For over a decade, I AM CaribBeing, a grassroots cultural organization led by founder and CEO Shelley Worrell, has worked on initiatives that have helped sustain the businesses, cultural impact and legacy of Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean.
For its pivotal role in safeguarding the legacy of Little Caribbean, this November I AM CaribBeing was given a 2024 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the Preservation League of New York State.
“It’s a huge win for the community because it’s Little Caribbean that won—it’s not CaribBeing,” she said. “I think everyone should be really happy about the award, and I hope they feel a sense of joy and connection.”
Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn in Flatbush, the Little Caribbean neighborhood stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring contributions of the Caribbean diaspora to New York City’s cultural, economic and social tapestry.
Officially designated as Little Caribbean in 2017, the neighborhood was recently named the coolest neighborhood in NYC and the 17th coolest in the world by TimeOut New York. The heartbeat of the neighborhood pulses with the sounds of reggae, soca and konpa, blending seamlessly with the tantalizing aromas of island cuisine, immersing visitors in the neighborhood’s unmistakable energy.
“We understand that preservation is not just about protecting buildings; it’s about safeguarding the traditions and stories of a people,” said Worrell. Although the organization isn’t a preservation entity in the traditional sense, its focus on cultural and economic sustainability naturally aligns with preservation efforts.
State Senator and candidate for mayor Zellnor Myrie, who represents one of New York’s largest concentrations of Caribbean and West Indian residents, lauded I AM CaribBeing for its impactful role.
“Little Caribbean preserves our community’s heritage while sustaining it for the future,” he said in a statement. “I extend my sincere congratulations to Little Caribbean for this well-deserved recognition.”
Cultural preservation has always been at the heart of I AM CaribBeing’s mission. Under Worrell’s leadership, the team spearheaded efforts to secure Little Caribbean’s official designation, launching a 2016 campaign in collaboration with the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President and the Caribbean Tourism Organization. These efforts culminated in the neighborhood being recognized as a cultural district in 2017.
The year 2022 marked another pivotal moment when the neighborhood was designated as one of its Six to Celebrate neighborhoods by the Historic Districts Council (HDC). This acknowledgment further highlighted Little Caribbean’s cultural and historical significance and put the spotlight on many of the neighborhood’s legacy institutions. It also helped propel advocacy efforts to place Little Caribbean on the National Register of Historic Places — a crucial step toward ensuring its legacy amidst rapid urban changes.
The HDC shared its excitement about Little Caribbean being honored with a 2024 Excellence Award, praising it for its “crucial and ongoing work to document, protect, and celebrate the irreplaceable cultural landscape of the Little Caribbean community,” noting that its support would continue going forward.
This year, I AM Caribbeing hosted the Best of Little Caribbean Awards. Now in its second year, the awards garnered nearly 6,000 votes from residents, celebrating both legacy institutions like Labay Market and Allan’s Bakery and newer businesses like Aunts et Uncles, Hibiscus Brew, and Mr. P’s Homemade Ice Cream
“These awards don’t just celebrate excellence,” Worrell said, “they amplify the voices of the community and foster a deeper appreciation for the businesses that shape Little Caribbean’s identity.”
I AM CaribBeing has also become a presence in New York’s annual West Indian American Day parade. For the third year in a row, I AM CaribBeing transformed their space into a bustling mas camp for its Monday Mas presentation, evoking the nostalgia of a time when such spaces were plentiful in the neighborhood.
From late-night registrations to costume preparations, the energy captured the spirit of old-school carnival traditions. “This year, we played sailor mas,” Worrell noted, highlighting a cherished costume tradition across several Caribbean islands. “It’s about connecting the community to its roots while inspiring future generations to honor their heritage.”
The I AM CaribBeing space itself has become a cornerstone of preservation, evolving from a shipping container setup outside of the former Flatbush Caton Market to a permanent location. Operating year-round, it serves as a hub for events, programming and cultural exchange. Stepping inside the permanent space on Nostrand Avenue, Worrel says customers can purchase items from over 30 Caribbean brands, including products from Jamaica, Haiti, Guyana, St. Lucia, Martinique and Grenada. “It’s just a really pan-Caribbean experience here.”
Worrell is now working to get Little Caribbean on the national registration for historic places. “Our work is about celebrating and sustaining the vibrancy of Caribbean life in New York,” she said. “From carnival to commerce, we’re ensuring that the stories, traditions and contributions of our community remain a vital part of this city’s fabric.”
