This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
On a gray morning in Brooklyn, a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, J’ouvert, unfolded along Empire Boulevard. The event, traditionally held before the West Indian American Day Parade, has its roots in mocking slave owners and celebrating emancipation in the Caribbean.
Despite the presence of over 300 light towers and thousands of police officers, the revelers refused to be dampened. They came dressed in their finest attire, with some even donning elaborate costumes and accessories. For instance, one woman had $100 bills sewn into her bikini cups and a painted handprint on her backside.
As the event progressed, the atmosphere became increasingly lively, with floats, steel drum bands, and pranksters taking center stage. Revelers were seen spraying passers-by with clouds of baby powder and party string, or dabbing them with paint. It was a scene that was both playful and subversive.
However, the event has not been without its challenges. In recent years, there have been incidents of violence, including the shooting and killing of four people in 2016, and the death of Carey W. Gabay, a lawyer in Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s administration, in 2015.
Despite these incidents, the police presence has been a topic of debate. Some, like Rupert Hewitt, 74, believe that restrictive security measures are necessary, but also complain about an exaggerated sense of threat. “One person alone could throw a bottle and cause pandemonium,” he said. “Then they’ll say, ‘There’s violence in the Caribbean community.’”
For others, like Molli Piitcha, 29, the event is about self-expression and liberation. “It’s like one step away from sex,” she said, referring to the popular Caribbean dance, wining.
As the event came to a close, it was clear that J’ouvert remains a powerful symbol of Caribbean culture and identity. Despite the challenges it faces, it continues to inspire and uplift those who participate in it.
