JOSE BLACKBURN
A SALUTE TO A FALLEN STALWART IN THE PANAMANIAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY
By Dr. Marco A. Mason
Jose
Blackburn died on November 23, 2003. Since his arrival in the
United States from Panama in the late 1950’s he became
a well-known entrepreneur, a prominent community advocate, and
a dedicated humanitarian. His generous philanthropic benevolence
is legendary. This is reflected in his lifelong commitment to
the economic development of his community, to youth development
and to promotion of black culture.
His legacy is a distinguished record of leadership with a cross-section
of organizations in the Panamanian-American, Hispanic, Caribbean-American
and African-American communities.
He was a seasoned global traveler with extensive travels throughout
Europe, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. He had a charming
personality, with a captivating smile, a quiet friendly demeanor,
debonair appearance and an exuberant disposition.
He was a champion for Panamanian community and Antillean heritage
issues; hence, served as a founding member of The Sociedad de
Profesionales de Panama, The Panamanian West Indian Heritage
Association, The National Council of Panamanians, The Panamanian
Council of New York and The Panamanian Overseas Committee. He
was a strong cultural promoter; for example, he collaborated
with the Panama Tourism Institute to sponsor three sold-out
performance of the Ballet Folklorico de Panama in New York.
He was a Lodge Man. He attained the degree of a Master Mason
with Lodge 55 of Prince Hall. He was also an avid sportsman
who was passionate about baseball. He was a star pitcher with
the Delmar Softball Team in Brooklyn. He was also passionate
about youth development and served as board member of the Crown
Heights Sports Federation, and the Youth Development Committee
of New York City Community Planning Board #8 in Crown Heights,
Brooklyn.
As a businessman, at one time, he operated two thriving jewelry
stores, one on Nostrand Avenue and the other at Utica Avenue
in Brooklyn. Utica Jewelers was the favorite. It was the place
for new arrivals to go to find out where to go for a job, or
see the community bulletin board that showed what was happening
in the community. In addition, his store served as a distribution
outlet for tickets to community events such as boat rides, picnics,
dances, prizefights, fashion shows, etc. Hence everyone gravitated
there to inquire about community events and to socialize.
Many also came to browse the store’s gallery that showcased
an impressive collection of fine jewelry for men, women, and
children. Everyone went to see Jose Blackburn for that special
gift to commemorate a retirement, mother’s day, father’s
day, Christmas, anniversaries, birthdays, graduation, engagements,
weddings and similar special occasions. Besides the jewelry
business, he was an astute successful entrepreneur in the real
estate and transportation businesses.
As a founding Advisory Board Member of the Caribbean Women’s
Health Association’s Immigrant Service Center, he was
instrumental in successfully securing accreditation for the
center to provide needed legal assistance and immigration status
adjustment services to thousands of immigrant families.
He pursued a bachelor’s degree in public administration
from Empire State College, State University of New York, and
he worked on a number of meaningful community revitalization,
economic development and international trade projects. His affiliation
in these arenas included: The Business Advisory Council of New
York State Legislative Black and Puerto Rican Caucus; Honorary
Chairman of the New York State Chapter of the Congressional
Business Advisory Council; Founding Member of the Caribbean-American
Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Vice-President, Utica Avenue
Merchants Association, and Chairman of the Caribbean Trade Association
of New York.
In recognition of his steadfast business leadership and dedicated
community service, he was the recipient of many honors and awards,
including “The Man of the Year Award” by the International
Dynamic Educational Association.
Clearly, his vision, vigor, advocacy, perseverance and caring
sensitivity resulted in significant contributions to his community,
which directly impacted the lives of many. He will certainly
be deeply missed by all. He was fondly revered by his friends,
admired by his colleagues and loved by his family.
May He Rest In Peace
