{"id":7245,"date":"2017-06-13T10:09:33","date_gmt":"2017-06-13T14:09:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atl.com\/?p=7245"},"modified":"2017-06-13T10:52:29","modified_gmt":"2017-06-13T14:52:29","slug":"atl-celebrates-caribbean-american-heritage-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.atl.com\/atl\/atl-celebrates-caribbean-american-heritage-month\/","title":{"rendered":"ATL celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u00a9 2017 Decisive Moment Events, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – Caribbean-American Heritage Month<\/p><\/div>\n

By Anika Robertson
\nSenior Editor\/Assistant Public Relations Manager<\/em><\/b><\/p>\n

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Caribbean American Heritage Month got into full swing June 9, as ATL celebrated the region\u2019s rich heritage and significant contributions with a feast for the senses.<\/p>\n

The event at the International Terminal featured stilt dancing, flag waving and food sampling, and it drew ATL leaders as well as international dignitaries. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport began marking the occasion last year, on the 10th anniversary of National Caribbean American Heritage Month.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe [Caribbean] influence runs the gamut, with noteworthy achievements in the arts, food, music, education, commerce, leadership, science and, of course, sports,\u201d Airport General Manager Roosevelt Council, Jr. said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut beyond its distinctive culture and world-class cuisine, calling attention to the Caribbean heritage is important for another reason,\u201d Council said. \u201cHartsfield-Jackson has some 30 flights a day to the Caribbean, making it an important regional destination. We will continue to work with our airline partners to build air service to this region.\u201d<\/p>\n

ATL Director of International Affairs Alrene Barr introduced members of the Georgia Consular Corps, who shared facts about their respective country. Attending members included Jewel Scott, honorary consul of Jamaica; Marva Jacobs, honorary consul of Guyana; and Reginald Michel, economic and commercial officer for the Consulate of Haiti.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs respective regional ambassadors, the Consular Corps work closely with those from their nation, the government and one another to shape Atlanta\u2019s rich cultural tapestry,\u201d Barr said. \u201cThese members represent our region\u2019s global diversity and international focus. They\u2019re our partners in so many respects, helping develop and nurture the cultural, commercial and scientific ties between this region and the area in which they serve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Also on hand to share her story was Simone Edwards, the first Caribbean WNBA player and national spokesperson for Caribbean American Heritage Month.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got bullied as young girl because of this height,\u201d said Edwards, who now stands at 6\u20194\u201d. \u201cBut I embraced it after a while \u2026 it made me a champion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Edwards said current circumstances should not determine a person\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got to keep pushing, and you\u2019ve got to keep fighting for what you want and what you believe in and stay focused despite all the obstacles around you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Council believes international partnerships \u2013 both locally and abroad \u2013 are central to ATL\u2019s continued growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of our strategic priorities is strengthening our community relationships,\u201d Council said. \u201cAs part of that, we will continue to fortify our ties with the Caribbean community \u2013 one of the iconic communities that make up the magnificent cultural mosaic that is Atlanta.\u201d<\/p>\n

sight of passengers darting across ATL\u2019s roadways to enter and exit the Domestic Terminal will soon be a thing of the past.<\/p>\n

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