One Love, One Community: Arc Mercer Celebrates Jamaican Heritage
The Arc Mercer recently came together to celebrate Jamaican culture, history, and community during a special Jamaica Independence and Emancipation Flag Raising Celebration, organized by the Team Atmosphere Committee (TAC) and its Jamaican Cultural Connection Group.
The celebration brought employees, consumers, board members, community leaders, and guests together for the raising of the Jamaican flag, music, cultural traditions, food, and remarks recognizing the tremendous influence Jamaica has had both locally and around the world. The event was designed not only as a celebration of Jamaican heritage, but also as an opportunity to strengthen community connections and create an inclusive experience for everyone at The Arc Mercer.
A highlight of the program was the keynote address from Asha McKenzie, Emmy Award and Associated Press Award-winning journalist, who shared her personal connection to Jamaica and reflected on the strength, resilience, and global influence of Jamaican people and culture. The event program also featured the Jamaican National Anthem, the raising of the Jamaican and United States flags, and special acknowledgements of the Jamaican community.
McKenzie spoke about growing up in an American household that remained deeply connected to Jamaica through her parents, who immigrated to the United States in the 1970s. She recalled childhood summers with family in St. Elizabeth and the importance her parents placed on making sure their children understood where they came from.
She also shared a popular Jamaican saying: “Wi likkle, but wi tallawah” — a reminder that although Jamaica is a small island, its people and influence are anything but small.
From the history of the Maroons and generations who fought for freedom, to reggae, hip-hop, athletics, food, language, and tourism, McKenzie highlighted the extraordinary cultural footprint Jamaica has made around the world. She also pointed to Jamaica’s national motto, “Out of Many, One People,” as a reflection of the many backgrounds that have contributed to the country’s identity.
Her remarks also connected the celebration to something at the heart of TAC’s mission: giving back. McKenzie recognized The Arc Mercer community for stepping forward following Hurricane Melissa, when employees and supporters donated clothing, diapers, shoes, and other supplies that were collected and sent to Jamaica through a local community partner.
That spirit of service is exactly what Arc Mercer’s Culture Groups are designed to encourage.
The Jamaican Cultural Connection Group is one of several employee-led Culture Groups connected to the Team Atmosphere Committee. These groups give employees an opportunity to share their heritage, educate others, build stronger relationships across the agency, and turn cultural pride into meaningful action.
The planning for the Jamaican celebration included a “One Love, One Community” Pay It Forward initiative, centered on bringing people together through service, compassion, cultural pride, and support for individuals with special needs in Jamaica.
Events like the flag raising do not happen without employees willing to contribute their ideas, traditions, time, and leadership. Culture Groups help shape celebrations like this one while also developing Pay It Forward projects that allow employees to make a difference beyond our walls.
Want to get involved? Join an Arc Mercer Culture Group. Whether you want to help plan our next cultural celebration, share your heritage, volunteer for a Pay It Forward project, or simply connect with coworkers from across the agency, there is a place for you.
Sign up for a Culture Group and help us continue building a workplace where our different backgrounds bring us together — and where celebrating culture can also create an opportunity to give back.
This celebration shows how cultural heritage strengthens community bonds, reminding us that diversity fuels unity. That rhythm of connection feels familiar—I find a similar pulse when playing Fnaf, where intensity and quick focus echo the same drive for resilience and togetherness.
I appreciate how Arc Mercer highlights Jamaican heritage, fostering unity within the community. It’s a reminder of how cultural celebrations can build bridges—much like initiatives in places like monkey mart aim to create inclusive environments.