caribbean WNBA player and national spokesperson for Caribbean American Heritage Month.

“I got bullied as young girl because of this height,” said Edwards, who now stands at 6’4”. “But I embraced it after a while … it made me a champion.”

Edwards said current circumstances should not determine a person’s future.

“You’ve got to keep pushing, and you’ve got to keep fighting for what you want and what you believe in and stay focused despite all the obstacles around you,” she said.

Council believes international partnerships – both locally and abroad – are central to ATL’s continued growth.

“One of our strategic priorities is strengthening our community relationships,” Council said. “As part of that, we will continue to fortify our ties with the Caribbean community – one of the iconic communities that make up the magnificent cultural mosaic that is Atlanta.”

sight of passengers darting across ATL’s roadways to enter and exit the Domestic Terminal will soon be a thing of the past.