The SUNSHINE Awards
New Jersey – The SUNSHINE Awards Organization today announced in New Jersey the nominees for the 2013 SUNSHINE Awards Program scheduled for Saturday November 2, 2013 in New York City. The SUNSHINE Awards Program was founded 25 years ago to recognize and honor talented exponents of the performing arts, sports and education of the various Caribbean countries. Over the years, the canopy of the program was extended to include South America, Central America and Africa. A special feature of the program is the SUNSHINE Awards Hall of Fame.
On Saturday October 12, 2013 the SUNSHINE Awards Organization inducted five (5) life-long world renowned, legendary contributors (Roy Cape, Errol Ince, Ray Holman, Fitzroy Coleman and Jit Samaroo) to the performing arts into the SUNSHINE Awards Hall of Fame and paid special tribute to pioneers of cultural programs, Dr. J. D. Elder, Lionel Paul Mitchell and Rawle “Axeback” Titus at the Magdalena Grand Beach Resort in sunny Tobago, West Indies. Dr. Hollis Chalkdust Liverpool hosted the Hall of Fame inductions and took great pride in describing how the SUNSHINE Awards Program makes a difference in people’s lives. The nominees to be honored at the New York City milestone event are as follows:
Elsie Saint Louis and the Haitian Americans United for Progress Organization (HAUP). HAUP was initially founded in 1975 to promote the welfare of Haitian refugees and immigrants. Since its founding it has broadened its’ cope and reach to meet the needs of all its constituents regardless of nationality, ethnic origin or background. HAUP is dedicated to providing a supportive environment through education, training, culture, networking opportunities, and other support services, that allow members of the community to successfully adapt and thrive. HAUP is an organization making a difference in people’s lives.
The Mosaic Dance Theater Company (MDTC). The MDTC is dedicated to performing the dances and folklore of the Mediterranean region — North Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Spain. The dances and music, the stories and myths, and the history and legends of this fascinating area of the world form the wellspring of inspiration for MDTC’s creative vision. Founded in 2003 by Morgiana Celeste Varricchio, MDTC’s Producing Artistic Director, the Company evolved out of the programs originally developed by Ms. Varricchio for New York Performing Artist Company (NYPACo). These programs began touring in 1992, and are now a part of MDTC’s diverse repertory. Samara Adell, MDTC’s Choreographer and Artistic Director for Dance, began her collaboration with Ms. Varricchio in 2000, and since MDTC’s inception, the Company has premiered numerous critically acclaimed dance works, as well as dance/story-theater adaptations of selected folktales, myths, and tales from The Arabian Nights. MDTC tours nationally and internationally to performing arts venues, museums, schools, and universities.
The Feraba African Rhythm Tap Company, a multicultural and multiethnic performance group, Féraba fuses the traditional sounds and movements of West Africa with the American artistic forms of tap dance and jazz in a unique and exciting way. Féraba exposes its audience around the world to many different cultures, and seeks to create a bond of understanding among the people of the world, suggesting that this diversity enriches one’s life.
Dr. Clement London will be honored with the Dr. Basil Matthews SUNSHINE Award for his life-long contribution and commitment to education and human development. Dr. London began his teaching career in Trinidad after obtaining his Teacher’s Diploma at the Government Training College for Teachers in 1952. He obtained his B.A. and M.A. degrees in Elementary and Secondary Social Studies Education, respectively at the City College of the City University of New York. He earned a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision of Secondary Schools and an Ed. D. in Curricular and Instructional Practices at Columbia University. Dr. London spent twenty-eight (28) years at Fordham University Graduate School of Education teaching courses and programs at the Masters and Doctoral levels. He has traveled extensively throughout the world as an educator; he has published over 40 works including: books, articles, monographs and poems. In 1998, Dr. London was also honored as “Professor of the Year” by Phi Delta Kappa, Fordham University and was accorded the status of Professor Emeritus of Fordham University, Graduate School of Education. Dr. London is now retired and resides in New York City.
Vonulrick “Von” Martin, broadcaster, producer and Dean of Caribbeana Communications Inc., founded Caribbeana Radio Services in 1975 and went on air in 1977 as one of the first radio personalities of WPFW 89.3 FM in Washington DC. Von defines Caribbean music of past and present generations as a cultural expression of life and seeks to meet the needs of the Caribbean Diaspora by providing substance and style to his work. Von’s radio programs are inspiring and innovative and keeping his listeners informed via music and events. Caribbeana is one of the few Caribbean organizations based in the United States that serves all individuals interested in Caribbean culture and its Diaspora through media, technology and journalism.
The milestone, black tie event will be staged at the AXA Equitable Center, 787 Seventh Avenue (corner of 51st Street) in New York City. The program will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:00pm followed by the presentation of awards and live performances at 8:00pm. The 25th Annual SUNSHINE Awards Program in New York City is sponsored in part by United Airlines “the preferred airline of the SUNSHINE Awards”, the Magdalena Grand Beach Resort of Tobago, National Staffing Associates and All Star Motors/Essex County Touring.
