Lawton’s Caribbean community is setting the table Sunday afternoon. Dr. Sheila Hodge-Windover and Merita Tyrrell-Mitchell, both originally from St. Kitts and Nevis, host a free Independence Celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. at Dr. Sheila’s Bookshelf, 1711 SW D Ave. Admission costs nothing and the meal is included. Text (580) 483-6031 to reserve a seat so the hosts know how many plates to prepare.
St. Kitts and Nevis holds a curious spot in world geography. It’s the smallest sovereign nation in the Western Hemisphere by both land and population, and it gained independence from Britain in 1983. Sept. 19 is the official holiday, but the local party moved to Sept. 27 because Dr. Sheila Hodge-Windover spoke at the anniversary celebration in New York. This year’s theme is“One People, One Vision, Endless Possibilities: Independence 43.”The island also happens to be the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, a detail that surprises just about everyone.
Both hosts came to Oklahoma for education and family and stayed for good, earning degrees at Cameron University. The celebration is open to everyone, with Caribbean food and music on tap. So what’s the one dish from your homeland you’d want to share with Lawton?
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Local Lawton
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