The All Islands Association, Inc. (AIA) was started in 1974 by six individuals, Lloyd Dennis, Samuel Dennis, Martell Gordon, Freddie Parker, Archibald Patterson, and Foster Reynolds. The six were immigrants from the Caribbean islands. The home of Archibald Patterson, located in Mount Vernon, New York, served as the initial meeting place for the association. The AIA grew out of a spirit of camaraderie, compassion and cultural pride among the founding members. This initial interest blossomed into enhanced community engagement, which led to a period of expansion and growth. Before long, more sisters and brothers from the islands became involved with the Association and the name “All Islands Association” was born.
The mission of the Association is committed to the education of youth. The Association focuses on providing and promoting programs for the next generation, AIA renders assistance wherever it is needed, promotes cultural activities, and works with other organizations to improve the overall welfare of the community.
In 2004, the Association adopted the mission statement: “Enhance the education of minorities and promote the culture of Caribbean people”.
The AIA is persistent in its work to promote education and has been consistent in providing opportunities for the next generation to be successful and impactful. AIA provides a tutoring program throughout the school year. This program is aligned with the school calendar and the AIA education scholarship. The tutoring program caters to students from grade 1 through grade 6 and customizes tutoring in areas where they need improvement. The program is staffed with a Certified Teacher, one Teacher’s Assistant, and high school student volunteers. Tutoring is provided on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at the First United Methodist Church, 227 Lincoln Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York. Currently, seven students are participating in the tutoring program.
AIA holds two (2) fundraising events annually; a Dinner Dance in November and a Scholarship Luncheon in May. AIA fulfills its mission by awarding scholarships to graduating high school seniors at the Hacinth S. Peters Scholarship Luncheon. Scholarships are awarded to high school graduates from Mount Vernon and surrounding communities, to assist them with continuing their pursuit of higher education and career goals.
Scholarships are highly competitive and are open to qualified students of Caribbean descent, who have been accepted by, and plan to earn a degree from an accredited college or university. The average scholarship award is $1,000. Most scholarships are one-year, non-renewal unless otherwise indicated by the donor.
To date, the Association has awarded 263 scholarships to students; with an average of 6-8 scholarships in recent years. In 2019, the Association awarded 13 scholarships, making history with the number of scholarships given at the luncheon. The All Islands Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. Proceeds from both the luncheon and the dinner dance go towards funding scholarships.
Support for the scholarship luncheon is provided by the many companies and private donors who have contributed over the years. Every year one scholarship is given in honor of Hacinth S. Peters, the creator of the scholarship program. Annually, during the third week of July, in appreciation of the supporters, members, and their families, the Association sponsors a family day picnic at Glen Island Park.
