Embassy of Belize celebrates 43rd anniversary of independence
By Patricia McDougall Special to
the
AFRO
On Friday, September 20, 2024, His Excellency Lynn Young, ambassador of Belize to the United States of America, celebrated the country’s 43rd Independence Day at the Organization of the American States (OAS) - Hall
of the Americas in Washington D.C.
Belize received its independence from Britain on September 21, 1981. Several dignitaries were there to participate in the festivities, including Ambassador Young, who is also a Permanent Representative of Belize to the OAS.
The Assistant Secretary to OAS, Ambassador Nestor
Mendez, and his staff hosted the invited guests in style.
The crowd was entertained with a live band and a DJ, who played some original folk punta rock songs from Belize. Meesha Steel, a Belizean vocalist, joined with Alex Colon for a tribute to Andy Palacio, a Belizean punta musician. The crowd danced around the room proudly waving Belizean flags to the sound of the Garifuna drums.
All photos by Patricia McDougall
Nestor Mendez (left) OAS assistant secretary general and His Excellency Lynn Raymond Young, Ambassador of Belize to the U.S., pose with their spouses,Margaret Althea Young and Elvira Mendez (right).
Cinnamon Bottaro, deputy chief of Mission Embassy of Belize D.C., speaks at the Belize Independence Day celebration.
Patrick Realiza (left), Kimberly Bassett, secretary of State for Washington, D.C., and Anthony Andrews, director of International Affairs and Protocol Officer for the D.C. Office of the Mayor, enjoy the Belizean Independence Day celebration.
Brandon Ramsay (left) and Eden Tadesse
Kendall Belisle, advisor to the Assistant Secretary General at the Organization of American States, makes an appearance.
Alex Colon-Oaniyan (left), Mesah Steele, Colwyn Mitchell and Clayton William entertain the crowd.
Attendees enjoy the festivities in honor of Belizean independence.
Left: A Belizean flag is added to a sweet treat offered to embassy visitors.
Above, right: Ferida Fernandes (left) and her husband, Barbados Ambassador to the United States, Victor Fernandes celebrate Belizean Independence.
Black creatives shine at 2024 MET Gala
By AFRO Staff
The 2024 Baltimore MET Gala returned for a third year on Sept. 14.
Creatives of every genre descended upon The HALL - LIVE! Casino and Hotel Maryland for the fashion and awards show. Each year, the event is put on by two executive producers, LaRian Finney and Derrick Chase.
Attendees did their best to adhere to this year’s theme, “Adam and Eve: Enter
the Garden,” by sporting sleek fabrics and vibrant floral numbers.
“We know the rich pool of talent is here in the city, and that’s through all genres, particularly the arts, fashion and culinary scenes,” said Chase, in a statement. “Drawing talent to the city to be part of the Baltimore Story, through this unique production, is a testament to the value we’ve created in the three short years of executing at a high level of excellence.”
The event featured entertainment by DJ Tanz and a culinary experience was curated by founder of the Black Owned Restaurant Tour (BORT), Azikiwe “Zik” DeVeaux, who pulled together offerings from several restaurants for ‘A Taste of the MET.’
The fashion show was produced by Lana Rae. Models came from as far away as San Diego, Calif., St. Louis and other cities across the nation to wear the fashions of local designers. Roughly
150 models were selected from a pool of 500 by designers Jody Davis and Earle Bannister. The Baltimore MET Gala also featured an art exhibition, curated by Ernest Shaw, Ainsley Burrows and Laurielle Noel.
Several community leaders were honored including:
• P. David Bramble, Managing Partner/ Co-Founder | MCB Real Estate
• Edward “Ed” Evans, Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion | Live!
Casino and Hotel Maryland
• Linzy Jackson, III, Director of External Partnerships | Office of the Mayor
• Susan J. Lee, Vice President of Diversity Partnerships | MOI
• Detra Neal, Sales Manager, Market, Mid-Atlantic | Kimball International
• Nykidra “Nyki” Robinson, Founder and CEO | Black Girls Vote
• Shelonda Stokes, President | Downtown Partnership of Baltimore
of
Bannister
Afua Sam (center) takes to the stage with her models. Sam was one of multiple designers invited to have her creations featured in the Baltimore MET Gala fashion show.
A model shows off designs by Andrew Nowell.
Designer Andrew Nowell (right), enjoys the 2024 Baltimore MET Gala.
Fashions from Dermaine Johnson are taken in by the crowd. Dermaine Johnson The designs
Earle
are put on display.
Earle Bannister Designs by Jody Davis once again wow the crowd.
Jody Davis
Laurese Kelly interprets the 2024 Baltimore MET Gala theme of “Adam and Eve: Enter the Garden,” in a number reminiscent of the Biblical creation story.
Models show off designs by Luqman Haskett.
Luqman Haskett shows appreciation for the opportunity to showcase his designs at the 2024 Baltimore MET Gala.
A model brings the work of designer Sean Bellamy to life.
Designer Sean Bellamy proudly participates in the 2024 Baltimore MET Gala.
Tershea Rice, interim chief of operations for the Greater Baltimore Urban League, makes an appearance at the 2024 Baltimore MET Gala.
Shelonda Stokes, president of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, takes to the runway of the Baltimore MET Gala. Stokes was recognized with a community impact award at the event.
Photos by Stephen Hopkins