The Caribbean American Heritage Awards (CARAH) were established in 1994 to recognize and celebrate individuals "who have made outstanding contributions to American society, promoted Caribbean culture and interests in the United States, as well as to friends of the Caribbean." The annual awards ceremony is hosted by the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington, D.C.
For the first time since its inception, the 2020 awards ceremony was held virtually. Although initially announced as an awardee, musician Buju Banton was omitted from the 2020 awards. It was widely speculated that the organization rescinded the award after Banton spoke out against mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award
The Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals of Caribbean or Caribbean-American descent who have been instrumental in the development or creation of an essential facet of Caribbean culture. In 2021, Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson received this prestigious award. Previous recipients are listed below:
- 2020: Judy Mowatt from Jamaica was recognized for her "significant impact on the reggae scene"
- 2019: Jamaican businessman and philanthropist Michael Lee-Chin, O.J.
- 2018: Jamaican actor, playwright and comedian Oliver Samuels, O.D. was recognized for his body of work in the performing arts
- 2017: Jamaican scientist and philanthropist Hon. Henry Lowe, O.J., Ph.D.
- 2016: Dr. Gerard Alphonse of Haiti, an electrical engineer, research scientist and prolific inventor
- 2013: Freddie McGregor, a Jamaican pioneer in ska and reggae music, was awarded for his accomplishments
Other notable awardees
- CEO of GraceKennedy Group Don Wehby received the award for Outstanding Corporate Citizenship in 2020, the first CARAH award of its kind.
- Olympian Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was recognized in 2020 for her achievements in track and field.
- Gramps Morgan, lead singer of Morgan Heritage, received the "Outstanding Contribution to Reggae Music" Award in 2019.
- Soca Artiste Machel Montano was recognized in 2016 for his contribution to soca music.
- International Reggae Artiste Maxi Priest was the recipient of the 2015 Luminary Award for his contribution to Reggae Music.
- Actress Cicely Tyson
- Reggae matriarch Rita Marley
- Susan Taylor, former Editor-in-Chief of Essence magazine
- Olympian sprinter and world record-holder Usain Bolt received the Vanguard in sports award in 2009
List of recipients
Early years (1994–2010)
| Year | Recipients and Award Details |
|---|---|
| 1994 | Hon. Una Clarke, Outstanding Community Service
Kojo Nnamdi, Excellence in Journalism US Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY), Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Hon. Kweisi Mfume, Keynote Speaker & Outstanding Political Leadership |
| 1995 | Maureen Bunyan, Excellence in Journalism
Bertram Fraser-Reid, Ph.D., Excellence in Science Ivan Sertima, Ph.D., Outstanding Community Service Geoffrey Holder, Excellence in the Arts Earl Graves, Jr., Keynote Speaker & Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement |
| 1996 | G.E. Morris Husbands, Ph.D., Excellence in Science
Augusta Souza Kappner, Ph.D., Outstanding Contribution in Education Bert N. Mitchell, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Dalton A. Tong, Outstanding Contribution to Healthcare Hon. C. Delores Tucker, Outstanding Community Service US Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Outstanding Political Leadership Prime Minister Owen Arthur of Barbados, Keynote Speaker |
| 1997 | Hon. Dame Eugenia Charles, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement
Deputy US Attorney General, Eric Holder, Jr., Outstanding Public Service CCH Pounder, Excellence in the Arts Randall Robinson, Outstanding Community Service US Congressman Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Outstanding Political Leadership Ralph O. Williams, Outstanding Contribution in Healthcare |
| 1998 | Farley Cleghorne, M.D., Excellence in Medicine
Hon. Veronica Airey-Wilson, Outstanding Community Service Lowell Hawthorne, Outstanding Entrepreneurship Edwidge Danticat, Excellence in the Arts Niara Sudarkasa, Ph.D., Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement US Congressman Albert Wynn (D-MD), Outstanding Political Leadership Prime Minister Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia, Keynote Speaker |
| 1999 | Hon. Christopher R. Thomas, Excellence in Diplomacy
Winston Clive-Victor Parris, M.D., Excellence in Medicine Patricia Isaacs-Green, Outstanding Entrepreneurship Hon. Wilma Lewis, Excellence in Public Service Walt W. Braithwaite, Outstanding Contributions in Corporate America Ernest ‘Ernie’ Ranglin, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement |
| 2000 | Irving Burgie, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement
Grace Cornish, Ph.D., Outstanding Community Service Velma Scantlebury, M.D., Excellence in Medicine Dumas Simeus, Outstanding Entrepreneurship Curtis N. Symonds, Outstanding Contribution to Corporate America Neil Jones, Excellence in Science and Technology Jair Lynch, Excellence in Sports |
| 2001 | Marva Allen, Outstanding Community Service
Hon. Dr. Slinger ‘The Mighty Sparrow’ Francisco, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Ann Rubena Guscott, Spirit of the Caribbean Centenary Award US Congressman Major Owens, Outstanding Political Leadership Don Rojas, Excellence in Journalism C. Sherman Severin, Ph.D., Excellence in Science and Technology Yolanda Simmons, Outstanding Contribution to Healthcare Aubrey Stephenson, Outstanding Entrepreneurship |
| 2002 | Hon. Diane Abbott, M.P. Great Britain, Trailblazer
US Congressman John Conyers, Outstanding Political Leadership Jocelyn Dow, Outstanding Contribution to International Development Norge Jerome, Ph.D., Excellence in Education Elliott ‘Ellie’ Mannette, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Von Martin, Excellence in Journalism Robert Rashford, Excellence in Science and Technology Errol Service, Outstanding Entrepreneurship |
| 2003 | Sir George Alleyne, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement
Hon. Jean Augustine, Trailblazer Carole ‘Sister Carole” East, Outstanding Contribution to Reggae Music Dawnn Lewis, Excellence in the Arts Elizabeth Nunez, Ph.D., Outstanding Contribution to Literature Jeffrey Thompson, Outstanding Entrepreneurship Ronald Williams, Ph.D., Excellence in Education Hon. Andrew Young, Outstanding Public Service |
| 2004 | Sydney F.C. Barnwell, M.D., Outstanding Contribution to Healthcare
James ‘Jimmy Cliff’ Chambers, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Chris and Randy Chin, Outstanding Entrepreneurship US Congresswoman Donna Christensen, Outstanding Political Leadership Hon. Angela King, Excellence in Diplomacy Caryl Phillips, Excellence in Literature Ernesta Procope, Trailblazer Rene John Sandy, Excellence in Journalism Cicely Tyson, Luminary Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell of Grenada, Keynote Speaker Wendy Fitzwilliam, Miss Universe 1998, Host |
| 2005 | Edward Braithwaite, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement
Alphonsus ‘Arrow’ Cassell, Trailblazer Emmanuel and Jean Cherubin, Outstanding Community Service Vincent HoSang, Outstanding Entrepreneurship George Hulse, Outstanding Corporate Leadership Nekisha Mohan, Excellence in Journalism Richard ‘Richie’ Richardson, Excellence in Sports Thelma Thompson, Ph.D., Excellence in Education Hon. Dr. Michael Misick, Premier of Turks & Caicos, Keynote Speaker |
| 2006 | Justice Sylvia Hinds-Radix, Excellence in Public Service
US Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Outstanding Political Leadership Ambassador Carlton Masters, Outstanding Entrepreneurship Tracy Neale, Excellence in Journalism McCartha Linda ‘Calypso Rose’ Sandy-Lewis, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Susan Taylor, Trailblazer Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas of St. Kitts & Nevis, Keynote Speaker |
| 2007 | Frank Ross, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement
Dr. Muriel Petioni, Forerunner Raymond Goulbourne, Outstanding Contribution to Corporate America John Blake, Excellence in Media Maria Kong, Outstanding Community Service Cardinal Warde, Ph.D., Excellence in Science and Technology Dr. Solanges Vivens, Outstanding Entrepreneurship George C. Fraser, Trailblazer Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert, Luminary |
| 2008 | Hon. Neil O. Albert, Outstanding Public Service
Andrew Ballen, Vanguard in Entrepreneurship Ato Boldon, Excellence in Sports Garth Graham, M.D., M.P.H., Outstanding Contribution to Public Health Hon. Marcia Griffith, O.D., Luminary Dr. Cato Laurencin, Excellence in Science and Technology Hon. Beryl Levi, O.D., Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Karl B. Rodney and Faye A. Rodney, Outstanding Community Service Hon. Helen Marshall, Outstanding Political Leadership Egbert L.J. Perry, Outstanding Entrepreneurship |
| 2009 | Hon. Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement
Willard Wigan, M.B.E., Luminary George Willie, Outstanding Entrepreneurship Hon. Usain Bolt, O.D., Vanguard in Sports Alison Hinds, Outstanding Contribution to Soca Music Lynton G. Scotland, Outstanding Contribution to Corporate America |
| 2010 | Hon. Rita Marley, O.D., Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement
Joy Stephenson, Trailblazer Dr. Roy A. Hastick, Outstanding Community Service Joseph Baptiste, D.D.S., Outstanding Social Entrepreneurship K. David Boyer, Outstanding Contribution to Corporate America Wayne Frederick, M.D., Vanguard in Medicine Hon. Marie St. Fleur, Outstanding Political Leadership Sir Edward Cheung, Ph.D., Excellence in Science and Technology Michael Blake, Deputy Director, White House Office of Public Engagement, Special Guest Speaker |
Recent awardees (2011–2021)
| Year | Recipients | Country of Heritage | Award Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Rev. Neville Callam | Jamaica | Luminary Award |
| Maryse Condé | Guadeloupe | Award for Excellence in Literature | |
| Frank L. Douglas, M.D. Ph.D. | Guyana | Award for Outstanding Entrepreneurship | |
| Garth Fagan | Jamaica | Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement | |
| Hazelle Goodman | Trinidad and Tobago | Excellence in the arts | |
| Arlie Petters | Belize | Excellence in science and technology | |
| Larry Quinlan | St. Kitts and Nevis | Outstanding Contribution to Corporate America | |
| Janet Rollé | Jamaica | Trailblazer | |
| 2012 | Hon. Monty Alexander, O.D. | Jamaica | Luminary |
| Anya Ayoung-Chee | Trinidad and Tobago | Vanguard | |
| Colin Channer | Jamaica | Excellence in literature | |
| William ‘Bunny Rugs’ Clarke | Jamaica | Cultural Ambassador | |
| Dean Garfield | Jamaica | Outstanding contribution to corporate America | |
| Robert Greenidge | Trinidad and Tobago | Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement | |
| Shaka Hislop | Trinidad and Tobago | Excellence in sports | |
| Andy Ingraham | Bahamas | Trailblazer | |
| Constance C. R. White | Jamaica | Excellence in journalism | |
| 2013 | Camille Wardrop Alleyne Ed.D | Trinidad and Tobago | Excellence in science and technology |
| Leanna Archer | Haiti | Visioneur Award | |
| Etienne Charles | Trinidad and Tobago | Trailblazer | |
| Guy Harvey, Ph.D. | Jamaica | Luminary | |
| Jimmy Jean-Louis | Haiti | Excellence in the Arts | |
| Hon. Frederick (Freddy) McGregor O.D. | Jamaica | Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement | |
| Shala Monroque | St. Lucia | Vanguard | |
| Deborah Persaud, M.D. | Guyana | Outstanding contribution to medicine | |
| Kim Watson | Jamaica | Outstanding community service | |
| 2014 | Gowton Achaibar | Outstanding contribution to corporate America | |
| Roger Bobb | Trailblazer | ||
| Dr. Robert France | Excellence in science and technology | ||
| Jeff Haynes | Excellence in the arts | ||
| Carol Maraj | Trinidad and Tobago | ||
| Dr. Rudy Moise | Outstanding entrepreneurship | ||
| Dr. Mortimer Neufville | Outstanding contribution to education;
Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement | ||
| Major General Vincent R. Stewart | Outstanding public service | ||
| 2015 | Beverley East | Jamaica | Forerunner |
| Barbara Hutchinson M.D., Ph.D | Trinidad and Tobago | Excellence in medicine | |
| Gordon Henderson | Haiti | Trailblazer | |
| Lt. Col. Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell | Vanguard | ||
| Maxi Priest | Jamaica | Luminary | |
| Magdalah Racine-Silva | Haiti | Outstanding entrepreneurship | |
| Miguel Southwell | Antigua and Barbuda | Outstanding Public Service | |
| Michael Thompson | Jamaica | Outstanding Community Service | |
| 2016 | Gabriel Abed | Barbados | Vanguard |
| Dr. Gerard Alphonse | Haiti | Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement | |
| Dr. Goulda Downer | Jamaica | Outstanding Contributions to Public Health | |
| Ambassador Dr. Edward Greene | Guyana | Outstanding public service | |
| David Hochoy | Trinidad and Tobago | Excellence in the arts | |
| Machel Montano | Trinidad and Tobago | Luminary | |
| Victoria Rowell | Jamaica | Trailblazer | |
| 2017 | Dr. Glendon Archer | Guyana | Outstanding entrepreneurship |
| Dr. Clive Callender | Barbados | Excellence in medicine | |
| Hon. Jennifer Carroll | Trinidad and Tobago | Trailblazer | |
| Congressman Eliot Engel | Friend of the Caribbean | Outstanding political leadership | |
| Hon. Henry Lowe, O.J., Ph.D. | Jamaica | Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement | |
| Nneka Norville | Guyana | Vanguard | |
| Hon. Karl Racine | Haiti | Forerunner | |
| Bevil Wooding | Trinidad and Tobago | Excellence in science and technology | |
| Etana | Jamaica | Excellence in the arts | |
| 2018 | Jerry Butler | Bahamas | Outstanding public service |
| Alyson Cambridge | Guyana | Vanguard | |
| Dr. Andre Cropper | Trinidad and Tobago | Excellence in science and technology | |
| Tony Harris | Guyana | Forerunner | |
| Sherry Herbert | St. Kitts and Nevis | Outstanding contribution to corporate America | |
| Hon. Oliver Samuels, O.D. | Jamaica | Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement | |
| Jean-Claude Legagneur | Haiti | Excellence in the arts | |
| Inner Circle Reggae Band | Jamaica | Luminary | |
| 2019 | Evens Charles | Haiti | Outstanding Entrepreneurship |
| Dr. Kingsley Chin, M.D. | Jamaica | Excellence in Medicine | |
| Donnette Cooper | Jamaica | Forerunner | |
| Andre Fenton, Ph.D. | Guyana | Excellence in science and technology | |
| Hon. Michael Lee-Chin, O.J. | Jamaica | Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement | |
| Dr. Winnette McIntosh-Ambrose | Trinidad and Tobago | Trailblazer | |
| Gramps Morgan | Jamaica | Outstanding contribution to Reggae music | |
| Euzhan Palcy | Martinique | Luminary | |
| Erwin Raphael | Dominica | Outstanding contribution to corporate America | |
| 2020 | Anaya Lee Willabus | Guyana | Visioneur |
| Andrea McKenzie | Trinidad and Tobago | Vanguard | |
| Michele L Jawando | Bermuda/ Jamaica | Outstanding contribution to corporate America | |
| Dr Swinburne Augustine | Dominica | Outstanding contribution to public health | |
| Rt. Honourable David Lammy | Guyana | Outstanding political leadership | |
| Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce | Jamaica | Excellence in sports | |
| Senator Don Wehby | Jamaica | Outstanding corporate leadership | |
| Judy Mowatt | Jamaica | Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement | |
| Frederick A Morton | US Virgin Islands/ Nevis | Trailblazer | |
| Dr Nicholas Brathwaite | Grenada | Excellence in science and technology | |
| 2021 | Lloyd Carney | Jamaica | Outstanding entrepreneurship |
| Dr. Cindy M.P. Duke | Trinidad and Tobago | Forerunner | |
| Gordon Chambers | Jamaica | Luminary | |
| Vidia Roopchand | Guyana | Excellence in science and technology | |
| Wanda Tima | Haiti | Outstanding community service | |
| Hon. Basil Watson | Jamaica | Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement | |
| Justina Nixon-Saintil | Dominica | Trailblazer | |
| Jason Mars | Guyana | Vanguard | |
| Daynia La-Force | St. Lucia | Excellence in sports | |
| Black Violin (Wilner “Wil B” Baptiste and Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester) | Haiti, Dominica | Excellence in the arts | |
| 2022 | Dr. Trisha Bailey | Jamaica | Luminary |
| Eric Adolphe | Excellence in science and technology | ||
| Josanne Francis | Trinidad and Tobago | Vanguard | |
| Stacy Mollison | Guyana | Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility | |
| Dwight Thanos Smith | Jamaica | ||
| Carol Davis-Boyce | Trinidad and Tobago | Outstanding Scholarship in African Diaspora Studies | |
| Ainsley Gill | Trinidad and Tobago | Trailblazer | |
| Bihari Lall | Trinidad and Tobago | Outstanding Entrepreneur | |
| 2023 | Team Antigua Island Girls | Antigua & Barbuda | Forerunner |
| Stuart Archibald | St. Vincent & the Grenadines | Outstanding Contribution to Corporate America | |
| Michael Blake | Jamaica | Outstanding Public Service | |
| Leah Marville | Barbados | Vanguard | |
| Richie Etwaru | Guyana | Excellence in Science and Technology | |
| Cleve Mesidor | Haiti | Outstanding Social Entrepreneurship | |
| Jacky Wright | Jamaica | Trailblazer | |
| Lincoln Phillips | Trinidad & Tobago | Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Sports | |
| Stephen 'Cat' Coore | Jamaica | Luminary |
References
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- Centre, IRIE FM's Information (November 18, 2020). "The Caribbean American Heritage Awards (CARAH) have rescinded their proposed award to Buju Banton". IrieFm. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
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- "CARAH Rescinds Plan To Honour Buju Banton Due To His Anti Mask Stance – Radio Dubplate". Retrieved October 27, 2022.
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