Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson hosts Caribbean Heritage Month celebration
Gibson, who has Trinidadian and Tobagonian roots, urged the community not to let anyone “erase our history”.
NEW YORK, United States. Flags of nations across the Caribbean diaspora lined the tables at Code Red Restaurant and Lounge in the Bronx on June 17 for Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson’s annual Caribbean Heritage Month celebration.
The programme opened with remarks from Bronx Supreme Court Justice Alison Tuitt, followed by a performance by Patrick “Johnny” Gomes, an Antiguan professional steel drummer, and DJ 62. Senior Pastor T.C. Tramble of Salvation Baptist Church led a prayer and Genevieve Dodoo sang the national anthem.
‘Our history belongs in the history books’
Ms Gibson, the borough’s first Black woman president, who was first elected in November 2021, has marked her Trinidadian and Tobagonian roots with a celebration every year.
“Never lose sight of what we have done. Don’t let anyone take away our contributions, don’t let anyone erase our history. Our history belongs in the history books,” she said.
National Caribbean American Heritage Month was officially recognised in June 2006 under former President George Bush.
The Bronx has a large population of Caribbean descent. The Northeast Bronx, particularly along Gun Hill Road and from 211th Street to 241st Street, has thriving Jamaican, Trinidadian and other West Indian communities.
Honourees
This year’s honourees were Bronx educator Blondina Thompson of Public School 87; Dr Ronnie Hector, executive director of the SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center; “The Peoplez Chef” Geneva Wilson; Ann Moncrieffe, programme director of JASA Bartow Older Adult Center; and a high school student from the borough who received the youth service award.
Ms Gibson also recognised council staff, including Leichele Walker of District 12 representative Kevin C. Riley’s office, and acknowledged State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey and Congress members Ritchie Torres and George Latimer.
She announced a Salute to America fireworks show at Orchard Beach on June 25 for the 250th anniversary of the United States, a partnership with Unwind Hospitality Group to bring new restaurants to the beach pavilion, the return of the summer concert series on July 12 and the Savor the Bronx restaurant week from July 6 to 12.
