The Jamaican American Association of Central Florida, Inc. (JAAOCF)
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.
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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.
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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.
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Support our efforts by:
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Becoming a member and joining our vibrant community
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Sponsoring a scholarship to empower our youth
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Donating to a specific cause for tangible impact
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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.
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OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Ms. Joan Edghill
President
Ms. Mea Allman, MCC
Vice President / E&D Chair / PR & Marketing
Mrs. Margaret Tate
Recording Secretary
Mrs. Karen Fortune
Corresponding Secretary
Mr. Lionel Williams
Treasurer / Finance Chair / PR & Marketing Chair
(Vacant)
Assistant Treasurer
OUR EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Marjorie Bown
Founder / Membership Chair
Dr. Barbara Dawkins, Ed.D.
Immediate Past President
Mr. Carroll Grant
Building Chair
Ms. Cannetta Bukola-Patterson
Member At Large / Success Club Chair
Mrs. Danna Hall
Outreach Chair
Ms. Grace Powell
Member At Large / Bylaws Chair
Dr. Patricia Smith
Parliamentarian