Who we are

JaMinn Link was created by a group of students and young professionals in Minnesota in March of 2009. The group was created to promote the development and growth of the Jamaican community in Minnesota through communication, cultural promotion and volunteerism in both Minnesota and Jamaica.

Our mission

To build community and create a safe space among Jamaicans living abroad, enlighten others about Jamaican history and culture. We strive to increase direct engagement of Jamaicans at home and abroad in issues facing Jamaican youth, such as violence, unemployment and access to quality education.

Recent Events & News

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The Fourth Annual "JaMinn With... Mutabaruka" was held on April 9, 2013 at Macalester College. It was a huge success. Mutabaruka performed several of his thought-provoking pieces and answered questions from the gather community members and students. We would like to thank all the people who showed up in person and a very special thanks to all of you who followed live on twitter (@jaminnlink) and via our UStream site.

The Armadale Tragedy: "Nothing we can do but let them stay inside"

On Friday May 22, 2009, twenty-three girls lived in an 'office dorm' of the Armadale Juvenile Correctional Center. That 'dorm' was 20 feet by 12 feet, and housed all twenty-three girls on seven bunk beds. Acting impulsively, on-duty police officers fired a tear gas canister into the office dorm. The teargas canister started a fire. The dormitory was overcrowded. Space was limited or in some instances, non-existent. Chaos reigned as the girls were locked in to the room.

As a result of the fire, seven young women lost their lives.

In an effort to remember their lives, and to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again we are helping fund a documentary about the fire and the call for systemic change throughout the Juvenile Justice system in Jamaica. For more information, please go here, and continue to follow this page.