Meeting Member Monique Chandler-Waterman, in partnership with U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Senator Roxanne Persaud, and Meeting Member Jamie Williams, entertained scores of Canarsie residents on Aug. 10 on the Bankra Caribbean People Competition on the Holy Household Church tarmac on Flatlands Avenue in Brooklyn.
AssemblyMember Chandler-Waterman and Jamie Williams, who co-chair the New York State Caribbean Delegation, be sure that constituents are bused to Albany for Caribbean Heritage occasions to symbolize the melting pot of constituents that reside within the district.
“We’re all one it’s not, “a “I” factor, it’s a we factor,” mentioned Chandler-Waterman, including that everybody, whether or not Caribbean, Indian, or African American, “we’re united,“ she mentioned, and invited constituents to affix her within the Labor Day parade on Jap Parkway, on Monday, Sept. 1.
Chandler-Waterman, who represents Meeting District 58, a passionate politician for the folks, and who co-founded East Flatbush Village Inc. (EFV), a non-profit group to handle the restricted youth providers in the neighborhood, advised Caribbean Life that the occasion was a strong celebration of Caribbean heritage, tradition, and neighborhood.
“This annual celebration introduced collectively households, native leaders, and neighborhood members for a day full of reside performances, conventional Caribbean basket weaving, scrumptious refreshments, partaking actions, and entry to helpful neighborhood assets.
“Group members skilled a dynamic cultural showcase that includes colourful performances, artisan demonstrations, and interactive actions highlighting the richness of Caribbean heritage. The occasion additionally served as an area for neighborhood engagement, with native leaders current to attach straight with residents and supply assist,” mentioned the politician.
“In as we speak’s typically divided political local weather, unifying neighborhood occasions just like the Bankra Caribbean People Competition play an important function in bridging gaps, fostering belief, and reinforcing shared values. This gathering was greater than only a cultural celebration; it was a secure, inclusive area the place residents have been in a position to join throughout backgrounds, interact straight with elected officers, and entry important assets. Occasions like this middle tradition, neighborhood, and collaboration. It reminds us of the ability of unity in civic life. This not solely strengthens social bonds, but in addition restores public confidence in management that listens, represents, and celebrates the folks it serves,“ she mentioned.
“The Bankra Caribbean People Competition was an unbelievable celebration of our neighborhood’s vibrant Caribbean roots,“ mentioned Meeting Member Monique Chandler-Waterman. “It was an honor to convey collectively residents of all ages from younger to older adults, to uplift our tradition, take pleasure in significant traditions, and join with providers that strengthen our neighborhoods.“
“The essential neighborhood partnership with Braata Productions introduced genuine Caribbean creative expression to life, providing an area the place cultural storytelling, music, and artistry might thrive. In a borough identified for its multicultural roots, the competition stood as a strong reminder of the enduring contributions Caribbean communities proceed to make.“
“The neighborhood left not solely with full hearts and festive reminiscences but in addition with a renewed sense of satisfaction and belonging. With robust turnout, impactful programming, and widespread neighborhood engagement, the Bankra Caribbean People Competition proved to be a significant and memorable celebration of tradition, id, and togetherness,” mentioned Meeting Member Chandler-Waterman
“We’re right here to rejoice,” mentioned Meeting Member Jamie Williams, who thanked Senator Persaud for her assist and for investing in packages in the neighborhood. “We’re going to proceed investing in our Canarsie,“ mentioned Williams.
“We hope that our Caribbean delegation in New York State can do extra, as a result of generally we aren’t included; we’re put into one group,“ shared Williams, who joined the festivities.
Sandy, a State Senator, Roxanne Persaud’s workers, invited constituents to an annual household enjoyable day and back-to-school occasion on Aug. 19 in Canarsie Park. A Seniors’ occasion on the Senator’s workplace, situated at 1222 East 96th St., can also be on the summer time program.
Founding father of Braata People Singers, Andrew Clarke, who served as emcee, introduced an lively group of performers to the stage for a day of grand leisure, opening with Genesis Pan Group, which set the tone with a medley of calypso music. A stunning efficiency by Trinidad-heritage members of Infinite Vibration Dance and Drum Corps adopted this.
Dressed within the colours of the dual Island flag, 11-year-old Jaden’s African drumbeats fueled the dancers who delivered a spirited choreography, a lot to the viewers’s delight.
The melodious voices of the Braata People Singers, with Andrew Clarke on the helm and Meeting Member Chandler-Waterman becoming a member of them, engaged the group with favorites resembling “Blinking Bus,” “Night Time,” “Dip and Fall Again,” and “Donkey Music,” which bought celebrants on their ft.
Reggae vocalist Semone G. additionally entertained the group, with Barrington Levy’s hits “Too Skilled“ and “Right here I come.“
Moreover, a inventive carnival effigy exhibition introduced into focus the upcoming 58th West Indian American Day Carnival.
Group associate Canarsie Retailers Affiliation Inc. (CMA), led by Founder and Government Director Norine. The group is at present celebrating Again to College occasions.
Go to Canarsie, a tourism group will proceed its calendar of Open Streets occasions on ninety fifth St. between Flatlands Avenue and Conklin Avenue on Aug.16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31.
Different companions are My Time Inc., a dad or mum assist and networking website for folks of kids with autism and developmental disabilities, East Flatbush Village Inc., Group Advocacy Hub, and Sufficient Initiatives.
