Events & Cultural Programs
The Jamaican Storyteller’s Collection comes alive through readings, cultural gatherings, book tours, school visits, community programs and heritage events designed to preserve Jamaica’s history, music, food, language, memory and identity.
Bringing the Stories to the People
Through events across New York, Florida, Jamaica and beyond, the Collection connects readers, students, cultural leaders, families, churches, schools, and community organizations around the shared mission of preserving Jamaican heritage through storytelling.
New York Tour: Sharing Jamaican Stories in the Diaspora
The New York Tour marked an important milestone in the growth of The Jamaican Storyteller’s Collection. Through readings, discussions, presentations and cultural exchanges, the Collection was introduced to students, educators, cultural supporters, community members and members of the Jamaican diaspora.
A highlight of the tour was the special presentation at The Intercultural Center at Marymount Manhattan College, hosted through the generous efforts of Dean Michael Salmon and sponsored by the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). The event created a meaningful space for conversation about Jamaican history, storytelling, food traditions, heritage and identity.
The tour demonstrated that Jamaican stories continue to resonate far beyond Jamaica’s shores and that storytelling remains one of the most powerful ways to preserve and share cultural memory.
Tour Stops & Featured Moments
The New York Tour included formal presentations, community gatherings, cultural conversations, book discussions and opportunities to connect with readers, students, educators and members of the Jamaican diaspora.
Marymount Manhattan College
Hosted at The Intercultural Center through the efforts of Dean Michael Salmon and the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), this presentation introduced students, faculty and guests to the mission of preserving Jamaican culture through storytelling.
Spices Negril, Long Island
An intimate gathering of community members, educators, friends and supporters provided opportunities for discussion, book sales, readings and cultural exchange within the Jamaican diaspora community.
The Dumpling Cove
The Collection was introduced to patrons and community supporters through informal conversations about Jamaican history, food traditions, storytelling and cultural preservation. The gathering provided an opportunity to share the vision of preserving Jamaican culture through books and community engagement.
Highlights From the Discussion
The Marymount Manhattan College presentation featured lively discussion, audience participation, literary readings and thoughtful questions about Jamaican culture, storytelling, food traditions, heritage preservation and identity. Students, faculty, staff and guests contributed to an engaging exchange that demonstrated the power of stories to educate, inspire and connect communities across generations.
Meaningful Conversations
Audience participated in an extended question-and-answer session that encouraged thoughtful discussion about Jamaican history, culture, food traditions and storytelling.
Literary Readings
Joyett Burford shared selected readings from A Jamaican Plant-based Storyteller’s Tale, bringing the themes of the book to life for attendees.
Student Engagement
Faculty, staff, and students actively participated throughout the program, creating a dynamic and interactive learning experience.
Looking Ahead
The discussion concluded with a preview of future books in the Collection, including the upcoming A Jamaican Rastafari Storyteller’s Tale.
Event Gallery
Students & Faculty Celebration
Students, faculty, and staff at Marymount Manhattan College gathered with Lorrimer and Joyett Burford, celebrating Jamaican storytelling, cultural heritage, and a shared commitment to preserving our stories for future generations
Marymount Presentation
Lorrimer and Joyett Burford introduced A Jamaican Plant-based Storyteller’s Tale at the Intercultural Center, inspiring thoughtful discussion about Jamaican culture, storytelling and preserving heritage through literature.
Group Moment
Friends, family and supporters gathered outside Marymount Manhattan College to celebrate the presentation and the continuing mission of The Jamaican Storyteller’s Collection to preserve Jamaica’s cultural heritage.
Spices Negril Restaurant & Lounge
Lorrimer and Joyett Burford, co-authors of A Jamaican Plant-based Storyteller’s Tale, share a moment during the New York Tour. Through their books and presentations, they seek to preserve and celebrate Jamaica’s history, culture, food traditions and lived experiences for future generations.
Supporting the Collection
Dean Michael Salmon, members of the Knox alumni community with authors expressed their shared commitment to education, culture, and heritage helps ensure that Jamaica’s stories continue to inspire future generations at home and across the diaspora.
Celebrating Jamaica’s Heritage Together
Supporters of The Jamaican Storyteller’s Collection come together during the New York Tour to share in an evening of fellowship, conversation, and cultural appreciation. Events such as these help strengthen connections within the Jamaican diaspora while promoting the preservation of Jamaica’s rich history and heritage.
The Dumpling Cove
Photos from the Intercultural Center presentation, including readings, discussion, audience participation, and book signing.
Stories, Conversation and Community
Guests gather for lively conversation and cultural exchange at The Dumpling Cove in the Bronx. The gathering provided an opportunity to discuss Jamaican history, storytelling, food traditions, and the growing vision of The Jamaican Storyteller’s Collection.
Around the Table, Sharing Jamaica’s Stories
Meaningful discussions unfold at The Dumpling Cove as friends and supporters share ideas about Jamaican culture, heritage, and storytelling. These informal conversations help strengthen the connections that keep Jamaica’s stories alive across generations and throughout the diaspora.
Upcoming Programs & Future Activities
The Jamaican Storyteller's Collection continues to expand through book presentations, cultural discussions, educational programs, community partnerships, and heritage initiatives. Upcoming activities will bring the Collection to audiences in Florida, Jamaica, and other locations while advancing the mission of preserving Jamaican history, culture, and heritage through storytelling.
Florida Programs
Future readings, presentations, community discussions, book signings and cultural gatherings designed to introduce new audiences to The Jamaican Storyteller’s Collection and its mission of preserving Jamaican heritage through storytelling.
Jamaica Activities
Planned activities include book launches, school visits, cultural partnerships, media appearances, literary events, and programs that celebrate Jamaica’s history, culture, music, food, and storytelling traditions.
Future Initiatives
The long-term vision includes educational programs, heritage preservation projects, storytelling workshops, community partnerships, and expanded outreach throughout Jamaica and the global Jamaican diaspora.