Although she resides in Rhode Island in the United States, Dena ‘DJ Brownin’ Morrison has a special place in her heart for Jamaica.

Having visited the island on numerous occasions and gotten involved in charity efforts in various communities including West Kingston, Morrison has forged relationships with entertainment personalities and residents.

When Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica on October 28, Morrison knew she had to do something meaningful for the residents who were affected. She quickly assembled a group of her high school RESPECT students, at Juanita Sanchez high school, and organised a “Boxes of Hope” initiative to bring smiles to the faces of teens who were affected by the hurricane. After all, she one day hopes to settle in Jamaica permanently.

Additionally, on November 26, the promoter will team up with Dynamite Promotion to stage an event, called Thanksgiving Reggae Explosion, which will feature Jamaican reggae artiste Chuck Fenda live in concert.

The event, which will be held at Kulture Nightclub in Providence, Rhode Island, will feature DJ Matik, DJ Gambit and Dynamite Sounds.

Part of the proceeds from the event will assist with hurricane relief in Jamaica.

“In the wake of the recent hurricane and the devastation it has left behind this upcoming event with Chuck Fenda becomes more than just a gathering—it becomes an act of collective healing. To broaden our impact, I am offering several trusted avenues for relief: Give Back Jamaica for school support; JA Patty’s relief fund, which cares for elderly individuals displaced from nursing homes; and a partnership between Chuck Fenda and myself, through which we will collect, ship, and personally distribute items gathered at the stage show. Chuck Fenda and I will personally hand-deliver these supplies in December. Patrons who will be attending are also invited to bring non-perishable items to the concert, which will be lovingly collected and sent directly to Jamaica,” Morrison told Observer Online on the weekend.

She continued, “And in the spirit of Jamaica’s wisdom, we hold close the saying:“Every mickle mek a muckle.” Every small offering becomes part of something greater. Each can of food, each donation, each act of kindness—when joined with the efforts of many—grows into real comfort, real relief, and real hope. Through every gesture, every rhythm we share, and every connection we build, my intention is simple: to honor Jamaica—as Jamaica has so beautifully honored me.”

Over the years, Morrison has worked alongside organizations and individuals whose dedication she says inspires her.

“Give Back Jamaica, led by Hopeton Brown, whose work supporting schools has impacted countless children; and vlogger DJSlick44, who helps to ensure that materials I send reach the communities where they are needed most with compassion and on-the-ground understanding. Give Back Jamaica will be the recipient of items collected from the student-led project, Boxes of Hope, where students will donate boxes and bags filled with supplies to help to bring smiles to Jamaican teenagers who were affected by the hurricane,” Morrison shared.

Friendships with Major Mackerel and veteran artiste Dennis Walks are among those whom Morrison says have helped and inspired her appreciation for Jamaican culture and music.

“My most recent and deeply impactful connection has been with Chuck Fenda, the Poor People’s Defender, who has stepped into my life as a mentor as I grow my career as a reggae promoter. He sees my potential and understands that my connection to reggae runs far deeper than entertainment—I am also an educator who adapts curriculum through a Black Lives Matter lens and advocate for ethnic studies, work for which I received a citation from the Secretary of State during the 2023–2024 academic year,” Morrison disclosed.

Morrison, whose efforts extend beyond music and entertainment, has volunteered her skills as an educator, working directly with some youth in West Kingston.

“I am grateful for the guidance of Dynamite Sound’s DJ Goldfinger and DJ Daney, who mentor me as both a DJ and a new promoter, helping me strengthen my skills and expand my vision. Mark Tenn has been an invaluable guide as well, supporting me in collecting dubs for sound clashes and sharing wisdom gained through years in the music industry. These relationships remind me of the power of mentorship, community, and shared passion—the very principles that guide my work giving back to Jamaica. I continue to mentor Jamaican adults living in the United States and support Jamaican students in my classroom—walking with them as they navigate new paths while carrying the pride and strength of their culture,” said Morrison.