Top left: Ambassador Andrew Young; Top right: Child actress, Quevazhane` Wallis; Bottom Left: Model and reality star, Cynthia Bailey; Bottom right: Civil Rights icon and media mogul, Xernona Clayton (Photos: Gianne Demeritte)
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ATLANTA, Georgia - Americans are getting a taste of Junkanoo Carnival now that
Bahamas Consul General to Atlanta, Randy E. Rolle and his office has
exposed the cultural expression at various US events.
In
recent weeks, models wearing costumes from Bahamas Masqueraders have
accompanied the Consul General to several major events including tours
of states such as Oklahoma where Junkanoo Carnival hit the airwaves
while beauty queens lined up to pose with a masquerader. Bahamas
Junkanoo Carnival was also a favorite at this year’s Trumpet Awards
where well known celebrities such as Cynthia Bailey, basketball great
Dikembe Mutombo and child actress Quevazhane Wallis plus leaders such
as Ambassador Andrew Young, posed with models and inquired about the
event set for May 2015.
“I
have many opportunities in the states that I work with to visit and I
thought it would be a wonderful idea to show them, instead of tell them
what Junkanoo Carnival is all about,” said Rolle. “Everywhere we go, it
has been a tremendous success. Everyone wants photographs with the
models and everyone wants more information, to the point where we were
asked to set up a table or have an extra person hand out literature on
Junkanoo Carnival. Based on the response we’ve been getting, people are
considering making the trip to be in The Bahamas for this event.”
Bahamas Consul General to Atlanta, Randy E. Rolle shakes hands with Junkanoo Carnival model, Davin Johnson. (Photo: Gianne Demeritte)
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Rolle said that while Bahamas Masqueraders is the only band that is
working with him at the moment, he is eager to work with other groups.
“I am extending an invitation for those who would like to have exposure
through my office to the states within my jurisdiction to please get in
touch with us and let’s make it happen,” said Rolle. “Right now as
winter is winding down, people are thinking about their options for
spring break so let’s give them a reason to see why it is better in the
Bahamas and allow them to join in Junkanoo Carnival.”
Bahamas Consul General to Atlanta, Randy E. Rolle speaks to media at the 2015 Trumpet Awards in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo: Gianne Demeritte)
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Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival makes an appearance in Oklahoma with the beauties of Miss Black Oklahoma (Photo: Gianne Demeritte)
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