Caribbean Global Citizen Awards

Newton C. Gordon, D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Gordon was born in Falmouth, Jamaica, where he attended high school. In September 1963, he left Jamaica to attend college at McGill University n Montreal, Canada.

He received a B.Sc. in 1966 and a D.D.S. in 1970 from McGill University. He completed his residency training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 1973 at the University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago. In 1976, he received a M.S. degree from the Graduate College of the same institution for bench research done during his residency. Since 1973, he has taught Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at The University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) where he is a clinical professor. In 1979, he was appointed Chief of Dentistry/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Service at San Francisco General Hospital Medical Center, an affiliated teaching hospital of UCSF, and currently serves in that role.

He is a diplomat of the American Board of Maxillofacial Surgery, and holds fellowships in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the Academy of Dentistry International, and the American College of Dentistry. Dr. Gordon served two two-year terms as president of the National Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and is currently Executive Director. He also served as president of the Northern California Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons for an extended eighteen-month term. For six years, he has been on the Board of the San Francisco Dental Society and is currently serving as president. In February 2002, Governor Gray Davis appointed Dr. Gordon as a member of the Dental Board of California. He continues to be active in numerous national, state and local professional societies.

Dr. Gordon has numerous research grants, publications and national presentations to his credit. In addition, he has received numerous teaching, leadership and civic awards.

In 1975, he was instrumental in the founding of the Jamaica Association of Northern California and later served as its president for four one-year terms.

In December 1999, Dr. Gordon was appointed Honorary Consul of Jamaica with responsibility for San Francisco and Northern California.

Ann Marie McClure

Anne Marie a native of Trinidad, West Indies immigrated to Northern California in 1977. Prior to leaving her homeland, Ann Marie became the first ever-female letter carrier in Trinidad.

Anne Marie came to the Bay Area in order to pursue her education. She first attended Skyline College in Pacifica and then went on to San Francisco State University. During this time Ann Marie tested for the U. S. Post Office and was offered a position in 1980. Ann Marie worked for the Post Office at nights while attending San Francisco State during the day. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.

Anne Marie was working on her Masters degree when she got married and subsequently had two beautiful daughters with whom she now resides in Pinole, California.

Anne Marie has continued to work with the U. S. Post Office now celebrating 22 years tenure and in 2001 was promoted to the prestigious position of Postmaster for the City of Diablo.

Anne Marie is a member of AAUW (American Association of University Women) and co-founder of ‘Mahogany’ Support Group for Women.

Anne Marie had the honor of being the first ever Queen of the Mas makers band in the San Francisco Carnival.

Anne Marie McClure a pioneer among women with several firsts to her credit, mother, role model and mentor. Anne Marie we applaud you.

Percy C. Hintzen, Ph.D.

Dr. Hintzen was born in Guyana, South America where he completed his education to the Bachelor of Social Science level, which he received from the University of Guyana in Dr. Hintzen migrated to the United States in He subsequently received an M.A. in International Urbanization and Public Policy from Clark University in 1975. In 1977 Dr. Hintzen received another Masters degree, this time from Yale University in Sociology. Also, in 1977 Dr. Hintzen received a M. Phil in Comparative Sociology from Yale University. In 1981 Dr. Hintzen then went on to complete his Ph.D. in Comparative Political Sociology, also from Yale University.

Dr. Hintzen teaches courses in Political and Economic Development, African and Caribbean Political Economy, Comparative Race and Ethnic Relations, and Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods.

His research focus has been on race, ethnicity and class as identity constructs in post-colonial political economy. Research emphasis on the reproduction of elite domination in underdeveloped countries. Primary substantive focus on the Caribbean. Sub-focus on immigrant identity construction in the United States with concentration on West Indian immigrants.

Dr. Hintzen served as chairperson of African-American Studies, University of California, Berkeley from 1994 to 2000 and is again currently serving as chairperson for this department. From 1995 to 1997 he served as Director of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of California, Berkeley.

Dr. Hintzen’s publications include:

· The Costs of Regime Survival published by Cambridge University Press

· West Indians in the West published by New York University Press

· Invisible Others: Active Presences in the U.S. Black Community (forthcoming with Jean Rahier, published by Routledge Press.

· Seventy one biographic entries on Caribbean and Haitian leaders in Dictionary of Latin American and Caribbean Political Biography edited by Robert J. Alexander published by Greenwood Press.

· Numerous articles on race, class and political economy for academic journals and edited volumes.

· Contributions on politics, economics, race and ethnicity for major newspapers and for major newspapers and for popular magazines and journals

Suzanne Ludlum

Cote Ce Cote La

In 1991, after several years of participating in Carnival San Francisco as a dancer and seamstress, Suzanne joined up with a group of Caribbean, Afro-American and European-Americans to form a new Caribbean-based carnival contingent, All Ah We (a Caribbean term meaning “all of us”). In creating All Ah We, the diverse group set up as its goal to “build bridges through culture” and to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean.

As a farmworker organizer and worker’s rights counselor, Suzanne brought a host of administrative, organizational and people skills to All Ah We. She assisted the group in obtaining tax exempt status (a nonprofit arts organization), wrote grants, chased after corporate donations and developed a marketing plan to promote All Ah We’s programs in the community. Within two years of its formation, All Ah We won the highest honor ever bestowed in the history of Carnival San Francisco (even to this day) - winning six first-place prizes, including the grand championship!

Suzanne says, “In those two years, I ran my own desktop publishing business. But really, I was pursuing my love of Caribbean festival arts. I turned my house into a “mas (masquerade) museum, and went out every weekend to spin soca and calypso music at night clubs, festivals and house parties. There was “glitter” everywhere…..”

First as the “Afro-Eclectic Mix Mistress” and then as DJ Sweet Waist, Suzanne rocked the house over and over again with the sweet, infectious, contagious sounds of soca, reggae and calypso music.

In 1995 Suzanne linked up with Karen Lusebrink, a talented visual artist and costume designer. Together, they traveled to Trinidad and Tobago to learn first hand from the masters! Ever since, they have masterminded All Ah We’s annual carnival production.

Suzanne says “In the beginning, I was stunned to discover the cultural and historical depth of Caribbean festival arts – I couldn’t stop exploring what seemed to me a completely engaging way of looking at the world through the eyes of other cultures. The interconnections and artistry are intoxicating.”

Suzanne is currently a teacher with the Oakland and Piedmont School Districts and lives with her loving partner, Lington Gordon. Suzanne’s daughter Mystic is an emerging hip-hop artist with a Grammy nomination to her credit.

Suzanne says “Every year I am rejuvenated by the artistry, the camaraderie, the celebration of culture and life! Que viva la carnival por siempre!”

Luis E. Medina

Luis Medina is very well respected in the Bay Area entertainment industry. He is a well known, sought after broadcaster, producer, public relations person, promoter and master of ceremonies. As stated by Latin Beat Magazine “an incredible asset to the scene”.

Luis currently holds the position of Music Director for KPFA Radio Station, where he has been a host producer since the 1970’s. Luis has been a host/producer for several other radio stations including KUSF-90.3, KBRG-FM 105.3 and KPOO-FM 89.5. His most current programming includes “CON SABOR” which airs on KPFA 94.1 FM on Saturday evenings 9 to 11pm. The Best in Salsa/Latin Jazz and Afro-Caribbean Music, 59000 Watts of Sound!”.

Luis is a popular DJ/Host for well renowned spots such as: Kimballs Carnival, Kimballs West S.F., Mi/Tu Pueblo at 330 Ritch, Conga Club, DNA Lounge, Caribbean Gardens, Alta Vista Del Mar Club and Caribee Dance Center.

In the role of Master of Ceremonies Luis has worked with a long list of greats, too long to list in it’s entirety but includes Poncho Sanchez, The San Francisco Jazz Festival, The Concord Latin Jazz Fest, Tito Puente, Jose Alberto, Pete and Coke Escovedo, Sheila E., The Brazilian Carnaval Ball, Mill Valley Film Festival, The San Francisco Mayoral Inauguration 1988 and many more.

Luis has been involved in Entertainment/Events Production since 1975 as Director, Entertainment Booker, Consultant and Liaison. Highlights include: MECA San Francisco, CA 1986- Present. Cinco De Mayo, Carnival San Francisco and 24^th Street Festival De Las Americas Events. Luis has produced and coordinated shows that have featured the following artists, entertainers and figureheads: Santana, Willie Colon, The Neville Brothers, Mighty Sparrow, Shaggy, Eddie Palmeri, Arrow, Flora Purim and Airto, Luis Enrique, Mongo Santamaria, Los Lobos, President Bill Clinton, Linda Rondstadt, Mark Anthony, Sheila E., War, A Lighter Shade of Brown, Manny Oquendo and Libre, Calypso Rose, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Merle Saunders, Soul Vibrations, Flaco Jiminez, Maldita Vecindad, Tito Puente, Poncho Sanchez, Tierra, Ray Sepulveda, Jesus Enriquez, Rey Ruiz, Al Rapone, Yomo Toro, Malo, Charlie Hunter, Michael Franti (Spearhead), Big Mountain, The United Sisters, Bobby Matos, Shaka-Ra, Ram Herrera and Paula Abdul. Luis also coordinated stage operations for ARAM Productions, S.F. CA 1996 for their “El Canonazo” featuring Jerry Rivera, India and Grupo Niche.

He has also worked with Terry Pimsleur & Associates, the NFL Super Bowl Party, U.S. Navy Fleet Week Events, Cultural Music Productions, Salsa Dulce Productions, A.S.R.P. Productions and University Productions, San Francisco State University.

• Contributing Writer: Guaguanco Productions Newsletter, Berkeley, CA

• Columnist/Contributing Writer: Santa Clara Times, San Jose, CA

• Features Writer: San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, CA

• Features Writer: Calendar Magazine (S.F. Weekly), San Francisco, CA

Celisse Greer Johnson

 Celisse is a national of Trinidad and Tobago who completed her education in the United States receiving a B. S. from Brooklyn College and her M. A. from UCLA.

Ms. Johnson is an accomplished world renowned Dancer, Educator, Choreographer and Costume Designer. She was trained in Graham, Ballet, Jazz and Caribbean dance and she has performed, taught and choreographed in Trinidad, the United States of America, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Turkey and Mexico.

Ms. Johnson holds six academic awards from Brooklyn College and UCLA, collectively.

In 1984 she initiated the introduction of Jazz dance into the curriculum of the UCLA Dance Department. In the San Francisco Bay Area her teaching career includes: UCLA, Stanford University, San Francisco State University, College of San Mateo, San Francisco City College and several public schools.

Ms. Johnson founded and directed PIZAZZ Dance Factory, a professional School and Company for children. She proudly shares her Caribbean heritage in several parades, festivals and celebrations. Her contributions as dancer, choreographer and director with Jouvay Dance Company, a Trinidad & Tobago culture-based dance company was a rewarding experience.

In keeping with her goal to promote her culture, Ms. Johnson has twice held the office of Cultural Events Coordinator in the Trinidad & Tobago Association of Northern California. Ms. Johnson is also responsible for introducing one of Trinidad’s top designers, Stephen Derek to the Bay Area and then went on to form yet another group, Bay Area Caribbean Connection, BACC.

Ms Johnson is currently heading the Dance Division at the Arts Magnet Middle School in Stockton, California.

Andrew Monero

Andy was born on the island of St. Lucia where he began his career in entertainment as a D.J. Andy migrated to the United States in 1978.

Andy was a pioneer in bringing Caribbean music to the San Francisco Bay Area. Shortly after his arrival here, he says, “I felt so privileged when I was asked to do my first gig for carnival”.

Andy continued to work as a D.J. on boat cruises, dances and weddings. Andy says that he is proud to be a D.J. Andy loves music and the pleasure that it brings people and that is what motivates him. In his own words “my love for music and the joy it brings to people is what makes me put so much energy into my work. The joy I see is people having fun with laughter and the wonderful smiles on their faces. This is what makes me proud to be a D.J.

Andy lives in El Sobrante, CA with his wife and children.

Roberto Y. Hernandez

Roberto was born in San Francisco, California to Roger and Haydee Hernandez of Nicaraguan descent. Roberto completed his education at the University of San Francisco. He currently resides in San Francisco with his wife and children.

Roberto has dedicated himself to making a difference in the community working with the United Farm Workers, Mission Coalition Organization, Mission Youth Project, Real Alternatives Program, Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center, Mission Economic Cultural Association.

He has been a consultant for Mission Housing Development Corporation, Mission Neighborhood Centers, Mi Familia, 24^th Street Merchants Association, San Francisco Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, BRAVA for Women in the Arts, Precita Eyes Mural Resource Center, National Concilio of America, Cesar Chavez Foundation, California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Roberto is the producer of Carnaval San Francisco, Cesar Chavez Walk, Cinco De Mayo, Dia De Los Muertos, East West Football, Shriner’s Half Time Show, 24^th Street Festival De Las Americas, 49er’s Super Bowl Parade, Carlos Santana Hollywood Walk of Fame, La Bamba Film Premiere, Las Posadas, Latino Victory Celebration, Philippine Centennial Celebration, Price of Glory Film Premiere, Tito Puente Tribute, Rita Moreno Hollywood Walk of Fame, Selena Film Premiere, World Cup 94 – Half Time Shows.

His community service projects include The San Francisco Film Commission, Mission Childcare Consortium, Mission Education Project, United Way.

Roberto is also the publisher for Cinco De Mayo Magazine, Mi Grito Magazine and, Cesar Chavez Magazine.

Roberto is also an accomplished musician who plays Congas, Bongos, Guitar and Jembe.