Listeners:
Top listeners:
RadioJLR Just Press Play
play_arrowManyLights Adm
Irwine Clare, founder and CEO of Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB), the Jamaica, Queens-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting Jamaican and Caribbean athletes at the annual Penn Relays Carnival, at the University of Pennsylvania in Pennsylvania, has moved one step closer to his organization’s legacy goals following a successful “Labor of Love Luncheon – Black Tie & Sneakers Gala.”
The event was held at the Cresthollow Country Club in Woodbury, Long Island last Sunday, April 13.
The gala’s highlight came when keynote speaker Sandra Brunson — mother of New York Knicks NBA star Jalen Brunson and co-founder of the Second Round Foundation — announced an on-the-spot cash pledge of US$15,000 to TJC.
Reflecting on her Jamaican heritage said, Brunson said: “Being the daughter of Jamaican parents is one of the greatest sources of pride in my life. It’s a heritage rooted in strength, resilience and an unshakable sense of identity.”
Brunson recounted her parents’ immigrant’s journey, emphasizing the cultural values they passed on to her.
“They came to this country with little more than their faith, their values and their dreams,” she said. “They carried the spirit of Jamaica with them — its music, food, language, and culture — and poured it into my childhood home.”
Brunson reiterated her foundation’s support for TJB, telling the packed house, “We believe in meeting young people where they are—not just on the court or track but in the spaces in between.
“Meals, lodging, medical support — these are the quiet, powerful moments that allow talent to thrive,” she said.
Clare thanked the Brunson’s before highlighting his organization’s enduring partnerships, particularly that which has been forged with Queens-based VP Records, Miss Pat and sons Chris, and Randy Chin.
Clare praised their role in securing reggae artist Colvin “Cocoa Tea” Scott for the 2008 “On the Road to Beijing Olympics” concert, which, he said, raised “crucial funds” for Jamaican athletes competing at the Olympic games that year and which inspired the Reggae Sumfest sponsored Reggae Pop-Up Vibe—an event that was featured on the final day of the Penn Relays last year.
He said the pop-up included Road International and a performance by former Bickle Ambassador, singer Christopher Martin.
Clare also extended gratitude to key sponsors, including Resorts World New York City, Caribbean Food Delights, Tower Isle Patties and Irie Jam Radio, acknowledging their investment in the success and development of Caribbean athletes.
In addition, he thanked singer Johnny Osbourne, Aza Lineage and record producer King Jammys, who performed for the packed house.
Award recipients at the gala included four-time Olympian and president of the Jamaica Bobsleigh Federation Dr. Nelson Christian Stokes; Karlene Largie, a former president of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (USA); and Sandra Brunson of the Second Round Foundation.
This year’s Penn Relays Carnival will be held over three days – from Thursday, April 24, climaxing on Saturday, April 26.
New York’s economy has always been shaped by power. In one era, it came from labor unions and factory floors. In another, from trading desks and corporate towers. But today, as inequality deepens and public trust wears thin, we’re confronted with a basic question: who is the economy for? For […]
Post comments (0)