Carnival Week in NY

Brooklyn is ready for this weekend’s carnival in NY. EVERYBODY’S Magazine gives detailed information about how the carnival started as indoor events in Harlem during the 1920s-1940s. The magazine tells you why the carnival ended abruptly in Harlem and  how it came to Brooklyn.

PHOTO: The executive members of the West Indian-American Day Association of 1972. (2ND PHOTO: Carnival in Harlem on Labor Day Saturday of 1950. The carnival was then known as the West Indies Parade.

WIADA 73There are rare photos of the first carnival on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. It was the year 1971. Before 1971, the carnival was held on small streets in Caribbean neighborhoods but 1971 was a turning point. The carnival events were held on the grounds of the Brooklyn Museum.

EVERYBODY’S September or Carnival Edition provides the dates of 2017 carnival worldwide. To get this historical edition in print and digital format, click “Magazine & Subscription” on our homepage.

Carnival Amsterdam News

STEELBAND DOCUMENTARY ON SATURDAY, NY

The New York City Premiere of Panomundo Part 1: The Evolution of the Steelpan will take place on Sat., June 25, 2016, at 2:00PM at ARTs East New York in Brooklyn. There will be a Q&A session with filmmaker Charysse Tia Harper following the 42-minute documentary. This event is in partnership with a Take Stock Inc. initiative called “Evolution of Steelpan” (EOS).

steelband“This is a very exciting time for us,” explains Harper, one-half of the filmmaking team. “We filmed the majority of the US portion of [Panomundo] Part 2 [Pan Worldwide] in Brooklyn and it is our pleasure to introduce the documentary to the community.”

Harper, along with British filmmaker Keith Musaman Morton, have spent four years making Panomundo: a feature-length documentary told in two parts about the history of the steelpan and its global influence. Part 1 focuses on the inception of the steelband in Trinidad & Tobago until its international recognition and Part 2 looks at the instrument’s influence in six countries: Canada, Japan, Nigeria, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. This section is currently in post-production with an anticipated release later this year.

Part 1 premiered in August 2015 at the British Film Institute’s We Love Carnival Screenings in London. From there, it was shown around the United Kingdom until having its US premiere at Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival in Ithaca, NY, in April 2016 and again screening at Virginia International PANFest in May. View the 2-minute trailer.

“We purposely chose June to have the New York City premiere because it is Caribbean Heritage Month and what better way to get more eyes on this film?!” asserts Harper. “This is also a way for the bands we interviewed to see an introduction into the history before they see how they have assisted in continuing evolution of the instrument.”

In addition to the film screening, Take Stock will present “Evolution of Steelpan” (EOS), a traveling production that provides information about music and culture’s immeasurable ability to influence society. The offering debuted in Miami in April 2016. The production primarily focuses on the steelpan (steeldrum) and its role in Caribbean culture. “EOS” aims to highlight notion of music as a kind of auditory allusion that transcends time connecting the universe. For this New York City premiere, “EOS” will showcase historical still images, live steelpan and guest speaker Dr. Kim Johnson, The Carnival Institute of Trinidad & Tobago.

The event runs from 2:00PM to 4:30PM on Saturday, June 25, 2016, at ARTs East New York (534 Livonia Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11207); nearest subway exits are Junius on the 3 or Livonia Ave. on the L. It is FREE and open to the public with a suggested donation of any amount. Donations will be used to support the post production of Panomundo Part 2: Pan Worldwide and the “Evolution of Steelpan” (EOS) national tour.

OLIVER SAMUELS SALUTES MIGHTY SPARROW

The Mighty Sparrow was presented a citation by Oliver Samuels on behalf of Irie Jam at Monday’s Oracabessa Concert in New York City. The Memorial Day Concert, produced by Irie Jam Radio, saluted Sparrow.  Samuels remained in New York for an extra day after staging his 2016 play, “Guilt Trip,” in Queens, NJ, Brooklyn and Bronx. Herman Hall Communications the promoter of “Guilt Trip” will stagSPARROW AND OLIVERe the play in Boston, Silver Spring, Philadelphia and other cities in September-October.

Caribbean Hamilton Remains On US$10

THANK YOU PRESIDENT OBAMA FOR KEEPING

 WEST INDIAN ALEXANDER HAMILTON ON US$10
EVERYBODY’S MAGAZINE LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA EFFECTIVE 

During 2015 Treasury Secretary Jack Lew proposed removing West Indian Alexander Hamilton, A U.S. Founding Father, from the U.S. $10 bill. Millions of Americans rejected Jack Lew’s idea and protested including EVERYBODY’S, the Caribbean-American Magazine.

Although Alexander Hamilton was born and raised in the Caribbean – Nevis and St. Croix – no Caribbean-American leader evidently joined the campaign to keep Hamilton on the $10 bill. On August 23, 2015, EVERYBODY’S Magazine sent a letter to Lew’s boss, President Obama, asking him “to reject Secretary of Treasury Jack Lew’s proposal.”

In April 2016, EVERYBODY’S published the letter it sent President Obama last August.

Many readers were not aware that one of America’s Founding Fathers was a West Indian. Some readers were impressed with our article and letter to President Obama; they ordered extra copies of the April edition. It’s not too late to get it.

Yesterday, April 20, Lew reversed his decision allowing Hamilton to continue gracing the $10 bill.

Did the April edition of EVERYBODY’S convince him?

Did the White House by forwarding EVERYBODY’S Magazine letter of August  23, 2015 to Lew caused Lew to change his plan?

Many groups and individuals are taking credit for influencing Lew to reverse his ridiculous idea including the cast, producers and patrons of the Broadway play,  “Hamilton.” We at EVERYBODY’S and Herman Hall Communications accept praise too.

This is not the first time that EVERYBODY’S has influenced a major decision in Washington, DC. In the early, 1980s when President Ronald Reagan sent his Caribbean Basin Initiative Bill (CBI) to Congress 400 copies of EVERYBODY’S focusing on CBI was purchased by the executive branch to forward to each member of Congress.  The bill was passed and that’s a reason one can now easily purchase Caribbean food items and rums in the U.S.  After CBI was passed EVERYBODY’S received a letter of thanks from President Reagan.

 Want to read EVERYBODY’S Magazine letter to President Obama! Want to read about the West Indian-Alexander Hamilton! Download the April edition for only $2.  www.everybodysmag.com

Had President Obama accept EVERYBODY’S idea to create a $25 bill – Donald Trump would not be complaining about Harriet Tubman.

Want to thank EVERYBODY’S Magazine! Download the edition for $2 or come to the Oliver Samuels play or order Publisher Herman Hall book, “Belvidere Estate – Fedon’s House.”

LARGE NY-CARIBBEAN VOTERS IN TUESDAY’S PRIMARY

In New York City as well as in the entire NY State Caribbean-Americans are expected to vote in large numbers in Tuesday’s presidential primary. It is the first time in decades that the NY State will have a say in determining both the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees for the general elections in November. Since NY State presidential primaries are held in the mid-primary season the Democratic and Republican candidates are usually predicted by the time the primary comes to NY.

HILLARY SUNDAY 1

Sparrow’s Symposium, Friday

Symposium to examine Sparrow’s career

The storied career of the artist who has been the most renowned name ever in the field of calypso, Mighty Sparrow, will be examined in a symposium presented by the Trinidad & Tobago Folk Arts Institute, in collaboration with the Medgar Evers College School of Professional & Community Development, on Friday evening, April 8. Titled “Just Like That, Sparrow Turned 80,” the symposium will be held in the Mary Pinkett Lecture Hall on the Medgar Evers College campus in Brooklyn, NY.

The symposium’s title hints at the unlikely reality for veteran  watchers of the inimitable “Birdie,” regarded by many as calypso’s enduring evergreen, that he has indeed joined the octogenarian class as of last July. It’s not difficult to imagine that some who recall Sparrow when he was fresh out of the blocks in the  1950s   — and followed his remarkable career, through those frequent portrayals in song of himself as the embodiment of  male prowess — would probably not be adjusting readily to his becoming an 80-year-old.

Featuring presentations from a specially selected roster of participants, the symposium will explore various aspects of Sparrow’s career, one that is without parallel in the history of the calypso art form. He has been the most prodigious producer of calypso material, with a staggering number of recordings released over the years, and he has been, as well, the foremost global ambassador for calypso.

Sparrow burst on the national scene in Trinidad in 1956 when, not yet 21 years old,  he won the Calypso King and Carnival road march titles with what would become one of  his legendary hits, “Jean and Dinah.”  Slinger Francisco was born in Grenada, and migrated with his mother to Trinidad when he was a child. Blessed with a good voice, he sang in the school choir but soon developed a love for calypso, which intensified when he was in his teens. With his natural flair for performing, the youngster felt convinced he was destined for a career as an entertainer. The “Sparrow” sobriquet was bestowed when he became  a regular at one of Port of Spain’s calypso tents.

Sparrow proceeded to prove himself a master of calypso like no other and dominated the genre from the time he won his first title. He clearly was without peer as a performer, displaying a singular ability to wow audiences, whether in live performances  or recordings, with his flawless command of material in any topic category. And his choice of topics  ran the gamut: political discourse, social commentary, male-female relationships, humor, tributes…would typically have measurable impact, once given the deft handling of a Sparrow delivery.

Fan favorites from the enormous library of material introduced by Sparrow also covers the spectrum. Lovers of commentary on the social condition or world affairs might favor “Capitalism Gone Mad,” “Slave,” “Education,” “Crown Heights Justice,” “Wanted Dead Or Alive.” For those partial to Sparrow in party or good-times mode, preferred choices might include “Drunk and Disorderly,” “Going Home Tonight,” “Sa Sa Yea,” “Margarita.” His paeans to heroes like “Kennedy,” ”William the Conqueror, “ “I Will Not Apologize,”(tribute to Nelson Mandela)  and “Memories”(tribute to departed fellow artists) would be sentimental favorites as well.   And no listing of what has most delighted fans is  complete without ribald  hits like “Congo Man,” “Mae Mae,” “BG Plantain,” “Wood In the Fire,” “Sixty Million Frenchmen.”

Altogether, Sparrow won the calypso crown in Trinidad and Tobago on eight occasions and also won the road march title eight times. He has received innumerable honors over the years. Among the most prestigious have been the Order of Trinidad and Tobago , the Chaconia Gold Medal  and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, an Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree from the University of the West Indies and an MBE from Britain’s Queen Elizabeth.

Although not having totally withdrawn from the performing arena, Sparrow’s public appearances have now been markedly cut back, mainly due to health issues he has had in recent years.

Scheduled to make presentations are: Prof. Lawrence Waldron, who teaches art at City College of CUNY; Martin Felix, an educator who is also co-editor of the BigDrumNation.com website, a Caribbean arts and letters journal; poet Mervyn Taylor, whose poetry continuously engages the Caribbean culture spectrum; and attorney Khalick Hewitt, whose avid interest and research in calypso and steel band dates back to his youthful days in Port of Spain, Trinidad.  The symposium, scheduled for 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, is free and open to the public. The Mary Pinkett Lecture Hall is located at 1637 Bedford Avenue (bet. Crown & Carroll Streets) Brooklyn. For further information: 718-252-6161; 718-804-8815.

Keep Hamilton on US$10

HILLARY ***In April’s edition President Obama is urged to keep the West Indian (Caribbean man) Alexander Hamilton, a co-founder of the US, on the US$10 bill. President Obama is urged to create a $25 bill to honor a woman.

*** We list the major Caribbean events worldwide for Summer 2016.

** Enjoy “Trump: Caribbean People Friend, Until.

*** And many more exciting and informative features in the Caribbean-American magazine Plus Hillary Clinton Caribbean Friends.

Download entire edition for $2.00

APRIL 2016

ZIKA VIRUS IN SEVERAL ISLANDS

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the latest Caribbean nation to report that the mosquito carried Zika virus is on its soil. One person had the virus but the person has recovered.  Government officials  are urging citizens to protect themselves from the virus and to clear places and stagnant water holes where mosquitoes breed.

Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana and Suriname have all reported the presence of Zika.

 

 

Saint Lucia Celebrates its 37th

NY – Many churches with sizable Caribbean and Saint Lucian congregation in New York City and the Maryland and Washington, DC areas recognized the 37th anniversary of Saint Lucia’s independence during Sunday services. In some cases the congregation sang the young nation national anthem and displayed its flag and national colors.

Saint Lucia celebrates Independence Day tomorrow, February 22nd.

Heads of government and heads of state, including President Barack Obama, have sent congratulatory messages to the people of Saint Lucia.

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, also extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of St. Lucia on the eve of their Independence Day (February 22, 2016).

In a message to Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, the Governor General of St. Lucia, the President has said, “On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the people of St. Lucia on the occasion of your Independence Day.

Ties between our two countries have been traditionally warm and friendly. The meeting of the Prime Ministers of India and St. Lucia on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September 2015 has been useful in enhancing our friendship and mutual understanding. I am confident that our friendly ties will be further strengthened in the years to come.

I avail this opportunity to convey, to Your Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of St. Lucia,” President Shri Pranab Mukherjee of India said.

INDEPENDENCE DAY, GRENADA

NY:     Sunday, February 7 is Grenada’s 42nd birthday as a nation. Since the nation’s 42nd anniversary of independence fell on Sunday, at 12:01 Sunday morning Grenadians celebrating independence events at home and abroad interrupted their respective programs to usher-in the 42nd year of independence by either singing the Grenada national anthem or vintage Grenada calypsos such as the 1960s hit, “We are Grenadians, Who Are You?”

In New York City the two highest ranking Grenadian-Americans in the City’s government Councilman Jumaane Williams and New York City Department of Small Businesses Services Commissioner Gregg Bishop attended the Independence Ball.

CHP 5 PHOTO 1 Eric Gairy

The late Eric Gairy who led Grenada into independence on Feb. 7, 1974, his birthday.

Now 42, Grenada has matured as a nation. Its bitter past such as independence in 1974 when labor went on strike on Independence Day and most nations boycotted independence ceremonies due to the internal strife, the overthrow of the Gairy Government in 1979, the assassination of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop in 1983 and the U.S. invasion or military intervention a few days later are mere and solemn events in its history. Grenada is now developing rapidly and nationals are optimistic about the nation’s future.

Click Black History on Featured Slider with the Grenada flag for a feature on Statehood Day, 1967

A new book on Grenada’s history to coincide with the 42nd anniversary of independence will be released in a few days:

BELVIDERE ESTATE – FEDON’S HOUSE

VOICES FROM THE PAST

By Herman G. Hall