top of page
Dunns River - Copy.jfif
Jamaican Flag.png

About Us

The Jamaican American Association of Central Florida  (JAAOCF) is dedicated to promoting opportunities for advancement to and empowerment for Jamaicans and people of Jamaican American descent through access to financial resources and education with an emphasis on community, history, culture, health, music, and the arts, etc.

Our Mission

To preserve, enhance and promote our cultural heritage by and through our focus on education, our youth, community service and emergency assistance both locally and internationally.

President's Message

Dear valued members and friends of the Jamaican American Association of Central Florida Inc.,


Welcome to 2025, a year in which the Jamaican American Association of Central Florida Inc. will celebrate forty (40) years of service to Central Florida and Jamaica.  As I begin my third and final term as President, I'm filled with gratitude and a deep sense of accomplishment. Our mission to promote education, youth engagement, community service, and emergency assistance remains at the forefront of our efforts, and I'm proud of our significant strides.

​

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated members, whose tireless support drives our accomplishments. Notable achievements include our Annual Independence & Scholarship Awards Gala, scholarships for students of Jamaican heritage, hurricane relief efforts, and participation in community events like the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Zora Neale Hurston Festival.

​

As we move forward, I am excited to continue advancing equity, amplifying the voices of newer and younger members, and driving collaborative efforts. If you're not already part of our community, I invite you to join us in creating positive change and strengthening communities in Central Florida and Jamaica.

​

Support our efforts by:

 

  • Becoming a member and joining our vibrant community

  • Sponsoring a scholarship to empower our youth

  • Donating to a specific cause for tangible impact

  • Attending our ticketed events

 

You may make one-time or recurring donations of any amount. Every contribution counts.

 

Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 Joan Edghill, M.Ed.

President, Jamaican American Association of Central Florida Inc.

​

OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Ms. Joan Edghill - JAAOCF 2023 Title Sponsor.jpg

Ms. Joan Edghill
President

Mea Allman - Vice President_edited.png

Ms. Mea Allman, MCC
Vice President / E&D Chair / PR & Marketing

Mrs. Margaret Tate

Mrs. Margaret Tate
Recording Secretary

Mrs. Karen Fortune - Corresponding Secretary.jpg

Mrs. Karen Fortune
Corresponding Secretary

Lionel Williams - Treasurer.jpg

Mr. Lionel Williams
Treasurer / Finance Chair / PR & Marketing Chair

Jamaican Flag Chair.png

(Vacant)
Assistant Treasurer

OUR EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

Mrs. Marjorie Brown.jpg

Mrs. Marjorie Bown

Founder / Membership Chair

Dr. Barbara Dawkins, Ed.D..jpg

Dr. Barbara Dawkins, Ed.D.

Immediate Past President

Mr. Carroll Grant - Treasurer.jpg
Cannetta Bukola-Patterson -.jpg

Mr. Carroll Grant

Building Chair

Ms. Cannetta Bukola-Patterson

Member At Large / Success Club Chair

Mrs. Danna Hall - Outreach Cair.jpg

Mrs. Danna Hall

Outreach Chair

Grace Powell - Member At Large.jpeg

Ms. Grace Powell

Member At Large / Bylaws Chair

Dr. Pat Smith - Parliamentarian.jpg

Dr. Patricia Smith

Parliamentarian

bottom of page