The Atlanta Junkanoo Group performs at Stone Mountain during the Bahamas Independence Day celebrations in Atlanta.
Atlanta, Georgia… Historic Stone Mountain Park came alive with Bahamian culture, cuisine and of course the sweet sounds of Junkanoo, when those living in the diaspora joined the Bahamas Consulate General’s Office of Atlanta to celebrate the nation’s 46th Independence.
Bahamas Consul General, Astra Armbrister-Rolle thanked the crowd of over 500 attendees for being apart of the weekend of activities that included a play, church service and family fun day.
“The Bahamas Consulate General, Atlanta would like to thank the Bahamian community for their full show of support for our Independence celebrations,” said Armbrister-Rolle. “We are confident that our community has become closer as a result of the past weekend. The Consulate will do its endeavor best to continue to foster closer ties with our Diaspora throughout the jurisdiction. We ask for your continued support and encourage Bahamians living, working and attending school in our jurisdiction to register through our website to stay abreast of our events and activities.”
Attendees were treated to performances from Tara Lynne Brown, Ron Jon Bovi and the Rake ‘n’ Scrape general Stileet.
Brandon Lafleur, founder of the Atlanta Junkanoo Group, Annette Hanna owner of Conch Heaven Bahamian restaurants in the Atlanta area and Annmarie Turner were honored for their contributions within the jurisdiction.
The Bahamas Consul General’s Office of Atlanta’s jurisdiction includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Atlanta Bahamas Independence Committee member Beverly Maycock and Atlanta Junkanoo Group President/2019 Service Award Recipient Brandon Lafleur join Bahamas Consul General to Atlanta Astra Armbrister-Rolle in cutting the cake.
Michael Thomas who produces several Caribbean events in the Atlanta area showing support at the Bahamas 46th Independence celebrations in Atlanta.
Bahamian Rake ‘n’ Scrape artist Stileet and Bahamas Consul General to Atlanta Astra Armbrister-Rolle
Some of the volunteers at the Bahamas Independence celebrations in Atlanta, Georgia.