The campaign to construct a facility that salutes Jamaican culture began in earnest on April 18 in Atlanta, Georgia with a Zoom-A-Thon staged by the Jamaican Museum and Cultural Center (JMCC).

It was the organisation’s start to a three-year thrust to raise US$5 million, which will be used to construct a museum in Atlanta. Considered the capital of the New South, that city has a large Jamaican community.

Dr Apollone Reid, president of the JMCC, spoke to Observer Online about last Saturday’s event.

“Although the response wasn’t as expected, possibly due to the big Maxi Priest, Beenie Man concert nearby, the excitement generated by those who attended was palpable as persons were eager to make their pledges,” she said. “This showed their commitment and belief in the vision as we met four out of five of our targets in pledges and donations.”

Those pledges and donations amounted to US$4,000.

Participants in the Zoom-A-Thon included Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, Oliver Mair; Dr Garfield McCook, a JMCC executive; Pastor Fidel Donaldson; and singer Ian Sweetness.

Once the projected funds are realised, the JMCC plans to start construction on its museum which will showcase various aspects of Jamaican culture — from music to the arts and politics.

Despite the sluggish start, Reid sees brighter days ahead for the JMCC’s initiative.

“We are on course to achieve the goals, as this is the first of numerous fundraising strategies planned for the next three years. The presence of CG, visual artists, entertainers and other special guests provided good optics and demonstrated support for the cause,” she stated.

The JMCC was formed in September 2019 to highlight the achievements of Jamaicans. It has done so through an interactive website (www.jmccatlanta.com).

— Howard Campbell