Takoma Park, Maryland: Hundreds of family members, friends, former students, colleagues and admirers gathered at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, on Sunday, July 12, to celebrate the life and legacy of Jamaica-born academic, entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Darien Antonio Green, whose influence spanned education, business, music and community service.The thanksgiving service drew members of the Jamaican diaspora, educators, business leaders and representatives of the diplomatic community, all paying tribute to a man remembered for his generosity, wisdom and unwavering commitment to helping others.Among the honours bestowed were official citations from Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, recognising Dr Green’s contributions to education, business and community development.Born in Leith Hall, St Thomas, Dr Green distinguished himself as a scholar and athlete at Excelsior High School before earning a scholarship to Howard University, where he studied accounting and finance. He later served as a professor at the University of the District of Columbia for more than three decades, mentoring generations of students while building a successful career as an entrepreneur and accountant.His impact extended beyond academia. Dr Green was instrumental in the formation of the internationally acclaimed reggae band Third World, serving as its first manager and helping establish the business structure that supported the group’s global success. He was also a founding investor and the first general manager of Zanzibar on the Waterfront, transforming the Washington, DC venue into one of the city’s premier multicultural entertainment destinations.Despite his many accomplishments abroad, Dr Green remained devoted to Jamaica. He generously supported Excelsior High School and helped launch the cricket career of West Indies fast-bowling legend Courtney Walsh after recognising his talent at an early age.His sons, Warren and Naeem Green, delivered moving tributes that portrayed a devoted father whose greatest lessons were rooted in discipline, education, hard work and unconditional love.“Our father taught us the value of education and perseverance,” Warren Green told mourners. “He invested not only in businesses but in people. Everywhere we go, someone tells us how he mentored, encouraged or inspired them. That is his legacy.”Naeem Green reflected on the countless lives his father touched through mentorship, friendship and community service.“To many people, he was a mentor, businessman, icon and community leader. To us, he was simply Pops. He pushed us to be our best, supported us through life’s challenges, and showed us what it means to give back. His greatest accomplishment was the lives he changed.”A special tribute was presented on behalf of the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, DC which described Dr Green as a steadfast supporter of both the embassy and the Jamaican community in the Washington metropolitan area.The Jamaica Independence DMV Diaspora Awards Committee will posthumously honour Dr Green with a Citation of Appreciation during the Annual Service of Thanksgiving marking Jamaica’s 64th Anniversary of Independence at the Seabrook Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lanham, Maryland, on July 26, 2026. The citation recognises his decades of support for the embassy and the Jamaican diaspora.Delivering the eulogy, Pastor Novella Smith urged mourners to remember Dr Green, not by the day he died, but by the compassion, kindness and concern that defined his life.“The revelation of Dr Green’s life is not about an ending,” she said. “It is about unveiling a life of impact, influence and generosity. He used his resources, wisdom and heart to create opportunities for others. That is the legacy we should seek to emulate.”Throughout the service, speakers celebrated Dr Green’s unique ability to bridge academia, business, culture and philanthropy while remaining deeply connected to his Jamaican roots. Whether mentoring students, supporting young athletes, guiding musicians, building businesses or strengthening communities, they said, he dedicated his life to uplifting others.Dr Green is survived by his sons, Warren and Naeem; daughter, Nydia; siblings; an extended family; and countless colleagues, friends and former students whose lives bear the imprint of his enduring legacy.As mourners departed the church, the prevailing sentiment was gratitude for a life that exemplified service, excellence and generosity – a Jamaican whose influence will continue to resonate in classrooms, boardrooms, sporting arenas and communities on both sides of the Atlantic. He will be interred in the family plot at Leith Hall, St Thomas.