Caribbean Corner

"Loss," a compelling narrative capsulizing a Caribbean descendant's angst, grief, and healing, recently featured prominently in the "Under The Radar" Festival in Harlem. New Yorker magazine has described the festival as a "marquee name on the January Festival circuit for over two decades." Through an eclectic blend of internationally acclaimed talents, the festival is reputed for gifting New Yorkers with some of the most innovative and expressive international and local talents. This first-month lineup offered treats at numerous venues throughout the boroughs. However, "Loss" connected with sold-out audiences inside the 99-seat Victoria Theater's Apollo Soundstage in Harlem. The diverse, intergenerational crowd that filled the space indicated interest in the topical production. The presentation's Caribbean perspective seemed particularly endearing. Promotions lauded the Canadian presenter as a writer, artist, design...

With #SoupSeason in full swing, I thought it was the perfect time to share this Callaloo Soup recipe. Loosely based on recipes my friends from Grenada, Antigua, and Dominica have shared with me over the years, it’s packed with deep island flavors, hearty ingredients, and general comfort our thick and rich soups are known for in the Caribbean. [caption id="attachment_69769" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Photo by Chris De La Rosa [/caption] You’ll Need… 1/2 lb Dasheen leaves 5 cups water 3 lbs chicken (seasoned) 1 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 1/2 lbs salted pigtail (prepared) 2 scallions (rough chopped) 1 scotch bonnet pepper (chopped) 4-6 sprigs thyme 1 medium onion (sliced) 2 Pimento Peppers (sliced) 6 cloves garlic (smashed) 2 cups coconut milk 4 cups chicken stock 3/4 lb potato 3/4 lb dasheen (taro) 3/4 swe...

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson on Wednesday joined Principal of the Family Life Academy Charter School II Valerie Marchionno, Assistant Principal Marilea Alberto and Music Director Nicholas Diaz in debuting her first-ever Winter Holiday Concert, “Tis the Season.” The two-hour-long event took place in the Rotunda of Bronx Borough Hall, 851 Grand Concourse. Gibson, the daughter of a Trinidadian-immigrant father, told Caribbean Life that over 300 parents, relatives and caregivers gathered to hear more than 200 Kindergarten through 5th Grade students, enrolled at the Mott Haven school, sing holiday hits. They included “Joy to the World,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Holidays,” “Light of Kwanzaa,” “Ready,” “Steady Go Now!,” “Mele Kalikimaka,”and others. “It was a true joy to celebrate the holidays with over 200 students from Family Life Academy Charter School II at our first-ever Winter Holiday Concert, held in the Rotunda of Bronx Borough Hall,” Gibson said. “Through their ...

“Resist! How a Century of Young Black Activists Shaped America” by Rita Omokha c.2024, St. Martin’s Press                                           $29.00                                 352 pages   Historically, when decisions were needed, the answer has often been “no.” No, certain people don’t get the same education as others. No, there is no such thing as equality. No, voting can be denied , and no, the laws are different depending on the color of one’s skin. And in the new book, “Resist!” by Rita Omokha, no, those things have not been accepted meekly. In 1995, after she and her brothers traveled from their native Nigeria to join their mother at her new home in the South Bronx, young Rita Omokha’s eyes were opened . She quickly understood that the color of her skin – which was “synonymous with endless striving and a pursuit of excellence” in Nigeria – was “so problematic in America.” That became a more significant matter to Omokha, 15 years...

Grenadian-born educator Dr. Ansha Clement, a STEM learning specialist, mother, and author, has won The Internation Impact Book Award for Best STEM Education from a Phoenix, AZ company that carries that name. Dr. Clement, who resides in Baldwin in Nassau County, Long Island, told Caribbean Life on Monday that the award is "an incredible honor and validation of the work I'm so passionate about. "Personally, it reinforces my belief in the importance of early STEM education," she said about the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics acronym. "Professionally, it highlights the impact of creating resources that connect with diverse audiences. "I hope this recognition inspires others to invest in the next generation of scientists and innovators," she added. "In the making are ideas of expanding this science series and developing workshops for parents and educators to integrate STEM learning into everyday activities." Dr...

Let’s be CLEAR, this is NOT a traditional Caribbean Christmas cake. However, this is for people who want cake but are a bit afraid of baking. For those of us who want something close to a traditional holiday cake, but didn’t soak their fruits for months leading up to Christmas as we normally do in the Caribbean. And finally, for those of us who just want a simple, quick and tasty cake.. with a hint rum and dried fruits. [caption id="attachment_68998" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Photo by Chris De La Rosa [/caption] You’ll Need… 2 boxed cake mix 1 cup rum (dark) 1 1/2 cup Port (or sherry – any fortified wine) 1 teaspoon nutmeg (fresh grated) 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 orange (zest) 1 cup raisins 1 cup prunes (rough chop) 1 cup citrus peel 1 cup mixed fruit 1-2 tablespoon Caribbean Browning 1 1/2 tablespoon Vanilla more Port or Rum for soaking the finished cake whatever ingredients is mentioned ...

The bellowing voice of Jennifer Hudson filled the ornate walls of Brooklyn Kings Theater with songs from her first Christmas album, "Gift of Love," a compilation of lovable holiday tunes and familiar hits that brought the audience to its feet. The Nov. 24 concert — An Intimate Live Experience by the EGOT - Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony winner- was enchanting and magical. Despite a late start, Hudson, a former contestant on the hugely popular musical contest American Idol, wearing a shimmering green gown, lit up the stage in a glowing moment that excited the audience. Accompanied by a grand symphony orchestra and backup singers, the artist's melodious voice thrilled the enthusiastic crowd with " Oh Holy Night," "Make it to Christmas, " "Joy to the World," "Little Drummer Boy, " "Christmas Song, " and "Jingle Bells," among others. She put her own creative spin on the classics, much to the delight of the ...

The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is set to relaunch “Ti Atis,” a monthly program dedicated to celebrating Haitian culture through activities and performances, beginning this weekend. “Ti Atis,” which translates to “Little Artists” in Haitian Creole, aims to immerse young participants in Haitian history and heritage through various art forms. The initiative comes thanks to a partnership with the Haiti Cultural Exchange. Régine M. Roumain, executive director of HCX, said the program will feature a diverse lineup. Programs kick off on Nov. 9 and will continue every second Saturday of the month until May 11, 2025. Photo courtesy of Winston Williams/Brooklyn Children’s Museum. “We are excited to continue Ti Atis, our signature youth program, fostering appreciation and understanding for Haitian culture and arts,” Roumain said in a statement. According to museum leaders, the event was designed to enhance cultural appreciation with ...

“The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance” by Jemar Tisby c.2024, Zondervan Reflective                  $29.99                               262 pages   You have all the tools you need. You have a level, so you’re always even-keeled. A hammer, to nail down your ideals. A saw to cut through nonsense and pliers to pull out the truth. You have almost everything you need for equality; now you need “The Spirit of Justice” by Jemar Tisby for the right blueprint. In early December of 2017, Myrlie Evers-Williams “granted a private audience” with a group of journalists on the day that the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum opened. Jemar Tisby was in that group, and Evans-Williams’ remarks stunned him. She said that “the spirit of justice raises up like a war horse… that stands with its back sunk in” until it “hears that… ‘bell of freedom.’ And all of a sudden, it beco...

“Lead Bigger: The Transformative Power of Inclusion” by Anne Chow c.2024, Simon & Schuster                                          $28.99                                  272 pages   The last kid picked . If you were ever in that position, you probably remember what it was like. Being out of the loop, the last person tapped, the one left out, none of this feels good – whether you’re a kid or an adult and an employee. So, how do you ensure that your team belongs? Read the new book “Lead Bigger” by Anne Chow, and choose it. When Anne Chow started working at AT&T years ago, she was often the only woman in the room, the only woman in the department, and the only Asian-American in the building. As she moved up the ladder to a better position, she decided that the old ways of business leadership didn’t work anymore. “Lead Bigger” author, Anne Chow. Photo by Austin Wilder She expanded her outlook into what she calls “leading...

New York City’s Blue & Bougie party promoters announced on Monday that they will be hosting a chic “Wine N Chill” event on Nov. 3 at the Redline Room on Fairfield Avenue, Block Rock, Connecticut. ‘“Fairfield, Connecticut, get ready to indulge in ‘Wine N Chill,’ an upscale, premium party that embodies important features of our successful Bleu & Bougie party that we have been hosting in New York for the past seven years,” Event conceptualizer Jamaican Jerry McDonald told Caribbean Life, stating that the event is “a food-inclusive party.” “’Wine N Chill’ is more than an experience; it is a lifestyle,” added McDonald, urging patrons to “come out early; the event begins at 4 p.m., and ends at 10 p.m. sharp. “It is a party that embodies excellence by embracing and amplifying the love of fashion, fun music, females and fine wines,” he continued. “We are targeting on social media, not just Jamaican/Caribbean nationals living in Connecticut but patrons from New York, New...

The Brooklyn-based West Indian-American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), organizer of Caribbean Carnival Week in New York, has announced the winners of this year’s carnival. Sherzel Production emerged as the top band in the large bands category. WIADCA also said that Pan Evolution Steel Orchestra (PESO) took the Panorama title among eight competing bands. Sherzell Production copped the Band of the Year title with its portrayal of “Kaleidoscope: Festival of Colors” with 264 points.  “I’ve been winning for the last seven years, but I came second last year because there were no categories because of COVID,” Band leader Trinidadian Sherzel Snell told Caribbean Life on Tuesday.  Masqueraders from Sherzel Production. Photo by Nelson A. King Stronjeh International, portraying “Tropical Bliss,” took the second spot, with 255 points. In the Medium Bands category, Kaisokah Moko Jumbies USA, Inc. emerged winners with “Watch Meh,...

In some parts of the Caribbean “Cow Heel” is also known as “Cow Foot”, and while those outside our culture may find it a bit offensive to eat such a part of the animal, it’s a comforting, tasty and nutritious dish. It’s deep rooted in our history from slavery to indentureship and beyond. Photo by Chris De La Rosa You’ll Need… 2 1/2 tablespoon Olive oil 1 large onion (diced) 5 cloves garlic (smashed) 1 teaspoon cumin (Geera) seeds 2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning 1 tablespoon ground Masala 2 1/2 tablespoon Curry powder 2 pimento peppers (seasoning peppers) 1 1/2 cup water 1 tablespoon black pepper 6 pimento berries 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or 1 stick) 1 Star Anise 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns 3 Cardamom pods 2 bay leaves 2 Scotch Bonnet Peppers (see note below) 2 thick slices of ginger 4 1/2 lbs cow heel 3/4 tablespoon salt (adjust) 5-10 cups water 3 tablespoon cilantro (chopped) Notes! Please get your butcher to cut the cow heel pieces for y...