Welcome to Caribbean Heritage Month in New York City.
Every June, New Yorkers celebrate the rich cultural heritage and significant contributions of Caribbean people. It’s an opportunity to recognize and honor the diverse Caribbean diaspora, which has greatly influenced American society.
Also Read: What Audience Research Proved Us Wrong About Caribbean New Yorkers
Caribbean Heritage Month has been celebrated since 2000 by the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington DC. In 2004, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced a legislative bill recognizing June as Caribbean Heritage Month. The bill passed the House in 2005, and the Senate in 2006. On June 5, 2006, President George W. Bush signed a proclamation making the resolution official.
The thriving Caribbean community of New York celebrates the month-long festivities with many events, performances, and cultural programming highlighting the Caribbean islands’ traditions, art, music, cuisine, and history.
According to Migration Policy Institute, New York is home to the second-largest Caribbean immigrant group in the United States. They reside mainly in the Bronx, and the Kings and the Queens counties.
Similar to the previous years, in 2023, Caribbean New Yorkers will celebrate with a series of events showcasing their culture, food, and history. This guide contains some events celebrating Caribbean culture and contribution to New York.
Let’s Dance – Uptown Nights w/ Yasser Tejeda & DJ Sabine Blaizin
This event showcases Yasser Tejeda, an Afro-Dominican bandleader, blending traditional folkloric music with elements of jazz, rock, and Caribbean rhythms. Additionally, DJ Sabine Blaizin (also known as Oyasound), a Haitian artist, provides African Diasporic dance music to open and conclude the event. Link.
Where: Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031
When: June 8, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti
A documentary that exposes the devastating impact of the United States’ previous Occupation of Haiti, leaving the nation further impoverished. Link
Where: Katharine L. McKenna Screening Room 550 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
When: June 10, 8:00 pm
Guyana Independence Parade
An after-parade concert will take place at Lefrak Center (Lakeside Prospect Park) at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Starting at Church Ave. and Albany Ave. in Flatbush
When: June 11, 10:30 a.m.
Legendary Traditional Characters of J’Ouvert
An informative event about the traditional characters of J’Ouvert presented by Bush Wo/man Conversations Project, JouvayFest Collective, 2J & Friends in collaboration with Prospect Park Alliance. J’Ouvert is a traditional event that marks the beginning of Carnival celebrations in many Caribbean islands, particularly Trinidad and Tobago. During J’Ouvert, participants cover themselves in paint, oil, or mud and dress in colorful costumes. They dance to steelpan, calypso, and soca music.
Where: Lefferts Historic House, 452 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, United States
When: June 11, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Caribbean Skate Night (Little Caribbean Edition)
Skating, music, and drinks. For more information, click here.
Where: RollerWave NYC 625 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11217
Time: June 16, 8:00 p.m.
Haiti Uncovered: A Culinary Experience with Nadege Fleurimond
Where: FiveMyles Gallery 558 St Johns Pl Brooklyn, NY 11238
When: June 16, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
A culinary journey with Chef Fleurimond, where she offers a Haitian gastronomic experience. She will share her invaluable tips and tricks for cooking Caribbean dishes. Delight your taste buds with a delectable array of Caribbean cuisine and much more, creating a memorable dining adventure.
Works from Grenada Art Residency in partnership with Calabar Gallery
Calabar Gallery partners with Flavours of Grenada and the Grenada Tourism Authority at Cannes Brulees Rum Factory to present Frederick’s work at CaribBeing House. The three-week showcase focuses on the Social Justice Residency, curated by Atim Annette Oton. It delves into the politics of land, food, agriculture, and wellness, featuring new, original, and socially engaging projects. The residency explores the lives and community of the Caribbean, particularly Grenada, within the context of these themes.
Where: Governors Island
When: June 16 – July 2
Solo dance performances
Live drumming and solo dance performances featuring artists Nubian Néné, and Steeven Labady Marcel
Where: FiveMyles Gallery, 558 St Johns Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11238
When: June 18, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Caribbean Heritage Month in Prospect Parc || Juneteenth + One Love Little Caribbean Day
Prospect Park Alliance and its partners will celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month with music, dance, and performances from Caribbean artists.
Where: Lefferts Historic House, 452 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, United States
When: June 18, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Haiti Film Night
Showcase of the premiere of ‘AGWE’ by Samuel Suffren, along with a selection from the acclaimed Haiti Film Fest 2022, including ‘Toro La Cou’ by Pierre-Michel Jean.
Where: FiveMyles Gallery 558 St Johns Pl Brooklyn, NY 11238
When: June 23, 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm
CBN Momentum 2023
This series of events gather Caribbean creators and entrepreneurs around discussion panels, networking mixers, and a vendor marketplace featuring more than 30 Caribbean vendors.
Where: 345 Adams St., Downtown Brooklyn, NYC
When: June 23 and June 24, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
For more information visit www.cbnmomentum.com
Steelpan Day
Live performances by Hearts of Steel band and other musicians
Where: Lefferts Historic House, 452 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, United States
When: June 25, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
