The Caribbean Media Association (U.S.A.), Inc
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History and Objectives of The Organization
The Caribbean Media Association (USA), Inc. was formed on March 14, 1994. The new Association evolved out of the Caribbean Journalists Circle which held its initial meeting at the Columbia University School of Journalism on November 15, 1991.
OBJECTIVES
The main purpose of CMA (U.S.A.), Inc. is to foster unity among Caribbean media professionals in the USA and to represent the professional needs of its members.
Among CMA (U.S.A.), Inc.'s other objectives are: 1) To promote the equality of Caribbean media professionals and seek affiliation with other organizations -- national and international -- which will promote unity, professionalism and excellence in media. 2) Sponsor and/or organize activities, conduct education programs which will heighten public awareness of the Caribbean community. 3) Monitor developments in the USA as they pertain to or affect the Caribbean community.
MEMBERSHIP
Full Members
Persons of Caribbean origin who are current residents of the USA, Caribbean citizens, or those entitled to citizenship of a Caribbean country or territory, and are currently employed in the print and electronic media and related fields in the USA.
Associate Members
Persons who are not currently employed in any area of the media but who have interest in the ideals of CMA (U.S.A.), Inc., including students and teachers of mass communications and related industries; and non-Caribbean journalists specializing in the coverage of the Caribbean region and issues.
Patron Members
Individuals and organizations providing substantial support -- financial and otherwise -- of the policies and programs of CMA (U.S.A.), Inc.
Honorary Members
May be conferred upon distinguished individuals for outstanding service to CMA (U.S.A.), Inc. and the Caribbean media in general.
1994
March 1994: Co-hosts radio broadcasts with Caribbean Unit, United Nations Radio, on situation in Haiti.
April 1994: First public forum. South Africa Forum at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. CMA breaks news that the first vote has been cast - by the daughter of Mr. Mandela.
July 1994: Unity ‘94 - First joint convention of the four minority journalism organizations - Black, Hispanic, Native American, Caribbean - held in Atlanta. CMA formally represented. Membership drive is enacted.
July 1994: Press conference with Owen Arthur, then opposition leader of Barbados Labor Party. He subsequently wins election bid for Prime Minister of Barbados.
August 1994: Roundtable and Reception for African journalists touring the U.S. under sponsorship by Freedom Forum. CMA (U.S.A.), Inc. also co-sponsors reception/panel discussion with New York Association of Black Journalists for touring African journalists.
August 1994: Haiti briefing. Christopher Thomas, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States, briefs members and associates of CMA on the situation as the U.S. prepares to invade Haiti.
September 1994: UN General Assembly Briefing. Samuel Insanally, outgoing President of the UN General Assembly, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN; Lucille Mair (Jamaica); Eugene Pursoo (Grenada) speak for the Caricom group of Ambassadors.
October 1994: CMA (U.S.A.), Inc. makes presentation to Rafiq Khan, International Media Consultant, at a ceremony sponsored by the Guyana Broadcasters of North America. Khan, a Guyanese national, was cited for his contributions to journalism in the Caribbean.
Other Highlights 1994: CMA (U.S.A.), Inc. and its activities were highlighted in various Caribbean American and mainstream media.
1995
May 1995: Inaugural Scholarship/Awards Banquet & Ball. Two scholarships awarded to college students. Nine Caribbean American journalists awarded for excellence in journalism. Community Service Award s presented to Samuel Insanally, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN, and to Kaye Baxter- Collins, Consul General-Jamaica.
June 1995: Petitioned Governor of Pennsylvania on behalf of Mumia Abdul Jamal.
July 1995: Co-sponsored Immigration Forum with the Caribbean Women’s Health Association and the Caribbean Research Center, Medgar Evers College, CUNY.
August 1995: Established quarterly newsletter, CMA (USA), Inc. News.
September 1995: Second Annual UN General Asssembly Briefing.
October 1995: Participated in Caribbean Research Center’s International Conference at Medgar Evers College.
November 1995: Co-sponsored Media Access Seminar/Workshop with the School of Continuing Education, Medgar Evers College. First CMA publication: The CMA Media Access Guide.
December 1995: Annual Christmas Fundraising Party with guests from the diplomatic and local business and political communities.
Other Highlights 1995: Participated in radio and television discussion programs on issues affecting the Caribbean/ Keynote Presentation on Caribbean Unity at the West Indian StudentsOrganization Dinner/Dance, Rutgers University./Increased membership in organiztion by fifty percent.
1996
May 1996: Second Annual Scholarship/Awards Banquet & Ball. Awarded four scholarships to college students. Six journalists awarded for excellence. Community Service Awards to Tony Brown, renowned African American broadcaster; Sybil Chester, Schieffelin & Somerset executive, for contributions to economic and cultural growth of Caribbean community; and Dr. Lorna MacBarnette, Dean of School of Health and Technology/SUNY for contributions to growth of Caribbean American health agencies.
September 1996: CMA participated in Annual West Indian-American Carnival on Eastern Parkway on Labor Day. September 1996: Annual UN General Assembly Briefing held at the Barbados Government Office. Caricom Representatives present were: Samuel Insanally, Permanent Representative-Guyana; Sonia Leonce- Carryl, Charge d’Affairs - St. Lucia; Edward Liang, Permanent Representative-Belize; Robert Millette, Permanent Representative-Grenada; and Betty Russell, Deputy Permanent Representative-Barbados.
October 1, 1996: CMA launched its Website via Kwanzaa Technologies, Inc. See Newsletter - CMA NEWS - for details. Address: http://www.cris.com/~kwanzaa/cma/cma.shtml.
October 22, 1996: CMA cosponsored a successful Immigration Forum with Medgar Evers’ Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn. Forum focused on new laws affecting legal and illegal immigrants from the Caribbean.
October/November (several dates): CMA lent support to various organizations. Functions held by these organizations were attended by CMA members: Harrison College/Queens College Alumni Association’s Night of the Stars; Neighborhood Housing Services’ Celebrate New York Gala; African Emigrants Association ‘s Fundraising Dinner Dance; Queen of Queens International Pageant’s Something Grand Is Being Planned; Caribbean Women’s Health Association’s Laureates of Healthcare Award event.
November 3, 1996: CMA past president, Tony Best was honored at the CWHA event.
November 1996: CMA membership cards were designed and distributed to founding and current members.
1997
January 3, 1997: CMA hosts its Annual Fundraising Christmas/Holiday Party with guests from the diplomatic, local business and political communities. Event was well attended by CMA members, friends and affiliates.
February 4, 1997: New York City Councilmember Una Clarke addresses CMA on the New York Police Department's memo re compilation of special list of West Indians or Jamaicans who have been arrested for further investigation.Click here for details
February 1997: Ambassador's Forum hosted by CMA. Dr. Richard Bernal, Jamaica's Ambassador to the United Stats/Washington addressed journalists media affiliates at the Jamaica Consulate. Discussion centered around the Banana Agreement, Maritime Ship-Rider Agreement, NAFTA, CBI, and other issues.
March 1997: Rosalind McLymont, CMA President, honored by the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) at it 11th Salute to Women History Makers.
March 1997: CMA responds to the March 16, NBC MacLaughlin Group Report which sought to Paint Barbadian Prime Minister, Owen Arthur as an "ungrateful and renegade Caribbean leader.
April 7, 1997: CMA President, Rosalind McLymont, appears on Caribbean Journal, Cablevision/67 and Time Warner/34 with host Causewell Vaughn to discuss Banana issue and Caribbean Student's Conference at Northeastern University, Boston.
April 11, 1997: CMA President, Rosalind McLymont, was keynote speaker at Cari bbean Student's Conference at Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts.
Join the CMA and receive these benefits
Click here to apply for Membership
Tuesday, April 22, 1997
Annual General Meeting of CMA (Re annual elections) will be held at the Jamaica Consulate, 767 Third Avenue, New York City, 17th Floor, at 6:30 p.m. Will also discusss plans for 3rd Annual Banquet to be held on June 22.
Thursday, May 15, 1997
Deadline for Scholarship awards applications from students, including essays and Awards applications from journalists, including articles being submitted for awards consideration for CMA 3rd Annual Scholarship and Award event. Contact Laurel Scott -- 718-282-8104. Click here for information and form for CMA Awards & Scholarships
Sunday, June 22, 1997
CMA Third Annual Scholarship & Awards Banquet will be held at Carib New York, 435 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY, from 2:00 pm-7:00 pm. Tickets are $60.00 per person. Dress: Elegantly Casual. Contact: Patricia Boothe -- 718-471-7699 or e-mail pat544@aol.com for information
contact:
Patricia Boothe, Publicity Committee at 718-471-7699or write to:
CMA (U.S.A.), Inc. P.O. Box 4 NY, NY 10044To send e-mail to CMA click here => CMA e-mail
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