by Norma Schwartzberg
The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ)
 had its gala on September 23rd, 2022 Hummingbird Gala, at the legendary Plaza Hotel gathering supporters, movers and shakers, healthcare professionals, educators, artists, fashion designers, and more. The anticipated event started with a classy cocktail hour with delicious canapes and finger food, while the silent auction was exhibiting terrific items from luxury goods, and exquisite wines to trips to exotic places! In addition, attendees were treated with great cocktails and refreshing drinks. The ladies were so beautiful wearing amazing evening gowns very appropriate for the occasion. After the cocktail reception, the program began honoring Cedella Marley with the International Humanitarian Award. As the firstborn of Bob and Rita Marley Cedella Marley is a descendant of Reggae royalty. As an accomplished singer, an inspiring author, fashion designer, and visionary entrepreneur. Cedella oversees Marley Holdings, a Marley family entity that manages all aspects of the Bob Marley rights, including the rights to Bob's name and likeness. She oversees all the Marley-related business in Jamaica and is the Director of the Bob Marley Foundation, the Marley family's charitable organization whose mission is to carry on the life and legacy of Bob Marley. Miss Cedella is also the ambassador to the Reggae Girls which is Jamaica's national women's football team. New York City Major Erick Adams, stopped by to give a brief speech to all attendees during dinner time, and afterward, he kindly shook hands and had pictures taken with some of the guests. The Gala also was the celebration of American Friends of Jamaica's 40th anniversary of service meaning that this wonderful organization had been supporting education, healthcare, and economic development as well as disaster relief with the program “A Thousand Roofs of Love” which also helps to combat HIV/AIDS, not to mention “Jamaica School for the Blind” and the “Mustard Seed”. All the proceeds will go to support those programs. AFJ Executive Director Carol Chung was pleased to welcome in-person all guests after more than two years of virtual events. The exciting and fan-after party started right after dinner with live music from Grammy Award winner Steel Pulse and Max Glazer. To top off the amazing evening, it was a special performance by Skip Marley. AFJ is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization built on the principles of service and philanthropy.
The American Friends of Jamaica​
is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Jamaican charitable organizations and social initiatives working to improve the lives of Jamaicans through systemic development in the areas of education, health care and economic development. Founded in 1982 by a handful of Jamaicans and Americans who loved Jamaica and wanted to see it prosper, the organization has created a legacy of philanthropy dedicated to the people of Jamaica, raising over U$14 million to date on behalf of Jamaica’s non-profit and charitable organizations. The American Friends of Jamaica seeks to improve the lives of Jamaicans by supporting initiatives that advance self-sufficiency, promote healthy communities and strengthen the nation.
The American Friends of Jamaica was established in 1982 as a 501(c)(3) organization to assist Jamaican charities in the areas of education, healthcare and, human and economic development. American multinational corporations with commercial interests in Jamaica, American winter residents, and members of the diplomatic corps were some of the organization’s initial supporters. The non-profit organization’s founder was Anne F. Sabo, who directed the AFJ until 2003. An annual fall charity gala was established as the major fundraising event for the organization. Each spring, the AFJ awards its annual discretionary grants. The official grants awards ceremony is hosted by the standing United States Ambassador to Jamaica and the AFJ Board of Directors presents organizations with grants that have ranged from US$500 to US$200,000. In its second year, the Board elected to pay tribute to men, women, and organizations who help improve the lives of Jamaicans with the International Achievement Award and/or the International Humanitarian Award. Awardees have included public figures, business leaders, entertainment personalities, philanthropists and founders of charitable organizations. The AFJ’s first chairman, in 1982, was former U.S. Ambassador Loren Lawrence. Following his death, the Board elected Major Gen. Donald S. Dawson, U.S.A.F., Ret., C. D. (Hon.). He served for 15 years and was elected Chairman Emeritus. Former U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica the Hon. Glen A. Holden succeeded Gen. Dawson and remained AFJ President until 2007. Former Florida Secretary of State and Former US Ambassador to Jamaica, Sue M. Cobb, served as the AFJ President from 2007 to 2012 and was succeeded by Former US Ambassador to Jamaica, Brenda Johnson who served until 2015. The current President is Wendy Hart.

About The Hummingbird Gala 2022,
Cedella Marley was honored at the 2022 Hummingbird Gala which took place at the legendary Plaza Hotel in NYC on September 23rd     

The Board of Directors of the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) a non-profit supporting education, healthcare, and economic development for the people of Jamaica, presented Cedella Marley with the International Humanitarian Award at its 2022 Hummingbird Gala. The evening started with a lovely cocktail hour with a passing hors d'oeuvre and top shelves open bar. The fundraiser included dinner and a silent auction, with an after party featuring live entertainment by Grammy Award-winning artists Steel Pulse and music by Max Glazer with a special performance by
Skip Marley who is Cedella’s son.
As the firstborn of Bob and Rita Marley, Cedella Marley is a descendant of reggae royalty.  An accomplished singer, an inspiring author, fashion designer, and entrepreneur, Cedella oversees Marley Holdings and serves as Director of the Bob Marley Foundation, the family’s charitable organization whose mission is to carry on the life and legacy of Bob Marley.  She is also the ambassador to the Reggae Girlz, Jamaica’s first national women’s soccer team.
The AFJ is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit built on the principles of service and philanthropy. For nearly 40 years, the organization has been rendering assistance in the areas of Education, Healthcare, and Economic Development. The AFJ Grant Cycle begins at the end of each year and grants are disbursed in April of the following year. For information on how to become a sponsor to support our mission for Jamaica, email info@theafj.org or visit www.theafj.org.

Mayor Adams, J. Caron Chung and J. Wendy

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