HAMPTONIANS NEW YORK
Hamptonians New York (HNY) is a community based non-profit organization that is governed by a volunteer board. The team works to empower youth and families, using culture and heritage as the common factor that bring them together- special focus on Caribbean American/Caribbean Immigrant youth and families.
HNY strives to have a positive impact within the Caribbean American community. It endeavors to showcase and preserve Caribbean culture.
Brooklyn Caribbean Youth Fest was created in response to the thousands of Caribbean-American youth and families who need a foundation built on the core values that are taught and transferred through cultural habits. Traditional values which can assist them in overcoming obstacles of life in an urban metropolis where a sense of place and cultural identity is often elusive. Music and dance is a very important part of most culture.
It is a spectacular performing arts affair that showcases for preservation, Caribbean culture. Each year the main stage features a lineup of amazing talents (individuals, groups) that entertain with sound and movement. Looking beyond demographics and towards social tranquility, the primary purpose of the fest is to cultivate enlightenment (showcase) and retain a space for cultural enrichment (preservation). Specifically, the emphasis of the fest is on folk tradition and representation of folk traditions.
A manifestation of eminent folk culture death is very evident in the youth of today. Both children born inside and outside of the Caribbean have a very limited sense of the rich culture and history of the region our heritage, their legacy. BCYF is a vehicle that journeys toward keeping tradition alive by documenting the art forms of Caribbean culture from all spheres in an attempt to provide a comprehensive and authentic record that may be preserved and accessed by generations to come.
The goals are to
• Tell the story of Caribbean culture for retention, enlightenment, enrichment and sustainability
• Develop a cultural environment for new experiences in the Arts
• Teach why traditions are important
• Increase community involvement by showing the intrinsic value of cultural traditions
• Demonstrate sense of place and strength of being
It is a free annual and public affair that celebrates with sights and sounds of the Caribbean region. NYC is invited to enjoy the color and lively vibes heavily rooted in the influences of Africa, India, China, Europe and American popular culture. Hobbist and top local performers struts their stuff on the same stage.
WHO WE ARE
Maxine Alexander, Wayne Grossette, Kenton Kirby, Jerbean Gilkes, Lydia Bryan, Gregg Richards, Donna-Marie Welsh, Andrea Morgan
Community Partners
E. Wayne McDonald/The Caribbean Cultural Theater and Micheal Manswell/Something Positive
WHAT THE TEAM BELIEVES
Leadership is mandatory.
Involving the community ensures ownership.
Building long-term relationships can deliver a positive impact.
People are passionate about heritage and passing on traditional values.
Teaching cultural art forms to the young is of significant importance.
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