News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Aug. 30, 2013: There’s no denying that Caribbean nationals throw a good party so who cares about social issues right?
As of last night, August 29th, Brooklyn NY came alive with the kick-off of the Caribbean Woodstock – part of the West Indian American day carnival series of events this year that will culminate with millions taking over Eastern Parkway on Monday September 2nd.
The Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival opens tonight for a historic Caribbean takeover of the Barclay’s Center in downtown Brooklyn for three days – August 30th and 31st as well as September 1st, 2013.
But while millions will jump up and wine this Labor Day or show their Caribbean colors in the home of the Brooklyn Nets and politicians will kiss babies, pose for pictures and find some way to be Caribbean for a day or talk about their roots there, the community will go back to being dismissed come end of day, Monday, September 2nd.
That’s because beyond focus on the culture of the Caribbean and the cultural artists like Shabba Ranks, Damian “Jr Gong” Marley, Wyclef Jean and Super Blue at Barclay’s, there is no spotlight on the issues or a partying with a purpose theme.
No focus on issues like immigration reform that many in the Caribbean American community needs; nothing on HIV and the Caribbean, Caribbean Americans or mental health issues or the fact that the Caribbean American voting bloc cannot be measured and its economic story told in numbers that can impress corporate America to spend money in the community.
Come 6 p.m. on Labor Day Monday, the Caribbean community in NYC will go back to being dismissed like the trash swept up on the streets after the masquerade – until next year again of course.
Still for one weekend, the Caribbean, its culture, music and food will be in the spotlight and will undoubtedly keep its title of the region and folks who do know how to throw a good party.
