Caribbean American Heritage Month Begins in Little Caribbean

Brooklyn Community Update • May 2026

As June begins, Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean community joins millions of people across the United States in celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to honoring the history, culture, achievements, and contributions of Caribbean people and their descendants.

Officially recognized in 2006, Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrates generations of Caribbean immigrants whose impact can be seen throughout American history, business, politics, education, sports, music, and culture.

Many are surprised to learn that Caribbean contributions to America date back to the nation’s earliest years. Alexander Hamilton, America’s first Secretary of the Treasury, was born on the island of Nevis. Historical records also identify Juan Rodriguez, a merchant from Santo Domingo (present-day Dominican Republic), as one of the earliest known non-Indigenous settlers in what would later become New York City.

A Story of Resilience

The Caribbean’s history is one of survival, resistance, migration, and cultural strength.

Indigenous peoples, Africans, Europeans, Asians, and other communities all contributed to the development of the Caribbean region. Millions of Africans were forcibly brought to the Caribbean during the transatlantic slave trade and played a central role in building the region’s economies and cultures. Following emancipation, workers from India, China, and other parts of the world also arrived throughout the Caribbean, adding to the region’s rich multicultural identity.

Today, more than 13 million Americans trace their ancestry to the Caribbean, making Caribbean Americans one of the most vibrant and influential communities in the country.

New York City and Little Caribbean

New York City is home to the largest Caribbean population in the United States.

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Here in Brooklyn, Little Caribbean has become one of the most important Caribbean cultural districts in the world outside of the Caribbean itself. Stretching through East Flatbush and surrounding neighborhoods, the community continues to thrive through its restaurants, bakeries, churches, music, small businesses, cultural organizations, and community traditions.

Whether it’s Jamaican patties, Haitian griot, Trinidadian doubles, Guyanese cuisine, reggae, soca, dancehall, kompa, or steel pan music, Caribbean culture remains woven into the daily life of Brooklyn.

Caribbean Heritage Month Events Across New York City

Throughout June, residents can participate in a variety of programs and events celebrating Caribbean culture and history.

The New York Public Library is hosting several Caribbean Heritage Month programs, including family-friendly activities that introduce children to Caribbean music, storytelling, and creativity.

One featured program allows children to build their own musical instruments while learning about Caribbean sounds and traditions. The library is also hosting book discussions focused on Caribbean authors and poetry.

NYC Parks continues to offer fitness programs throughout the city featuring Caribbean-inspired music and movement designed to encourage healthy lifestyles and community engagement.

Caribbean Week in New York returns this June, bringing together leaders from across the Caribbean for a week of cultural showcases, tourism discussions, networking events, and celebrations highlighting the region’s global impact.

Learning Caribbean History

Caribbean Heritage Month is also an opportunity to explore the stories that shaped the region and its people.

Families, students, and educators are encouraged to learn more about:

• The Haitian Revolution
• Caribbean migration to New York City
• Caribbean Carnival traditions
• Caribbean literature and poetry
• The contributions of Caribbean leaders, artists, educators, activists, scientists, and entrepreneurs

Public libraries across New York City offer books, audiobooks, educational programs, and digital resources for readers of all ages interested in learning more about Caribbean history and culture.

Hidden Voices of Caribbean History

Several educational programs throughout the city continue highlighting influential Caribbean figures whose contributions are often overlooked in traditional history books.

- Queen Nanny (Jamaica) — National Heroine of Jamaica who led the Maroons in their resistance against slavery and colonial rule.

• Marcus Garvey (Jamaica) — Pan-African leader, publisher, entrepreneur, and founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).

• Toussaint Louverture (Haiti) — Revolutionary leader of the Haitian Revolution and one of history’s greatest freedom fighters.

• Jean-Jacques Dessalines (Haiti) — Founder of Haiti and leader in the struggle for independence from France.

• Claudia Jones (Trinidad & Tobago) — Journalist, activist, and founder of London’s Notting Hill Carnival.

Neighborhood Updates

As Caribbean American Heritage Month begins, community organizations throughout Flatbush and East Flatbush continue working to strengthen neighborhood safety, youth programs, cultural preservation, and economic development.

Caribbean-owned businesses remain the backbone of the community, providing jobs, services, cultural identity, and gathering spaces for residents and visitors alike.

Local leaders continue promoting initiatives focused on public safety, youth engagement, education, and neighborhood improvement throughout Little Caribbean.

Residents also recently came together in support of families affected by a tragic apartment fire in Flatbush, demonstrating the strong sense of community that continues to define the neighborhood.

Looking Ahead

With summer approaching, Little Caribbean enters one of its busiest seasons of the year. Community festivals, cultural celebrations, food events, music performances, educational programs, and neighborhood gatherings are expected throughout June and the months ahead.

Caribbean American Heritage Month is not only a celebration of history—it is a celebration of the people, families, businesses, artists, workers, and community leaders who continue to shape Brooklyn every day.

From East Flatbush to the wider world, Little Caribbean remains a living symbol of culture, resilience, entrepreneurship, and pride.

— Lil Carib Community Update