Atlanta non-profit marks milestone promoting education in Jamaica

The Benevolent Missions of Atlanta (BMA’s) two decades of helping to advance primary education in both Jamaica and Metro Atlanta took centrestage in the Peach State capital city recently.

For BMA, it was a major milestone.

The nonprofit organization’s annual fundraising brunch in Atlanta on August 10, was used to honour two extraordinary school principals from Jamaica; Arlene Reid, Seaward Primary and Junior High School in St Andrew; and Paula Chambers-Morris, Mount Ward Primary School in Hanover.

The guests heard congratulatory messages from Juliet Holness, member of parliament, Speaker of the Jamaica House of Representatives and wife of the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness; and Oliver Mair, consul general of Jamaica – Southern U.S.A. Both dignitaries acknowledged BMA’s longstanding service and exemplary community leadership.

In a notable highlight, DeKalb County Commissioner (District 7) Dr. Ladena Bolton presented two official proclamations: one recognising BMA’s 20 years of educational service, and another honouring Gail Dunwell, who has served as BMA president for 17 consecutive years.

Dunwell was commended for her dedicated leadership and hands-on execution of BMA’s projects in Jamaica. Additionally, Judge Jewel Scott was recognised with a special award celebrating her 20 years of continuous service on BMA’s Advisory Board. Scott is also a Georgia State Superior Court Judge and former honorary consul of Jamaica in Atlanta.

A most inspiring moment came when Commissioner Bolton pledged her full support for BMA’s continued mission, describing its work as having an “impressive and proven impact” over the past two decades.

Its local programmes include youth leadership training, summer robotics camps, school beautification efforts, and mentoring and career development workshops–each aimed at equipping students with confidence, life skills, and future-ready opportunities.

A media release notes that what sets BMA apart is its entirely volunteer-led structure. Every member contributes his time, talent, and passion to the mission. The organisation’s work is funded by individual donations and community events like the annual fundraising brunch.

It added that: As BMA looks ahead, its mission remains clear: to bridge communities and transform lives through education – one school, one student, and one act of service at a time.

Other prominent members of the Jamaican diaspora came out to help celebrate BMA’s momentous work and achievements, including: Steven Golding, president, Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League, Jamaica; Empress Golding, radio and tv personality and master of ceremonies; Dr. Yvette Taylor Reynolds, president, Atlanta Jamaican Association; Dr. Apolone Reid, president, Jamaican Museum and Cultural Centre, Atlanta; and Professor Dr. Conrad W. Ingram, BMA founding member and chair of the Chemistry Department, Clark Atlanta University.