Food, music, dancing, and vibrant cultural displays were on full display on Saturday, June 28, as the annual Caribbean-American Heritage Month Celebration brought life and color to 1222 East 96th Street in Canarsie, Brooklyn.
Organized by the co-chairs of the New York State Caribbean-American Delegation—Assembly Members Jaime Williams and Monique Chandler-Waterman, and State Senator Roxanne Persaud—the event was hailed as an “epic” celebration of the Caribbean’s rich and diverse legacy in the United States.
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Assembly Member Jaime Williams, a Trinidadian-born representative of Brooklyn’s 59th Assembly District, underscored the significance of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, which is celebrated throughout June. “This month is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the rich history, culture, and contributions of Caribbean Americans to the United States,” she said. “In addition to recognizing it here in my district, we celebrate with several events in Albany.”
Williams, whose district reflects the vibrant diversity of Brooklyn, added, “The more we understand and embrace our differences, the stronger we are as a community.”
Assembly Member Monique Chandler-Waterman, who is of Jamaican and Barbadian descent and represents the 58th Assembly District, expressed pride in the cultural showcase. “I’m proud to stand with my colleagues and community groups to celebrate our rich Caribbean culture through performances, food, and music,” she said. “This is important to learn about one another, especially in these uncertain times. It was amazing to see the community celebrating in a safe space without concern.”
She emphasized her commitment to continuing the work with her co-chair, Assembly Member Williams, to ensure Caribbean heritage is highlighted across the state: “This is not an I thing—it is a WE ting!”
Senator Roxanne Persaud, a Guyanese-born representative for Brooklyn’s 19th Senate District, called the celebration a meaningful tribute to the Caribbean community’s heritage and its enduring impact. “I am pleased that my colleagues and I, in collaboration with sponsors and supporters, were able to provide the community with a festive event that recognized the incredible impact Caribbean-Americans have had in shaping our borough and beyond,” Persaud said.
The co-chairs also presented three scholarships through the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators, in a nod to the importance of educational empowerment within the Caribbean diaspora.
They extended gratitude to a long list of partners and supporters who helped make the event possible, including Frieda Menos, representing U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries; Emblem Health; Four Seasons; TriniJam BK; 69th Precinct Community Council; Clover Dewar; Melting Pot Restaurant; My Time, Inc.; Newton Foundation; Grenada Cultural Association; Guyana Folk Fest; Sesame Flyers; Tropical Fete; the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA); Golden Krust; East Flatbush Village, Inc.; Destination Dominica; Visit Canarsie; Millennium Development; DJ Chinee; BICAL Auto; and the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI).
A special acknowledgment was also given to the Caribbean-American Correction Officers Delegation, along with all the local community-based organizations, volunteers, and staff who contributed to the day’s success.
The celebration served not only as a cultural showcase, but also as a reminder of the Caribbean-American community’s enduring influence in Brooklyn and beyond.
