June 30th, 2006 Marked the official end of Caribbean American Heritage month. According to the best estimates there are well over 5 million people who would fall under the category of Caribbean American. These are people from the Caribbean or of Caribbean descent living permanently here in the United States as Citizens or residents . Caribbean American Heritage month began officially June 5th, 2006 upon presidential proclamation by current president George Bush.Congress woman Barbara Lee, originally entered the Bill which was passed by Congress in June 2005. The motivation behind establishing this bill was partially to counter an often skewed view of the people of Caribbean descent.

 From the very founding of the United States of America , people of Caribbean descent from all races and creeds have particpated  and succeeded  in all areas of american  life.

 Just a few examples include even Founding Father Alexander Hamilton considered of Caribbean descent because he was born in (Nevis) , Social activists: Prince Hall Masonic order founder(Barbados), Malcolm X (African American/Grenedan descent), Kwame Toure aka Stokely Carmichael (Trinidadian Descent), Louis Farrakhan (Jamaican/St Kittian descent) in The Military: Collin Powell (Jamaican descent) ,Education: Ivan Van Sertima (Guyana) read more Politics: Shirley Chisolm ( British Guiana and Barbadian descent), Adam Clayton Powell (Peurto Rican descent),

Numerous Recording Artists : Notorious B.I.G( Jamaica descent ), Doug E Fresh ( Barbados) Hip hop originator Kool Herc (Jamaica) , Harry Belafonte (Jamaican descent ) Wycleff Jean (Haiti) ,Actors and Actresses: Cicely Tyson (Parents from Nevis/St. Kitts ). Derek Luke (Parents from Guyana), Sidney Poitier (Bahamas) Fashion: Tyson Beckford (Jamaican Parents)Sports:

Alex Rodriquez (parents Dominican Republic), Patrick Ewing (Jamaica) the list goes on either citizens Proclamation making it official was signed by President Bush on June 5, 2006.

It is in this spirit of achievement and civic contribution that The Caribbean Association of Columbus was formed. The number of Caribbean and Caribbean American people living in Columbus is unknown, but it is likely that figure is grossly underestimated.

There certainly are many who faithfully attend events that feature the culture of the Caribbean namely music concerts and few social activities but there are many more who are daily involved in their career and work activies without realizing that there are others who share the same cultural heritage.

Next year 2009 we hope to join with many other communities around the country, especially here in the midwest in celebrating the contributions of people of Caribbean/West Indian descent in the United states. It is up to each individual who identifies with the culture to spread the word and encourage this spirit of unity.

Continue reading "The Caribbean and Obama"

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Friday July 4, 2008
		Morgan Heritage w/ special guests + Roots High Power @ Alrosa Villa- 5055 Sinclair Rd Columbus- Oh 43822Friday, July 4, 2008 Raid Roots Dance :: Nothing to Smile about Interview

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Dear Friends,

Today marks the first day of summer and witt that often comes a fresh outlook on life for many people. It also marks the beginning a busy summer of rededication for the Caribbean Association of Columbus. There has been no shortage or interest in and inquiry about the status of the Caribbean Association of Columbus.... especially online. It is certainly warranted because there has been an overwhelming amount of interest in establishing a caribbean organization here in the Columbus area for some time .

In fact similar and commendable endeavors has already been attempted and undertaken in the past. In  2002 a few visionary members of Columbus' small but proud, caribbean community established, The Columbus West Indian Association Inc., it was established for the purpose of "Produc[ing] resources necessary for the preservation of the West Inian Culture and to promote the welfare of the community [it] serves" . The response then was tremedous and initially was very well received by all accounts. The organization's status is currently inactive however but there is still an interest in  "coming together" that is constantly being discussed now. We think it is time to move forward. 

Continue reading "The Status of The Caribbean Association of Columbus"

This Months 's Featured Caribbean Country: St. Kitts

Flag: Catpital: Basseterre Population:38,958 (July 2005 est.) Size:261 Sq. km. Language: English Status: Independent September 19thOfficial Government Website: US Embassy or Consulate:www.embassy.gov.knTourist Interest:Investment Information News Papers: St Kitts and NevisImportant Date:August 6th, (Emancipation Day )September 17th (Heroes Day), September 19th (Independence day If this is your country then share your spirit.

The Capelton Show demonstrated that reggae and dancehall are alive and well in Columbus ! A quick browse through the crowd showed that new faces continue to come out and enjoy the best in Caribbean music and internationally acclaimed artists that come to Columbus. Since the beginning of this year alone we have been fortunate enough to have on average one concert every two -three weeks. These are all major artists on the scene.  The upcoming months are no different. Hardcore roots reggae fans be aware... the legendary Israel Vibration will be touching down June 20th at the Alrosa Villa. Then for the 4th of July weekend Morgan Heritage will be in town to set everything in motion for what will be a very reggae heavy summer with the likes of ... Beres Hammond on August 8th, 2008. Need we say more ?  ok we will check this ......

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Friday June 20, 2008
		Israel Vibration with special guest Outlaw Nation + Roots High Power @ Alrosa Villa- 5055 Sinclair Rd Friday, June 20, 2008 Columbus- Oh 43822 VideoIsrael Vibration - Rudeboy ShufflinIsrael Vibration - Feelin' Irie Israel Vibration - Livity in the Hood
Friday July 4, 2008
		Morgan Heritage w/ special guests + Roots High Power @ Alrosa Villa- 5055 Sinclair Rd Columbus- Oh 43822Friday, July 4, 2008 Raid Roots Dance :: Nothing to Smile about Interview

This year has been a Bonaza for reggae and reggae/Dancehall fans in Central Ohio....... And it is just getting started ! Last month saw Reggae Legend, Half Pint  and Dancehall legend: Elephant man . Now Columbus Favorite : Capelton returns this Saturday June 7th, at Alrosa Villa as a part of his Summer Tour. More details at www.rootsrecords.com

Saturday June 7, 2008
		Capleton Red Hot Summer Tour + Roots High Power @ Alrosa Villa- 5055 Sinclair Rd Saturday, June 7, 2008 Columbus- Oh 43822 VideoCapleton - Jah Jah City Capleton - Stop Them Capleton - Made in Jamaica (the movie)
Friday June 20, 2008
		Israel Vibration with special guest Outlaw Nation + Roots High Power @ Alrosa Villa- 5055 Sinclair Rd Friday, June 20, 2008 Columbus- Oh 43822 VideoIsrael Vibration - Rudeboy ShufflinIsrael Vibration - Feelin' Irie Israel Vibration - Livity in the Hood

All througout the Caribbean , and especially in Jamaica the Cheers went up as Jamaica's Usain Bolt claimed the title as "World's Fastest Man". At an unlikely 6ft 5inches , Bolt came in at a blistering 9.72 seconds. Fellow-Jamaican Asafa Powell held the previous world record of 9.74 seconds. Fellow-Jamaican Asafa Powell held the previous world record of 9.74 seconds .The 21-year-old Jamaican sprinter stunned the track world with the second-fastest 100 meters in history at the Jamaican International Invitational in Kingston on Saturday. 

Jamaicans now have much to look forward to this summer in Beijing China , this summer. Asafa Powel and Bolt will be respresenting the island nation as the number 1 and number 2 fastest men in the world. The Question is will this translate into Gold and Silver respectively ? Even more exciting is that Veronica Campbell-Brown will be also competing for Gold this summer in the 100 meters so far clocking the fastest time of 10.91 seconds this Saturday as well.

We have all seen the 5 time  Olypic showing of Merlene Ottey , one of the most respectable names in not only track and field but sports in general with no Gold. We will be staying tuned.  

Read articles  in

CNN  ,

See larger Flyer here

It is official ! The Chitown Jerk Festival  is now back on track for this June 8th, 2008 This Saturday June 7th,

The Chicago Caribbean JerkFest is a celebration of authentic Jamaican Jerk in its various forms. “JERK” is a traditional Jamaican art of cooking thoroughly seasoned meat, spiced with pepper and smoked on pimento sticks. Food plays a central role in family life and traditions in the Caribbean and the cuisine of the Caribbean is like a cultural patchwork quilt. This festival will give the people of Chicago the opportunity to share in this cultural experience.

The first of its kind Chicago Caribbean JerkFest is strategically planned to launch Caribbean American Heritage Month (June 2008), and its goal is to help promote the cultural diversity of Chicago’s Caribbean population and promote the Caribbean in the Chicago area through a Jerk Cook-Off Competition, Cultural Displays, Live Entertainment, Domino Tournament, and the Kidz Fun Zone.

For JUST A TASTE OF WHAT TO EXPECT AT CHICAGO CARIBBEAN JERKFEST 2008

Log onto the official website http://chitownjerkfest.com//

Usually Elephant man can claim "MAD SICK HEAD NO GOOD " (in other word... I can be crazy) but this past week in Columbus, Ohio , Elephant man couldn't find a way out of what proved to be an embarrassing situation all the way around at the Concert at Alrosa Villa. Elephant man lost his cool , after a female fan... grabbed at the "anaconda" and  almost left Elephant man in some pretty tight briefs, some sort of blue briefs If we might say so . Aparently the pants had already started to rip and it just got worst with all the crotch grabbin and "jiggy jiggy". (they just don't make fabric the way they used to it would appear... now I understand when Bounty Killa lamented " Mi cyan believe say tight pant come in again )

In truth it would be hard pressed for any one to perform in his brief and half a' tight pants with black spike tipped boots .. to  "Bad man a bad man". Elephant man was understandable distraught. To his credit Elephant man usually delivers one of the most energetic and fun filled shows in the Music Business. ... To be honest as well he was in the midst of delivering a very high energy show before the wardrobe mishap.

Sites like Yardflex wasted no time in posting the pictures.

Roots High Power with Peter Funk (aka Fiyah Crackah) , Willie G, Jah Cody, Mikey Million and Zero .. turn the place into a high power dancehall session within a few minutes. The party continued in the after party all the way back till near morning.

Exclusive Columbus Caribbean Voice and Roots High Power  concert clips and the melt down are available on youtube.

For more clips of the show.. Check www.youtube.com/rootsrecords and www.youtube.com/columbuscaribbean

Roots Records Presents

Reggae Legend : Half Pint Live in Concert

Backed by the Yellow Wall Dub Squad W/ Steview Culture & I Tawa

Roots High Power Sound-System Doors open at 8pm

the energy god . . . Reggae/Dancehall Star Elephant Man and friends backed by the TREMOR BAND. + Roots High Power @ Alrosa Villa- 5055 Sinclair Rd Friday, May 16, 2008 Columbus- Oh 43822 Video Elephant Man - Pon De River Pon De Bank Elephant Man - WILLIE BOUNCE LIVE REMIX Live

see The latest Caribbean Music Videos ( Reggae, Soca, Calypso and more at our Youtube Chanell ): youtube.com/columbuscaribbean

International Reggae recording artist and perfromer Luciano triumphantly returns to columbus This Friday April 25th at the Alrosa Villa. [see previous post] There are hardly any any bigger names today in Reggae Music than the one dubbed "the messenger" . The show will also feature reggae veteran performer Mikey General.

What makes the night complete is the inclusion of one of columbus' own reggae band "the Flex Crew"

The Flex Crew performing at SKully's  March 30th, 2008 [You Tube]

The Columbus Caribbean Voice will be capturing activities in the caribbean community in pictures and videos..you an find them on Columbus Caribbean TV www.youtube.com/columbuscaribbean

Columbus Ohio reggae fans are as fortunate as any reggae fans anywhere . In Columbus, this year alone , reggae fans were treated to at least one major concert a month. The year started off with I Wayne and Wayne Wonder, then the Meditations, followed by the "Cool Ruler" Gregory Issacs himself backed by up and coming sensation Rootz Underground. Gregory Issacs performed on what , had to be the worst day of winter weather in Columbus in more than two seasons , to a more than respectable sized crowd of fans.

It is evident that resurgence in reggae has only gotten started... this upcoming month of April is no different. Already there is slated to be at least 5 major performances in mid and southern Ohio alone .

The month will start off with Everton Blender on the 4th, then both Sister Carol and Junior Reid on the 5th and Luciano twice botht he 25th and 26th. [See event calendar or sign up for the newsletter ]

While reggae has taken center stage it is obvious that the demand will increase for other genre's by the fans. Calyso , Soca, . Concerts as far away as Cleveland see Columbus regulars and vice versa. Cincinnati reggae and reggae/dancehall fans think nothing of the 1.5 hour drive to take in the vibes in Columbus.

The spring has just gotten started and I am sure there will be a whole lot more to come in summer... There is even buzz about bringing some top ranked soca/calyspo acts along with more latin caribbean flavors, after all the caribbean is more than just reggae.

Want to know more about these artists ? Check out these classics:

Everton Blender's Lift up Your Head, Wayne Wonder's Foreva, I Wayne's, Book of Life Sister Carol's, Gimme Mi Freedom Junior Reid's, One Blood Luciano's Messenger

The forecast was daunting in Columbus Ohio terms and most people instinctively decided to stay put. It wasn't quite a level three emergency like anywhere else but it kept most poeple in. No so with the die hard reggae fans who would brave anything to catch the right "vibe". They were not dissapointed. With a record level 12 inches plus of snow on the ground the reggae "massive" headed to Alrosa villa to see a dynamic peformance by Roots undergound Band and found out with Gregory Issacs is still considered "The Cool ruler".

Gregory's voice was in rare finely tuned form and the vibe was strong. .. With the crowd swaying and singing out to tunes such as Tune in.. Cross the Border and of course Night Nurse . gregory had the fans feeling more than rewarded. The in turn showed their approval with a a double encore request.

Roots Records who promoted, the event  expressed satisfaction with the turn out, given the fact that nearly every other event was cancelled. It was an event in the spirit of Reggae.. undaunted, steadfast and ever forward.