Guyana Cultural Association of New York opens 2026 season celebrating Diamond Jubilee
A symposium in Brooklyn on 30 August launches a programme including an awards gala, a Kwe Kwe night and the annual Folk Festival Family Fun Day.
NEW YORK, United States. The Guyana Cultural Association of New York (GCA) will open its 2026 season with a symposium at noon on 30 August at Lefferts Historic House, 452 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn.
GCA president Ave Marie Brewster-Haynes said the non-profit would continue with an awards gala honouring its class of 2026 at 7pm on 2 September at Russo’s on the Bay Banquet Hall, 162-45 Cross Bay Boulevard, Queens.
Diamond Jubilee theme
This year’s theme is “Roots, Rhythm and Harmony: Celebrating Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee”.
The association will honour Guyanese people and those of Guyanese heritage with the Godfrey Chin Prizes for Heritage Journalism and the Derry Etkins Memorial Prizes for Music Education and Composition.
“The outstanding achievements of the 2026 honourees reflect the richness of Guyana’s multi-cultural legacy and the spirit of our Diamond Jubilee,” Brewster-Haynes said.
Plaques will also be presented in the Claire Ann Goring M.S. Youth Awards and the GCA Cultural Enabler-Business Partner award categories.
Winners are announced at guyfolkfest.org.
Festival events
The festival will also host a Kwe Kwe and Performing Arts Nite from 7pm to 11.30pm on Friday 2 September at 2806 Newkirk Avenue, Brooklyn.
The annual Folk Festival Family Fun Day takes place from noon to 8pm on Sunday 6 September at South Shore High School, 6565 Flatlands Avenue, Brooklyn.
