A Jamaican, Lissette Wade, who resides in Lake Park, Florida, was among 100 African Americans honoured on Monday by United States President George W Bush, for being outstanding community and business leaders who have done significant good to enhance African American culture.

The awards were presented at a reception at the White House, where President Bush declared February as National African American History Month.

The president said African Americans have been an integral part of America for generations and the US was stronger because of their contribution. “During African American History Month, we honour the achievements of African Americans and recognise our continued responsibility to strive for equality for all our citizens,” he said.

He added that with grace and determination, African American men and women have helped to shape the nation and influence American lives.

“All Americans can be proud of all the progress we have made, yet the work for a more perfect union is not done. As we celebrate National African American history month, we reaffirm our commitment to build a society where every individual has the opportunity to achieve the promise of this great land,” President Bush said.

Wade later told JIS News that he was honoured, as a Jamaican, to receive this high award from the president of the United States.

After leaving Jamaica in 1979, he came to the United States and worked for McDonald’s for over 20 years. He is currently the owner of nine McDonald’s franchises in Lake Park, Florida, where he resides.

Wade said that as a businessman and community leader, he has assisted to enhance the black culture by transforming one of his restaurants into a black history museum, where young African Americans could learn of their history. He has also assisted young, at-risk students and has offered a number of scholarships.