On September 5, the Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Pageant (BCLF) honoured the Vice-Chancellor of The College of the West Indies (The UWI), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles. The distinguished award was introduced by New York Main, Eric Adams who praised Professor Sir Hilary Beckles for his “excellent contributions to the dynamic cultural panorama by means of his accomplishments as an writer, educator, and historian.”
Established in 2019, the Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Pageant (BCLF) has rapidly developed into a number one platform for celebrating the richness of Caribbean literature and the area’s vibrant historical past of storytelling. By spotlighting each rising and established writers of Caribbean heritage, the competition not solely showcases the works of those writers, but additionally empowers the Caribbean group to share their tales on their very own phrases. As a platform, the BCLF isn’t just an moral accountability however a necessity in showcasing the ability of a collective platform to reclaim the narrative and elevate Caribbean voices from the shadows of exclusion.
BCLF’s capstone occasion provides the distinctive platform the place the literary contributions of Caribbean writers are celebrated and amplified to a world viewers. Consequently, this occasion has turn out to be a useful house for Caribbean authors to achieve the popularity they deserve whereas preserving the area’s cultural and historic legacy by means of literature.
As a part of his BCLF itinerary, Vice-Chancellor Beckles took middle stage throughout the “Insurgent Islands” phase on Friday, September 6, on the Weeksville Heritage Heart. The dialog, hosted by Dr. Richard George, offered an attractive discussion board for Professor Beckles to share his insights on Caribbean historical past and tradition, underscoring his longstanding dedication to training and mental empowerment.
Considered one of the crucial influential students within the Caribbean right now, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles continues to encourage each within the area and overseas. Mayor Adams expressed this sentiment, noting that Sir Hilary has “engaged and impressed various individuals in New York and past.” He continued, “I look ahead to the numerous methods you’ll proceed to make a optimistic distinction and strengthen our vibrant Caribbean American group as we take daring steps to #getstuffdone to forge a brighter, extra equitable and affluent future for our international metropolis.”
In accepting the particular honour bestowed upon him, Vice-Chancellor Beckles highlighted The UWI’s position in tackling the area’s challenges, saying, “The UWI has an everlasting responsibility to supply literary and mental responses to the challenges we face. As a member of the group, I’m dedicated to the agenda. We’re all the time honoured when our stakeholders recognise the worth of our contributions. I’m grateful to Mayor Adams and the town.”
