Caribbean Heritage Takes Center Stage: Gabourey Sidibe Among DC Area Honorees

In a region known for its cultural depth, the Caribbean and African Women of Impact (CAWI) Honors, held on March 22nd in Silver Spring, brought together a powerful cross-section of voices—bridging continents, disciplines, and lived experiences in a way that felt both intentional and necessary.

Among the honorees was acclaimed actress Gabourey Sidibe, who, though not physically present, delivered a heartfelt message via live conference. She expressed profound gratitude and a clear recognition of the importance of spaces that uplift women across the African and Caribbean diaspora. Watch video here 

Held under the theme “Bloom & Flourish,” the event continues a growing tradition of recognizing women whose work is shaping communities across business, culture, and the arts. The awards celebrate individuals of Caribbean and African heritage making meaningful contributions in their respective fields.

Among those recognized was Cayman Islands entrepreneur Melesia Adderley, founder of Women’s Haven, who was honored for her impact in wellness and community-centered business. Adderley’s recognition also marks a milestone, as she becomes the first Caymanian to receive a CAWI honor.

Ethio-American Grammy nominated Singer & Songwriter, Wayna was honored with The Social Songbird Award at the March 22nd event.

Among those recognized was Wayna, whose presence brought both artistic and cultural depth to the occasion. Recognized for her Grammy-nominated music, Wayna represents a generation of artists who carry culture forward not just through performance, but through purpose.

Cultural entrepreneur Naomi Green, whose work spans entertainment and sustainability, was also among the honorees, alongside other several women and men contributing to creative and cultural industries across the diaspora.

What made the evening resonate was not just the list of honorees, but the atmosphere of alignment. Conversations extended beyond the stage. Connections were made across industries. There was a shared understanding that recognition, when done with intention, becomes a form of preservation.

That sense of intention carries through to the partners supporting the event. Presented by SEA The Difference, the evening was shaped in part by sponsors who aligned with its cultural and experiential focus. From Narcisso Wine Cellar, BakanalTV, and Fetelist, to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, support appeared not as backdrop but as part of the experience itself. Thoughtful details—like in-kind contributions from The Women’s Haven® and catering by Emmanuella's Cuisine—helped shape an environment that felt curated rather than assembled.

Events like CAWI remind us that cultural storytelling is not limited to media platforms—it lives in rooms like this, where people gather to affirm one another’s work and expand what visibility looks like.

Profile:
Eme Awa is the founder of Cultural DMV News and a cultural producer whose work has been featured on PBS-distributed programming, AfroPop Worldwide, and projects with the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and The Africa Center.

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