Lorna Bridging the Culture Gap”
When Lorna Shelton-Black decided to leave Jamaica and come to the United States for college at 18 years old, she packed up her Jamaican culture in her suitcase and carried it along with her. Among the socks you’d find her Jamaican recipes. Tucked in with her toothbrush, was her lyrical accent, and among her most precious possessions, you’d find the rich history of her island.
She brought these essentials with her to Pratt University in Brooklyn, where she studied nutrition and health. Afterwards, she ventured to Arizona, California, Montana, and even to the Mediterranean — but she always kept her culture close. She made a strong effort to stay true to her roots; making frequent visits to Jamaica in her adulthood and taking her children with her later on. Most importantly, Lorna focused on retaining her accent because to her, “your accent is your identity,” and you can hear the soothing Jamaican beauty in her voice even after all these years of living abroad.
Becoming a mother changed her life. As her son started growing up, he noticed that, in the classroom, he was in a very small minority. Lorna wanted her son to feel comfortable, so they packed up one final time and moved to South Carolina. They chose the state for two reasons, “because it was sunny, and because there were black people.”
Turns out that just like Lorna, Charleston, South Carolina, and the Southeastern region of the United States, have deep, cultural ties to the Caribbean islands. What’s pretty crazy is that hardly anyone that Lorna encountered knew much about this historical connection. It bothered Lorna that in tours around the city, and at the plantations (that were directly modeled and owned by the same families in the Barbados colony), there was no mention of the Caribbean influence on Charleston’s early development and success.
Lorna decided that this time, she wasn’t just going to unpack her Jamaican suitcase and leave it at that. She began working outside of her home to build a strong and vibrant Caribbean, cultural revival in her new hometown. What better way to do this then by recreating her favorite part of her Jamaican childhood- Carnival! For over 12 years now Lorna as head of her non-profit, Healthy Lifestyles, has put on a Carnival celebration in Charleston that could rival the ones in Port Antonio.
Masks, dance, music, and, of course, food, are all part of this celebration that usually brings in over 2,000 people each year. She chose the Carnival celebration as her cultural festivity because it is celebrated not just in Jamaica, but in all of the islands of the Caribbean, and while the attendees experience all of the excitement that you would find in these countries, her celebration is unique in that she brings in a component not seen anywhere else–Education.
Lorna’s goal with Charleston Carifest is to teach people that Caribbean culture is more than just rum and Bob Marley (although these are two very important components.) Caribbean history is so rich, yet it is often overlooked. She also wants those of Caribbean descent to have access to their heritage even here in the States–to teach them about their culture so that it can live on through the children of today.
Lorna doesn’t make a dime, but she wakes up at 4 a.m. and works tirelessly, day after day, to make Charleston Carifest happen, year after year. To her, it’s worth it. She remembers one year having to withdraw money out of her own personal savings account, “to make Carnival happen.”
Her dedication, her commitment, and her generosity doesn’t stop at Carifest. Her non-profit, Healthy Lifestyles, has chapters in both Charleston, South Carolina, and Port Antonio, Jamaica, and works to implement 7-Pillars in both communities: Environment, Education, Child Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention, Vocational Training, Entrepreneurial Training, Culture and Arts, and Health and Wellness.
Lorna is not only a resilient bridge between two cultures, but she also plays a vital role in connecting the beloved people of her community with progress. She knows that Jamaica is much more than just the iconic Bob Marley, but even still she embodies his ideals –“Don’t gain the world and lose your soul. Wisdom is better than silver and gold.” She has seen the world, her soul is rich, and she spreads the wisdom of her culture wherever she goes, with all of her might.
Learn more about what Lorna does by visiting her website at: http://www.healthylifestylenetwork.org/. If you have a desire to get involved, don’t hesitate to contact her about her efforts to help spread love, light, and education to the vibrant Caribbean community! She would love to have you on board
FB Charleston Carifest Caribbean Carnival
Web: Charleston Carifest
Author ~ Sarah Elgradawy
Sr Editor ~ Connie Spruill, CEO MyGirlfriendzPlace