Goodwin College to Celebrate 50 Years of Jamaican Independence

EAST HARTFORD – Goodwin College will join with students and staff members of all cultural backgrounds in celebrating 50 years of Jamaican independence with an event on Thursday, August 9.

The College will host a celebration of food, music, and entertainment during the event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no charge.

Goodwin students and staff take pride in Jamaican heritage and culture. The College has recently added Caribbean Studies to its curriculum and faculty will present briefly on the Jamaican influence as part of the event.

Jamaica gained its independence from Great Britain in 1962, following centuries of colonial rule first by the Spanish and then by the British. Since its independence, Jamaica has made great economic and cultural advancements, influencing much of the world.

An array of Jamaican heroes, including reggae legend Bob Marley, world record sprinter Usain Bolt, and Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller, are displayed in an exhibit now posted at the College.

Goodwin College is located at 1 Riverside Drive in East Hartford, along the banks of the Connecticut River. The River campus is easily accessible from Main Street.