The annual cultural gala featured presentations of City Council proclamations to several persons of Jamaican heritage who have achieved success in various fields. Tribute paid to the national heroes who started the march for freedom and independence, as well as the heroics of the athletes at the Games of the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China.
Yvonne J. Graham, CEO of the Caribbean Women's Health Association, discussed the health disparities that continue to plague racial and ethnic groups in the New York City metropolitan area at the Brooklyn-based group's annual benefit reception. The CWHA's chief mission is to respond to problems affecting immigrants from the Caribbean region.