The Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, recently hosted an event that transported attendees to Rita Marley’s heart and home.
“From the refreshing sorrel and ital treats to the evocative storytelling and music by Zion Marley and Tuff Luke Iron, the atmosphere was rich with connection to the matriarch of reggae,” Jamaican entertainment publicist Micahaela Samuels told Caribbean Life.
She said the event featured excerpts from Rita Marley’s books, merchandise displays, and “an inspiring walkway adorned with artwork and time-stamped photos.
“These visuals captured her journey as a performer with the I Threes and more intimate moments with her family and Bob Marley, creating an immersive experience throughout the conference space,” added Samuels, a Brooklyn resident.
She said the evening began with “a warm welcome” by Renee Reynolds, vice consul of Jamaica, followed by a “powerful and heartfelt statement from curator Donisha Prendergast.
“Guests were then treated to a lively Q&A discussion with Lee Jaffe, who shared anecdotes about his interactions with Rita and Bob Marley during their time in New York and Jamaica in the 1970s,” Samuels said.
Samuels said reggae artist Taurus Riley made a surprise appearance to show his support for this tribute to Rita Marley, adding to the event’s significance.
One attendee reflected on the evening: “Rita Marley’s grandchildren paid a wonderful tribute to their grandmother and matriarch at the Jamaican Consulate.
“It was not only nostalgic but memorable and highlighted her invaluable contributions to reggae music in Jamaica and worldwide. The entertainment was great, and the refreshments were delicious. We had a wonderful time.”
Samuels said celebrating Rita Marley’s legacy was a “heartfelt and inspiring reminder of her contributions to reggae, culture and community.”
“The Garden That Rita Grew,“ an evocative exhibit celebrating Rita Marley’s legacy as an influential figure in reggae culture and a foundational voice for Jamaican heritage, was on display at the Jamaica Consulate General in New York from Nov. 18-20.
Curated by her eldest granddaughter, Donisha Prendergast, the exhibit offers a deeply personal narrative that spans generations, highlighting Rita Marley’s impact on her family, community, and the world.
Through an artful blend of painting, photography, vinyl panels, and carefully chosen quotes, Prendergast told Caribbean Life that she presents “a granddaughter’s lens“ on her grandmother’s life and work, creating “a reflective space for viewers to experience the resilience, creativity, and love that Rita Marley embodies.”
Prendergast said this exhibit is “not only a tribute to Rita Marley’s journey but also a platform for broader conversations on heritage, cultural preservation, and generational healing.”
By staging “The Garden That Rita Grew“ as a preview at the Heritage Awards, an annual honor ceremony hosted by the Jamaica Consulate General New York, Prendergast the Consulate honors Rita Marley’s legacy alongside Jamaica’s other impactful figures, creating “a space for visitors to connect with stories of Jamaican icons who have transformed and uplifted communities.
“The purpose of ‘The Garden That Rita Grew’ extends beyond celebrating a single life; it aims to foster cultural memory and support Rita Marley’s vision of community empowerment,“ Prendergast said.
She said all artwork on display is available for purchase, with proceeds directed toward the Rita Marley Girls Center (RMGC) in Trench Town, Jamaica.
Prendergast said this center, a project of the Bob Marley & Rita Marley Foundation in partnership with the Ghetto Youths Foundation, is designed to support young women in Rita Marley’s community by providing resources in mentorship, life skills, professional development, and mental health support.
“By creating a safe space for young women aged 17-25, the center helps to inspire and equip future generations to lead lives of purpose and empowerment, reflecting Rita Marley’s enduring commitment to community upliftment,“ she said. “Ultimately, ‘The Garden That Rita Grew‘ is a call to recognize the power of storytelling, preservation, and community support. It honors not only Rita Marley’s legacy but also the strength of all women who, like her, have left an indelible mark on the world by challenging norms and leading with heart.“
Through this exhibit, Prendergast said she offers a “visual and spiritual journey that underscores the importance of heritage and empowers visitors to reflect on their own role in carrying forward legacies of change and resilience.”
