Organizers of the upcoming 2009 Marcus Garvey Rootz Extravaganza say the venue for this year's presentation, the Joseph C. Carter Park, has a special significance that adds to the community focus of the cultural event. Located at 1450 West Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, the park is named after longtime African-American parks and recreation professional, Joseph C. Carter. The Marcus Garvey Rootz Extravaganza is sponsored by the Rootz Magazine, Talawah Roots Tonic, COMCAST, Air Jamaica, Grace Foods USA, Bobby's Meals, Nature's Coolers, Tomlinson Dental Care, Cooyah, Goldson Spi-nal Center, In & Out Tire Shack, Poor Man's Studio, Westside Gazette, Whiz Communications, and Island Beat Marketing
Last Wednesday (August 25) politicians, friends and family came out to Toronto's west end to celebrate the official unveiling of the 'Jean Augustine Park'. In paying tribute to Dr Augustine, deputy mayor, Joe Pantalone, and councillor, Mark Grimes, reminded the audience that during her tenure in the House of Commons, Dr Augustine was instrumental in getting funding from the Federal Government and making a reality the Toronto Linear Park System, in particular the Mimico Linear Trail, which is adjacent to the new Jean Augustine Park. This year Augustine became the first Grenada-born person to receive Canada's highest national honour. She was among the 57 Canadians named by Governor General Michaelle Jean to receive the Order of Canada - the country's highest civilian award.