The Atlanta Jamaican Association Inc. (AJA) was founded on October 8, 1977 in the home of Denzil Dixon and Quo Vadis, his late wife, and incorporated on September 13, 1978 as a non-profit organization with 501(c) (4) status under the Internal Revenue Service Code.  The goals of the Association were stated at the time in the following terms:: 

• To obtain and maintain a permanent building to be used as Headquarters for the Association, and as a center of Jamaican culture in the Atlanta Area;
• To provide information and counseling services to members.
• To assist Jamaicans wherever possible in the pursuit of their educational objectives.
• To inform members of job opportunities.
• To provide housing information to Jamaicans entering the Atlanta area.
• To keep abrest of political, social and economic developments in Jamaica and assist where possible.
• To establish cultural ties with the city of Atlanta.
• To foster unity within the Jamaican community in the Atlanta area.

The founding members of the Association were:

Cecelia Smith was the first President of the Association. Other members who have served as Presidents over the years are Juan Reid (1978), Mike Mordecai (deceased) (1979), Professor Bernard Headley (1980), Denzil Dixon Life Member) (!981), Derrick Wright (Life Member) ( 1982-86), Dr, Noel Erskine (1987-89), Vin Martin (Life Member and Honorary Consul for Jamaica), (1990), Dr. Noel Erskine (1991), Anthony Winkler (1992-94) . . Astley Leslie (1995 & 1997-2000).Monica Kinnock (1996),  Derrick Harvey, (2000 -2003) Mr. Brian Carter, (2003) and Allan Alberta (1992 & 2004 to the present).  The Association continues to receive strong support from a number of its Past Prresidents..

Today it is the largest and oldest Jamaican organization in Atlanta. Among its many activities and accomplishments it -

• promotes Jamaican independence week activities, in collaboration with other Jamaican organizations;
• works with the Montego Bay Sister Cities Committee of the Mayor’s Office
• provides a network of support for Jamaicans living in Atlanta, through its Family Relations Committee;
• organizes an annual family fun day and many civic, social and cultural functions;
• sponsors a child at the St. John Basco Childrens Home in Mandeville;
• donates books and educational equipment to schools in Jamaica;
• supports Jamaican students in Atlanta  and Jamaica throughits scholarship program;
• provides support for the poor in infirmaries in Jamaica through a periodic meal program.

Recently the AJA incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary entity with 501(c) (3) status under the Internal Revenue Service Code.  This entity, called the AJ Cultural and Educational Fund Inc., was established for charitable and educational purposes.  It is intended to enable the Association to pursue some of its objectives more effectively. Any contributions it receives ate tax deductible.

The substantial part of the work of the Association is done by its committees. The By Laws provide for six Standing Committees.  Members of these and any others established under the By Laws are appointed by the President.. The Trustees are also appointed by the President.  However, they have to meet certain eligibility requirements and their appointment is subject to an affirmative vote by members. 

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