Mothers of the Diaspora: Rooted in Strength | | |
Dear JON-J Family and Friends,
As we prepare to close out the month of May, we pause to honor and uplift the enduring strength, love, and resilience of mothers across the Diaspora. Whether as parents, aunties, godmothers, mentors, or community nurturers—your care and presence are deeply valued.
Though Mother’s Day has passed, its spirit lives on in the everyday acts of guidance, sacrifice, and quiet power shown by those who mother in all its forms. We see you, and we thank you.
May you continue to walk in strength and rest in the knowledge that your impact ripples far beyond what is often seen.
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Warm regards,
Valerie Bailey
State President
Jamaica Organization of New Jersey
(JON-J)
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The Wisdom, Wit, and Warnings of Jamaican Mothers
Long before therapy and self-help books, there was Mama. Her words were sharp like pepper, sweet like sugar, and always laced with truth. These were more than just sayings—they were lessons, laws, and love in lyrical form. Whether you heard them in the kitchen while the pot was bubbling or outside after romping with friends, these phrases stuck with you.
“If yuh cyaan hear, yuh gwine feel.”
Translation: If you won’t listen, you’ll learn the hard way.
That was the final warning before consequences came knocking.
“Tun yuh han' mek fashion.”
Translation: Use what you have; be resourceful.
For the mamas who turned nothing into Sunday dinner and hand-me-downs into high fashion
“Every mikkle mek a mukkle.”
Translation: Every little bit counts.
An anthem for sacrifice, savings, and slow-but-steady progress.
"One one coco full basket."
Translation: One by one, each coco will eventually fill the basket.
Success doesn’t happen overnight. Every small step, every little effort, every modest gain adds up. Be patient. Stay consistent. Eventually, you’ll see the fruits of your labor.
These sayings traveled with us across oceans, into new cities, and across generations. They grounded us, shaped us, and made us laugh at our mothers' folksy wisdom.
Belated Happy Mother’s Day to all the women whose words still echo in our minds and hearts.
Walk good, Mama.
By Jazz Clayton-Hunt (Co-Editor)
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A Garden of Her Making
This May, I’m especially grateful for the strong, wise, and loving women who’ve shaped my life. I hold deep gratitude for my mom, whose love and resilience have shaped me in lasting ways, and for my late maternal grandmother, who helped raise me and whose presence I still carry — like the shadow of a tree across water: shifting, but never gone. I’m also thankful for my many aunts and cousins, and for my living paternal grandmother, whose warmth and strength continue to inspire me. These women — and many others — have anchored me, uplifted me, and reminded me to live with heart.
By Monica Mills (Co-Editor)
| Hummingbirds: Nature's Tiny Marvels | |
Did you know that spring and early summer — (from March to June) — are some of the best times to spot hummingbirds in Jamaica? The hummingbird, specifically the Doctor Bird or Swallow-tail Hummingbird, is Jamaica’s national bird. This bird is one of the most outstanding among the 320 species of hummingbirds and is unique to the island of Jamaica. The Doctor Bird’s beautiful feathers, which produce iridescent colors, have no counterpart in the entire bird population. The mature male has two long tails that stream behind him when he flies, adding to its distinctive appearance.
The Doctor Bird has been immortalized in Jamaican folklore and songs for years. The name “Doctor Bird” is believed to have originated from the bird’s erect black crest and tails, which resemble the top hat and long tailcoats that doctors used to wear in the old days. Another theory suggests that the name refers to the way the birds extract nectar from the flowers with their beaks.
The Arawaks, the indigenous people of Jamaica, spread the belief that the bird had magical powers and called it the “God Bird,” believing it was the reincarnation of dead souls. The Doctor Bird’s unique characteristics and cultural significance make it a fitting symbol for Jamaica.
Hummingbirds are renowned for their small size, with some species measuring just three inches in length. Despite their diminutive stature, they possess remarkable physical adaptations. Their wings beat at an astonishing rate of up to 80 times per second, allowing them to hover in place and even fly backward. This unique flying ability is facilitated by their ball-and-socket shoulder joints, which provide a wide range of motion.
Hummingbirds are truly nature’s tiny marvels, showcasing a blend of beauty, agility, and ecological importance. Their presence in gardens and natural habitats brings joy to many, and their role in pollination highlights their significance in maintaining biodiversity. By understanding and protecting hummingbirds, we can continue to enjoy their dazzling displays and contribute to the health of our ecosystems.
By Claudia N. Woodard (Contributor)
| The Jamaica Organization of New Jersey extends heartfelt congratulations to the entire cast and crew of ‘Look What Fell Out De Mango Tree’ on every stellar performance! | The Jamaica Organization of New Jersey extends heartfelt thanks to Gladston Hackett for his dedicated contributions to the Plainfield Grassroots Community Development Corporation and the JON-J Union County Chapter. His steadfast support for community growth and education has created meaningful opportunities and uplifted many across New Jersey and beyond. The celebration pictured below captures a moment of well-deserved recognition, as Gladston Hackett was honored for his lasting service and impact on the community. | Photos from the Mercer County Domino Tournament! | | Chapter News & Highlights | |
The Jamaica Organization of New Jersey (JON-J), Essex County Chapter, is pleased to announce the availability of a scholarship opportunity to deserving Essex County high school seniors of Jamaican descent/heritage, who are graduating in calendar year 2025, and who have been accepted to an accredited institution of higher learning. Attached please find information pertinent to this award. Additionally, students can click on the link below to submit their application electronically. Please note that all applications must be postmarked no later than June 30, 2025. Applicants will be notified of the decision by the scholarship committee in July 2025. Please feel free to share with family and friends.
Essex County Chapter 2025 Scholarship Application
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Regards,
Scholarship Committee
JON-J, Essex Chapter
www.jonj.org
| An Additional Scholarship Opportunity! | |
Our Membership Application has gone digital!
Becoming a JON-J member is now easier than ever with our digital membership application! Enjoy exciting new features like automatic yearly renewal reminders, the option to join Chapter or State Board Committees, and a personalized membership card. Sign up today and invite your family and friends to join as well!
| May Celebrations & Well Wishes | Jamaican Fruit Seasons: What’s Your Favorite? | |
As mango season rolls around (typically from April to June), we can’t help but think of the iconic song by the Jamaican Folk Singers. You can enjoy it here: Jamaican Folk Singers - Mango Song.
Check out this link to learn about the various Jamaican fruit seasons: Jamaican Fruit Seasons.
Now, we want to hear from you!
| | What’s your favorite Jamaican fruit? | | | Cast your vote and let us know which fruit you look forward to most! | |
April Poll Results:
What's always at your Easter Table?
Bun & Cheese: 66.70%
Fried or Steamed Fish: 16.70%
Easter Ham: 0%
Bammy or Breadfruit: 16.70%
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Congratulations to Annmarie Drummond!
We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Annmarie Drummond for her outstanding achievement and unwavering dedication. Annmarie, Vice President and a founding member of the Somerset Chapter, exemplifies true commitment to service.
Her tireless work and passion for helping others are further demonstrated through her mission trips abroad, where she actively serves those in need. Annmarie truly embodies the Jamaican motto, “Out of Many, One People,” by fostering unity and compassion across communities.
May God’s continued blessings shower her with success and fulfillment as she continues her remarkable journey.
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Hello Family!
Just wanted to say a brief thank you to the members who were able to help out at the annual Health Fair on Saturday, May 3, 2025. This event is an integral part of JON-J’s community service mission.
Thanks to Stephanie and Tanache for being part of the medical staff, and to Janet for supporting the event.
It was great to support and collaborate with the Caribbean Medical Mission and the Ghana Association for Medical Aid. A big thank you to the Church of the Epiphany & Christ Church in Orange, New Jersey, which is a gracious host every year.
Thanks also to St. Michael’s Medical Center and Scott Eye Care, who go above and beyond in serving our community.
A special thank you to Debi for getting us involved and taking the lead in such an important event.
Sincerely,
Daren Gordon, President
Kerone Dinnall, Vice President
JON-J Essex County Chapter
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JON-J Projects
- Hurricane Assistance to Jamaica and other Caribbean Islands
- Micro University College PUMP Program
- Adoption of Ulster Spring Health Center, Trelawny Jamaica – Passaic Chapter
- Adoption of Stockholm Park Basic School in Highgate, St. Mary – Passaic Chapter
- Adoption of Pentonville Basic School in Bull Bay, St. Thomas – Middlesex Chapter
- Scholarship/Financial Support – College bound Students across New Jersey
- Continued Support Program for Athletic Students from Jamaica– Essex Chapter
- Material contribution to Falmouth Hospital in Jamaica – Bergen Chapter
| | 2025 State Executive Board of Directors | | | |  | |
Mailing address:
PO Box 446, Orange, NJ 07051
JON-J Celebrating 26-Years
Duty🇯🇲 Service 🇯🇲 Community 🇯🇲
#26Anniversary #JONJ #FACEForward
www.jonj.org
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The Jamaica Organization of New Jersey (JON-J) is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization with a dual purpose of building and strengthening ties amongst people of Jamaican heritage in communities across New Jersey and serving as a resource to give back to our homeland.
We are comprised of seven chapters within various counties across the state, including Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, Passaic, and Union. Although our membership primarily consists of Jamaican nationals, our events and initiatives are open to all.
The mission of JON-J is to empower Jamaicans and their descendants to maintain a cultural identity within their communities through establishing relationships within the business, civic, educational, religious, and international arenas.
This enables us to promote recreational activities and assist in the development and improvement of community-related projects in Jamaica and across the State of New Jersey.
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