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Atlanta Jamaican Association records

 Collection
Identifier: aarl016-008

Scope and Contents

The Atlanta Jamaican Association (AJA) Records document the AJA journey spanning more than 30 years, including administrative, organizational, financial, and cultural facets.

The collection contains AJA history and bylaws, meeting records, membership and sponsorship, correspondence, financial documents, programs, newsletters, ephemera, photographs, and audio-visual material.

Dates

  • 1985 - 2017

Biographical / Historical

The Atlanta Jamaican Association(AJA) was founded in 1977 and officially incorporated on September 13, 1987. AJA operates as a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(4) status, dedicated to fostering friendship, unity, and understanding between Jamaicans and the greater Atlanta Community. At its core, AJA serves as a platform for Jamaicans to discuss life-improvement strategies while actively supporting underserved communities both in Jamaica and in Atlanta.

Led by dedicated executive boards and six committees - members, finance, education, family relations, building, public relations and marketing - AJA has implemented a range philanthropic, cultural, and social programs. These include the organization of the annual Jamaican Independence and Emancipation Ball, disaster relief efforts, a network of support for Jamaicans in metropolitan Atlanta, emergency financial relief through the Emergency Relief Fund, and the promotion of social events like the annual family day picnic. Notably, AJA has sponsored the Miss Jamaica Atlanta talent and beauty competitions, offering scholarships to winners, and has hosted fundraisers for organizations such as the Jamaica Cancer Society.

Extent

5 Linear Feet

Language

English

Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History Repository

Contact:
101 Auburn Avenue NE
Atlanta GA 30303
404-613-4032