Social Media and Social Good in Jamaica

SOCIAL NEWS – Jamaicans in the Convention Centre, Atlanta 2011, wanted to get on with the dance. It was the annual Independence Ball hosted by the Atlanta Jamaica Association. Guided by the organizers, I had prepared a half-hour Keynote Address. Titled Jamaican Diaspora, Social Media & Strengthening the Ties That Bind, it focused on how those abroad could use social networks and the Internet to keep abreast and get involved with activities/businesses in their homeland Jamaica.

The people wanted to dance! Later I learned that dancing was the highlight of this annual Ball, not the Keynote Address. Assessing the audience as I spoke, the address was cut and carved “on the fly.” Many were older Jamaicans, not as social media savvy as assumed. They wanted to hear the music and to dance. More