Mayor Toni N. Harp and organizers of the New Haven Caribbean Heritage Festival and the Jamaican American Connection kicked off the sixth celebration of Caribbean culture at City Hall this week. All people who are of Caribbean descent were invited to city hall to mix and mingle and take a group photo documenting their heavy presence in New Haven.
This year’s festival will return to DeGale Field (Goffe Street Park) on June 30, 2019 beginning at 1:00 pm in true “Caribbean style” with time for family, authentic music, dancing, as well as amazing food from several local vendors. This event will begin with a rolling precession of island music and costumed dancers to give the community a taste of carnival; a traditional and highly raved/anticipated parade style event. Rain or shine, everyone young or old is encouraged to come out and indulge in an Caribbean experience like no other.
(Statement from Caribbean Heritage Month's Website)
'In June 2005, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted H. Con. Res. 71, sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, recognizing the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States.
The campaign to designate June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month, was spearheaded by Dr. Claire Nelson, Founder and President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies. Through the commemoration of this month, we hope to ensure that America is reminded that its greatness lies in its diversity, with Caribbean immigrants from founding father Alexander Hamilton, to journalist Malcolm Gladwell, who have shaped the American dream.'
Since Mayor Harp's time in office, Carribean nationals who work and live in the city have been invited to showcase their culture at City Hall during this month. People of the Caribbean Diaspora have been a part of the rich culture of New Haven since at least the 1900s and will continue to share their beautiful culture with everyone.
The planning committee members for the festival are: Karaine Smith-Holness (Jamaica), Shermaine Cooke-Edmonds (Dominica), Paula Ferguson (Grenada), Hayden Worrell (Trinidad), Micheal Gittens (Trinidad) and Yvonne Jackson (Jamaica). Photos by Leigh Busby (Trinidad)
For more information contact Committee atnewhavencaribfest@gmail.com
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