New York All White Jerk Fest to celebrate Jamaican culture during America’s 250th anniversary of independence

On July 4, the United States marks its 250th year of independence. Dubbed the Semiquincential, celebrations include observing the country’s diverse population.

The New York All White Jerk Fest is part of that diversity. Scheduled for Brush Park in the city of Mount Vernon, New York, it is a showcase of Jamaican culture.

It is the third staging of the event, which is promoted by Dave Brown, a veteran Jamaican promoter based in New York.

“Our festival is different as we look to unite the Caribbean and American communities through food, faith, family, and fun. There’s something to engage the entire family,” he told Observer Online.

Jerk, the spicy Jamaican food that has excited the pallets of Americans for over 30 years, is the main food on the show’s menu. The New York All White Jerk Fest’s music segment is headlined by singer Mikey Spice, whose hit songs include Practise What You Preach, Alli Alli Ho and Born Again.

There are also gospel acts, including Jabez and Bro Paul, as well as Colaz Smith, a popular social media influencer.

“We will furnish our patrons with different aspects of Caribbean culture. We’re looking forward to attracting patrons from Mount Vernon, New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut,” said Brown.

Mount Vernon is located in Westchester County. It has a vibrant Jamaican community, which has enhanced the city’s diverse population with many small businesses showcasing their country’s culture.