The Greater Toronto Area: A vast and Well-developed Jamaican EcoSystem
In Los Angeles, California, there is the Jamaica Awareness Association of California, the most impactful Jamaican nonprofit organization on the West Coast. In New York, there is the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (UJAA); in Canada, there is the Jamaica Canadian Association (JCA). These are three of the most impactful locally operated Jamaica associations in each of their regions. Several variables are used to determine impacts: size, community involvement, membership, community respect, frequency of participation in community activities, and focus.
I have viewed the impact of many of these organizations from a personal and global perspective. The JCA in Canada, however, is a different model. First, this organization, 61 years in operation, owns its building and functions strictly as a business. With ownership comes opportunities, and JCA does a beautiful job curating its funding sources from government and fundraising efforts. According to Mr. David Betty in one of his recent presentations, the JCA represents all Black individuals in the Greater Toronto region, including Jamaicans, the most significant representation of that race.
What makes JCA unique is its focus on building community first, taking care of the aged, and responding to all political, social, or cultural issues and needs…
