Gout de France & Deaf Empowerment

Photos:

Mrs Valerie Facey - Volunteering for the Jamaica Association for the Deaf for over 60 years.

With Claudia Gordon - Jamaica-born first deaf Black Attorney-at-Law in the US and great mentor for Jamaica's deaf youngsters.

On the first day of Spring, March 21, French Chefs the world over celebrate 'Gout de France' (Taste of France) and Jamaica continues to participate.  This year, the gracious couple, Ambassador of France Jean-Michel Despax and Madame Line Despax hosted the event at their residence, with all proceeds going to the Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD).  The memorable feast was created by Michelin 3-star Chef Marcel Ravin of Monaco, supported by Jamaica's own Oji Jaja. Kudos to organizers, lead by the longest serving volunteer for the JAD, Mrs. Valerie Facey.

 

I also caught up last week with Jamaica-born Claudia Gordon, who is the first Black deaf woman lawyer in the US. She was head of the Obama White House division for disabilities, and is now a Legal Counsel with Sprint.  This passionate mentor of the deaf is encouraged by their increased integration in the workplace, citing Deaf Can! Coffee as a major success. She looks forward to a greater understanding by Jamaicans that the deaf have their own language and hopes that more emphasis will be placed on empowerment.