... The 2024 Heritage Awardees

GRAMPS MORGAN

Grammy award-winning reggae artiste Roy ‘Gramps’ Morgan grew up on soul and reggae, but Sunday dinners at home featured country classics, inspiring his love for both genres. Gramps was born into reggae royalty. His father, Denroy Morgan, was a pioneer in New York’s reggae scene. Gramps joined his siblings in Morgan Heritage and, after years of touring, they pursued solo projects. Gramps’ first solo album, 2 Sides of My Heart, Volume 1, led to performances on Good Morning America and a tour with India.Arie. Despite his solo ventures, Gramps continued working with Morgan Heritage, winning a Grammy for 2015’s Strictly Roots and earning two more Grammy nominations.

LIEUTENANT DANAE MCFARLANE

Lieutenant Danae McFarlane was born and raised in Jamaica and immigrated to the Bronx, New York, at the age of 13. She began her NYPD career as a police cadet in July 2008. In that capacity, she was assigned to the 42 Precinct Domestic Violence Unit, Office of the Chief of Patrol, and Patrol Borough Bronx. Lieutenant McFarlane was appointed to the NYPD as a police officer in July 2010.

In September 2016, she was assigned to the Special Victims Division and later the Bronx Special Victims Squad, where she was promoted to detective. Upon her promotion to sergeant in December 2020, Lieutenant McFarlane was assigned to the Housing Bureau’s Police Service Area 7 as the field intelligence sergeant. She was promoted to Sergeant Detective Squad in October 2023 and was assigned to the Intelligence Division Regional Intelligence Support Center.

In August 2024, she was promoted to lieutenant.

ROY WALTERS

Roy Walters, aka DJ Roy, was born in London and raised in Jamaica. He is one of the most influential Caribbean radio personalities of the past two decades. A co-founder of New York’s Road International, the first sound system to sign a major endorsement with Digicel, DJ Roy has a unique gift for captivating audiences and spotlighting new talent. His contributions have earned him numerous awards and various citations for his service to the cultural community. Passionate about giving back, DJ Roy supports numerous schools in Jamaica, fundraises for educational initiatives, and hosts back-to-school programmes and toy drives in New York. KAREN MITCHELL

Karen Mitchell is a seasoned entrepreneur with ventures in hospitality, beauty, spirits, and real estate across New York, New Jersey, and Atlanta. Most notably, she is the owner and CEO of True Hair Company and its product line, True Indian Hair. Mitchell began her journey in the hair industry in 2004, driven by her passion for beauty and the lack of diverse ownership. Her mission: to provide high-quality hair extensions for career women. Under her leadership, True Hair Company has become an industry leader, earning accolades from Essence and Cosmopolitan and being featured in InStyle, Vogue, and Elle. The brand’s success has attracted high-profile clients, including Rihanna, Cardi B, Mary J. Blige, and Taraji P. Henson. In 2023, True Hair Company reached new heights, achieving eight-figure sales.

NICOLE JOHNSON

Recognised for her outstanding and dedicated services to the community in broadcasting, Nicole Johnson is a multiple Emmy award-winning journalist whose fearless reporting has not only informed but also uplifted and empowered her audience.

WENDY CLARKE

Honoured for her exceptional and committed legal services to the community, Wendy Clarke is a corporate partner at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, with a passion for giving back through mentorship and community development.

DR GARY RHULE

In recognition of his significant contributions to health and medicine, Dr Gary Rhule has impacted public health as a leader and advocate, improving healthcare outcomes for countless individuals.

DR PATRICIA LOFTERS-DINHAM

Recognised for her work in healthcare, Dr Patricia Lofters-Dinham is an advocate for education and the dignity of care, making invaluable contributions as both a nurse and an educator in the medical field.

NICOLAS NUVAN

Celebrated for highlighting Jamaican culture through social media, Nicolas Nuvan uses his platform to share stories from across Jamaica, connecting communities through candid interviews and cultural exploration.