Some 100 recent graduates of historically black universities in the United States, who are preparing to take their place in the real world, will converge in the island from May 14 to 18 for a graduation celebration and empowerment forum.

Called 'Jamaica 360 Sun Festival' the event is the brainchild of Xavier Artis, chief executive officer and founder of Recycling Inspiration, and will give the graduates an opportunity to relax and unwind, while enjoying an all-expense-paid vacation at the SuperClubs Grand Lido Resort in Trelawny.

"The goal is to encourage, empower, educate and excite young people and prepare them for the workforce as they recharge in a relaxing atmosphere," Mr. Artis said.

The five-day event, which is endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture, is being held in partnership with a number of local organisations including SuperClubs and Air Jamaica, which will fly the graduates into the island from gateways in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Philadelphia.

Workshops

While in Jamaica, the graduates will be acknowledged for their dedication to school and community service, and will participate in workshops where they will have discussions with successful black professionals, including actor/comedian Eddie Griffin, who has donated US$150,000 (about J$10 million) to the effort; public relations guru and author of The Personal Touch Terrie M. Williams; actress Regina King; baseball legend 'Sweet' Lou Johnson; hip-hop legend Doug E. Fresh, among others.

Essence Magazine's editorial director, Susan L. Taylor, will speak to the graduates and youngsters from the HEART Trust/NTA about the importance of mentoring others, while singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder, will be on hand to celebrate the young adults' accomplishments.

As part of the initiative, Recycling Inspiration will announce a new initiative, the Recycling Inspiration Fellows Exchange Programme, which is a partnership with the HEART Tust/NTA to train and certify selected graduates to teach courses in hospitality, business, administration and entertainment.