New York Book Tour

From May 4 to June 30, 2026, Lorrimer and Joyett Burford traveled throughout New York sharing the vision of The Jamaican Storyteller’s Collection; a cultural initiative dedicated to preserving Jamaica’s history, heritage, traditions and identity through storytelling.

The tour was more than a series of book signings and presentations. It was an opportunity to engage readers, community leaders, educators and cultural supporters in a conversation about the importance of preserving Jamaica’s stories for future generations. Everywhere they went, one message remained at the center of the discussion: Jamaica’s culture is one of its greatest treasures and storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to preserve it.

The tour featured several memorable stops, including Marymount Manhattan College, Spices Negril Restaurant & Lounge, Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace and The Dumpling Cove. At each location, attendees learned about the Collection’s mission and were introduced to A Jamaican Plant-based Storyteller’s Tale, a novel that combines storytelling, Jamaican culture, family traditions and plant-based recipes.

Marymount Manhattan College

One of the highlights of the tour took place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. Organized by Dean Michael Salmon, the event brought together approximately twenty-five students, faculty members, administrators and guests for an engaging afternoon focused on Jamaican culture and storytelling.

Among those in attendance were Professor Julie Huntington of the Humanities Department, Dr. Tseday Alehegn, Executive Director of the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), Taz Cambridge, faculty members, staff and students.

The program opened with welcoming remarks from Dean Michael Salmon, who introduced attendees to the Jamaican Storyteller’s Collection and its mission. A promotional video for A Jamaican Plant-based Storyteller’s Tale helped set the stage for an afternoon of discussion, learning and cultural reflection.

Lorrimer and Joyett Burford then shared the vision behind the Collection and explained how storytelling can help preserve Jamaica’s history, traditions and lived experiences. Through personal stories and reflections, they described the long-term goal of creating a series of books that would document different aspects of Jamaican life, culture and heritage.

A particularly meaningful moment came when Joyett Burford spoke about the personal and cultural significance of A Jamaican Plant-based Storyteller’s Tale. She discussed the connections between food, family, health and identity before reading selected passages from the book. Her presentation brought the story to life and provided the audience with a deeper understanding of the book’s themes.

The discussion that followed was lively and interactive. Audience asked questions about writing, publishing, Jamaican culture and the future of the Collection. Laughter frequently filled the room as stories were shared, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a gathering of friends than a formal presentation.

The event was enriched by the participation of Georgette Goldson, a certified dietitian, who contributed valuable insights on nutrition, healthy living and plant-based eating. Her comments complemented the themes explored in the book and added an educational dimension to the conversation.

Attendees also received a special message from Dawn Henry, Chief Executive Officer of LMH Publishing. Although unable to attend in person, she expressed her support for the Collection and its mission to preserve Jamaican culture through storytelling. Her remarks were warmly received and concluded with enthusiastic applause.

One of the most gratifying moments came when Dean Michael Salmon announced that books would be purchased for students and invited the authors to sign copies. Faculty, staff and guests continued the discussion long after the formal program ended, expressing interest in future volumes of the Collection, including the upcoming A Jamaican Rastafari Storyteller’s Tale.

Community Gatherings and Cultural Conversations

The tour also included a special gathering at Spices Negril Restaurant & Lounge, where approximately fifteen to twenty guests joined the authors for an evening of conversation, storytelling and cultural celebration.

Representatives from UJAA, members of the Knox Past Students Association, family members, friends and restaurant patrons gathered to learn about the Collection. The beautifully decorated venue provided a welcoming setting for a semi-formal presentation that combined literature, culture and community engagement.

Dean Michael Salmon provided the formal introduction, after which Lorrimer and Joyett Burford discussed the purpose of the Collection and its role in preserving Jamaican culture. Joye once again read from A Jamaican Plant-based Storyteller’s Tale, drawing the audience into the story and sparking thoughtful discussion.

Guests asked numerous questions about writing, publishing, Jamaican culture and the inspiration behind the Collection. Many purchased books and eagerly requested signed copies. The evening concluded with photographs, conversations and words of encouragement from supporters who expressed appreciation for the mission of preserving Jamaica’s cultural heritage.

A similar atmosphere of celebration and engagement was present at The Dumpling Cove, where more than thirty guests attended a lively gathering. Supporters met the authors, shared food and conversation and participated in discussions about the future of the Collection. The enthusiasm of those in attendance reinforced the growing interest in storytelling as a tool for preserving Jamaican identity.

Meeting Readers at Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace

Another memorable stop was Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace, a popular Jamaican supermarket and restaurant where the authors spent time speaking directly with customers.

Books were displayed on a table as shoppers stopped to ask questions about the Collection and its purpose. Throughout the day, customers shared memories of Jamaica, discussed cultural traditions and expressed appreciation for efforts to preserve Jamaican stories through literature.

Many books were sold and personally signed for readers. One particularly encouraging moment occurred later that evening when a customer, Ainsworth Walker, called to purchase an additional copy after sharing the book with his wife. He explained that she loved the book and wanted one of her own. His response reflected the enthusiasm many readers expressed for both the story itself and the broader mission behind the Collection.

Preserving Jamaica’s Story

Throughout the tour, one theme emerged repeatedly. Readers were interested not only in the books themselves but also in the larger vision behind them.

Many attendees described the Jamaican Storyteller’s Collection as more than a series of books. They saw it as a movement dedicated to preserving Jamaica’s culture, history and identity through storytelling.

The strongest response came from readers who recognized the importance of documenting the stories, traditions and experiences that shape Jamaican life. Whether through food, music, folklore, family memories or community history, attendees understood that these stories deserve to be preserved and passed on to future generations.

As the New York tour concluded, the excitement generated by the Collection confirmed that there is a growing audience for stories that celebrate Jamaica’s heritage. The enthusiastic reception, strong book sales and meaningful conversations demonstrated that storytelling remains one of the most powerful ways to connect people, preserve culture and inspire future generations.

The journey continues but the New York tour marked an important milestone in the ongoing mission of The Jamaican Storyteller’s Collection: preserving Jamaica’s story, one storyteller at a time.