The 19th Annual Caribbean American Heritage Awards to Honor Three Individuals of Caribbean Descent

The 19th Annual Caribbean American Heritage Awards (CARAH) Gala will pay homage to an eclectic collection of individuals who have excelled as writers, musicians, advocates and athletes. The  Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) will present seven individuals with CARAH Awards on Friday, November 16, 2012.

 

The Caribbean American Heritage Awards recognizes individuals of Caribbean descent who have made extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in their field of expertise. This year's CARAH Awards gala celebrates the beauty of the steel pan, the power of the pen, global penchant for soccer and community advocacy.

 

 

 

This year's honorees include:

 

Dean Garfield, president and CEO of the Information Technology Industry Council, a powerhouse of advocacy and influence for the IT community.

Colin Channer, acclaimed author and assistant professor of English at Medgar Evers College. He is best known for his novels "Waiting in Vain" and "The Girl With the Golden Shoes."

 

Shaka Hislop, former soccer player and ESPN analyst on Soccernet Press.

 

Constance White, Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine.

Monty Alexander, renowned jazz musician whose musical career has spanned decades and included collaborations with Quincy Jones, Ray Brown and Natalie Cole on her tribute album "Unforgettable."


Robert Greenidge, noted panist earning recognition for his skillful art on the steel drums with performance alongside Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefers Band, John Lennon and Ringo Star of the Beatles.

Andy Ingraham, president and chief executive officer of the National Associatio of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers, Inc. As the head of the national advocacy group, Ingraham has been central to increasing the number of African-Americans that own, operate and manage hotels.

 

The CARAH Awards raise the profile of Caribbean Americans who have been successful in their fields. It was created by ICS as a forum for highlighting  

Caribbean Americans' contributions to the advocacy, business and entertainment industry.

"This year we celebrated two major milestones in Caribbean history, 50 years of independence for Trinidad and Tobago as well as Jamaica. The CARAH helps to bring a close to this wonderful year by placing a spotlight on some of our most admirable and accomplished Caribbean Americans," said White House Champion of Change, ICS President and Founder, Dr. Claire Nelson.

"We invite everyone to help us honor these great individuals but also celebrate the accomplishments of the past 50 years and our hope for a visionary 50 more."

To find out more about the Caribbean American Heritage Awards, visit www.caribbeanheritageawards.org.