Jamaican-born author Dr. Gloria Royale-Davis has launched her latest book, Jamaicans in New York, a tribute to the resilience and cultural contributions of the Jamaican diaspora in the United States. The 81-year-old scholar and author, who has written five books, delves into the experiences of Jamaicans who migrated to the U.S., highlighting their challenges and triumphs.
Jamaicans in New York explores migration, cultural preservation, and the multigenerational impact of Jamaicans in America. Dr. Royale-Davis draws on her experiences, tracing her family’s journey across five generations since World War II. The book comprehensively depicts the Jamaican-American experience, featuring stories from various professions and age groups.
Among those profiled in the book is Gareth “Red Fox” Shelton, a dancehall legend who has made significant contributions to the genre and his community as a U.S. citizen. His success highlights the resilience and determination that define Jamaican families as they build new lives abroad.
Also featured in the book are Antoinette Hessing, Mordecai Jarrett, Calicia Evans – Ross, Patrice Fernandez, Ronald Pryce, Clive Williams, Elisia Cunningham – Shelton, Neil Curtis, Canon Audley Donaldson, Sandra Lindsay, Leah Smith, Shillingford Johns, Sandradene Fearon, Arthur Briscoe, Sandra Clarke, Mark Smith, Marlene Reynolds – Cox, Vivienne Paul Albert Williams, Lesleyann Samuel, Andrew Morris, Mark Crawford, Loretta Rose, Lorraine St. John, and Jermaine Smith.
At the book’s launch, Dr. Royale-Davis shared her thoughts on the importance of telling the stories of immigrants: “This book is important to me because if we don’t tell our stories, no one will tell them for us. We must leave something for our children and future generations.”
Her daughter, Naala Royale Holder, expressed her pride in her mother’s work: “My mom is amazing. This book celebrates the everyday Jamaicans who left for a better life. Immigrants should be celebrated for the diversity and strength they bring to the U.S., and this book does exactly that.”
In addition to celebrating the achievements of the Jamaican diaspora, Jamaicans in New York raise essential questions about preserving cultural identity. Dr. Royale-Davis emphasizes the need for future generations to remain connected to their Jamaican roots while making their mark in the U.S.
As immigration remains a focal point in U.S. politics, Dr. Royale-Davis’s book offers a timely reminder of the invaluable contributions of Caribbean immigrants. Jamaicans in New York is a testament to the perseverance and cultural richness of the Jamaican diaspora and serves as a lasting tribute to their influence in their new communities.
According to the 2024 World Population Review, over 300,000 Jamaican Americans live in New York, making it the state with the largest Jamaican population in the country. Jamaicans are concentrated in some areas of New York, including central and eastern Brooklyn, Southeast Queens, and the northern Bronx.
For more information about Jamaicans in New York, visit https://www.gloriaroyaledavis.
