Caribbean heritage is celebrated every June across the US, honoring those who trace their origins to the many islands across the Caribbean. New York City has one of the largest Caribbean American populations in the country, and the community’s energy vibrates throughout the five boroughs, particularly in neighborhoods such as Flatbush, Brooklyn (known as “Little Caribbean”), and Jamaica, Queens.
The month is dedicated to bringing awareness about Caribbean culture, highlighting each island’s nuances while amplifying common threads that unite the region. Check out these events and exhibits to explore ways you can celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month this year.
Life with Basquiat
Through June 11, Colonels Row, Governors Island
Haitian American artist Jean Michel Basquiat is celebrated in this art exhibition—held at Caribbeing House’s pop-up space on Governors Island—that focuses on the details of his life through photos collected from his friend and ex-lover Alex Adler. The photos, images of artwork and other displays offer a glimpse into Basquiat’s during the short time in 1979–80 that he was living in Manhattan’s East Village. Basquiat’s work shows his immense pride in his Haitian and Puerto Rican heritage and NYC upbringing.
Courtesy, Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Photo: Michael Stewart
Trees of Little Caribbean
Through December 17, Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Beautiful and lush plants are frequently associated with the Caribbean islands, especially plants that bear delicious fruit that can’t be grown in most of the US. Coconut, guava, mango and plum trees are abundant across the islands, and their fruits are staple ingredients of many Caribbean recipes. The Trees of the Little Caribbean exhibit, in the Steinhardt Conservatory, teaches visitors about the islands’ native horticulture and lessons around colonization and exploitation through plants and the fruit they bear. Learn more about these trees and other plants at this informative, relaxing exhibit.
Courtesy, Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Photo: Michael Stewart
Plants of Little Caribbean
Through end of summer, Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Loved Trees of Little Caribbean? Head over to a parallel exhibit at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to learn more about the unique plants native to the Caribbean islands. Think sorrel, okra, callaloo and the like, used in so many Sunday meals and family gatherings.
Courtesy, Flatbush Ave BID
Island Flavors: Caribbean Cooking Competition
June 5, East 17th Street and Church Avenue, Flatbush, Brooklyn
Cooking is a huge part of Caribbean culture, and there is always an ongoing debate as to which island, restaurant or family member makes the best cuisine. This June the Flatbush Ave BID is hosting an intense culinary competition where the decision doesn’t rest with us. Come out to grab a bite as five notable Caribbean restaurants each prepare a classic dish: stewed chicken and rice. Attendees will be able to sample plates from each restaurant before judges determine who should be crowned winner of them all.
Fe Noel Little Caribbean Store Opening
June 15, noon to 6pm, 1133 Nostrand Ave., Flatbush, Brooklyn
The luxury women’s wear brand worn by the likes of Beyoncé and Michelle Obama opens its first first brick-and-mortar store this month. Designer and founder Fe Noel, a Grenadian American from Brooklyn, intentionally chose Little Caribbean—brimming with diverse West Indian culture—as the site for her boutique storefront. The grand opening will celebrate Caribbean culture with music, dancing and, of course, Noel’s island-inspired looks available for purchase.
Works from Grenada Art Residency in Partnership with Calabar Gallery
June 16–July 2, Colonels Row, Governors Island
This art residency focuses on the work of Grenadian filmmaker Teddy Fredericks and the island nation of Grenada. The exhibit, held in Caribbeing House’s pop-up space on Governors Island, sparks conversations around the daily lives of Grenadian residents, community norms and themes that are important to this community, including politics of land, food, agriculture and general wellness.
Courtesy, Reels & Riddim
Reels & Riddim
June 16, 16 Gramercy Park South, Manhattan
12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival and Vincent and Patricia Foundation (an extension of VP Records) celebrate Caribbean culture through music and film at The Players, one of the oldest membership clubs in NYC. The jam-packed agenda includes a networking cocktail reception, an hourlong showcase of films, a panel discussion and live music.
Juneteenth + One Love Little Caribbean Day
June 18, Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of the last enslaved people in the United States—a victory for everyone across the African Diaspora. This year, the teams at IAMCaribBEING and Fun with Friends unite to add a Caribbean touch to the holiday. Head out to Prospect Park for a fun-filled day featuring music from a number of Afro-Caribbean DJs, games and artisanal goods offered by a variety of vendors.
Photo: Diana Kahrim
CaribBiz Network Momentum Expo
June 22–24, 345 Adams St., Downtown Brooklyn
For the second consecutive year, the CaribBiz Network will host the Momentum expo, a three-day business and cultural exposition featuring clothing, food, jewelry, body, skin care and other specialty goods by Caribbean-owned businesses across the City. The event also puts on insightful panel discussions with some of today’s business leaders representing the Caribbean community, showing how they’ve attained success while remaining connected to their community and Caribbean heritage.
Steelpan Day
June 25, Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park, Brooklyn
The steelpan, a musical instrument founded in the 1930s in Trinidad and Tobago, is celebrated for its contribution to the development of soca music. Originally crafted from pots, pans and other metal waste, over time the percussion instrument was tuned to deliver just the right notes. Typically played by bands during Carnival and other cultural celebrations, this instrument has become an icon in Caribbean culture. The event will feature several steelpan bands, including Hearts of Steel and musicians from the Little Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn.
Island Rhythms
June 30, Kings Theatre Courtyard, Flatbush, Brooklyn
Bring your best dance moves to this celebration of Caribbean sounds, where you’ll hear soca, dancehall, reggae, steel band and compas. The event takes place from 4 to 8pm.
