ON February 24, 2024, the Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Dr. Didacus Jules received a Star Prize award in Columbus, Ohio. The award was bestowed by Black History Festivals at the prestigious Black History Makers Awards and Gala Night, which celebrates and honours the outstanding contributions of individuals within the Black community who have made significant impacts in various fields.
The award ceremony and gala dinner were held during Black History Month and commemorated a celebratory end to the three-day Black History Festival. The festival which is held annually, is a unique initiative that celebrates the strong ties between Governments, the Private Sector, and the Peoples of Africa and the Americas. It reinforces connections as well as fosters collaboration and alignment of shared interests between Africa, the Americas, and other bilateral partners with an emphasis on developing and promoting trade, cultural values, and history.
Appearing as a speaker on day three, OECS Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules, delivered remarks under the theme: “Transatlantic Synergy: Nurturing Shared Prosperity through a Global Partnership between Africa, the Americas, and the Diaspora.”
“The recognition and importance of the transatlantic solidarity between Africa and the Americas has a long, painful but proud history. Every great Pan-African leader- whether of Caribbean, American or African lineage- has at some seminal moment asserted the strategic necessity for the restoration of the ties that bind us if the far-flung children of Africa are to truly inhabit a room of our own in the mansion of humanity,” Jules said.
Dr. Didacus Jules was recognized as a Star Prize Winner for his contributions to preserving the history, heritage, and culture of the Caribbean people while promoting innovation, technology, and financial investment in the region. Dr. Didacus Jules’s dedication to education reform, social justice, and cultural preservation makes him a standout candidate for the star prize award at the Black History Festival. Having also set up the Centers for Popular Education in the Grenada Revolution, Dr. Jules participated in helping design adult education programs for ANC fighters who needed to obtain GCE A levels in order to be appointed to Officer rank in a post-apartheid South African army.
His visionary leadership, tireless advocacy, and unwavering commitment to uplifting Caribbean communities exemplify the spirit of resilience, empowerment, and excellence celebrated during the Black History festival. Dr. Didacus Jules’s impact transcends borders and generations, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and empower individuals across the Caribbean and beyond.
Other Star Prize Winners included Mr. Alex Dadey, Executive Chairman of the KGL Group, for promoting diaspora investment in Africa, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty for her work in promoting equity and ethical governance in Ohio and the United States, and Former Mayor of Columbus, Mr. Michael B. Coleman, for his service to the city. Posthumous recognition was also given to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Marcus Mosiah Garvey for their contributions to leadership, activism, and policy directions.