We set up our free photo booth to honor the fathers, uncles, brothers, mentors, and leaders who bring presence and power to our communities. We’re grateful to the BID for making space for joy, and to those who stopped by the booth despite the weather. Your presence meant everything.

View a few of our favorite moments below.

Thank you for showing up. Thank you for showing out.
We’ll see you again soon.

Marcy Plaza
June 14, 2025
Presented in partnership with Bed-Stuy Gateway BID

Under her leadership, J’Ouvert City International has preserved one of New York City’s most significant Caribbean traditions, while advancing community-centered safety practices and ensuring that the legacy of mas, music, and steelpan remains visible, valued, and protected. Her work speaks not only to the preservation of culture, but to the power of organizing: fostering partnerships with city agencies, cultural institutions, and grassroots leaders across generations.

In a brief message shared online, Ms. Rennie wrote:

“I have been chosen to be one of the Honorees for my contributions in the communities at large. Thanks CACCI.”

We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.

—

About CACCI
The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (CACCI), founded in 1985, is a statewide membership organization that provides business assistance to small and start-up owners in business planning, financing, certification, procurement, and trade opportunities. Through a partnership with the NYC Department of Small Business Services, CACCI supports MWBEs in scaling their operations and accessing public contracts, while continuing to spotlight the social, economic, and cultural contributions of Caribbean Americans across New York.

On Friday, August 2nd, J’Ouvert City International will host its 2025 J’Ouvert Launch , a free, family-friendly street fair featuring steelbands, mas, rhythm, music, face painting, and more. The event runs from 12PM to 8PM on Maple Street between Nostrand and New York Avenues in Brooklyn.

Expect a full afternoon of cultural celebration. From traditional mas characters and vibrant costumes to live pan performances and rhythm bands, this kickoff event brings the artistry and spirit of J’Ouvert straight to the community. It’s also a rare opportunity to experience the full range of carnival talent, not on the Parkway, but right here in the neighborhood.

This year’s launch will also include giveaways, food vendors, and music by DJ Master Mix and Jr. Vibes. Come ready to dance, take photos, and connect with the people who bring J’Ouvert to life.

Where: Maple Street (between Nostrand & New York Ave)
When: Friday, August 2, 2025 – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Admission: Free and open to the public

The We Are J’Ouvert team will be on site, walking the event and inviting attendees to participate in our annual community survey. Complete it for a chance to win gift cards from Allan’s Bakery and a free J’Ouvert costume from the band of your choice.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a long-time supporter, we want to hear from you. Your insights help shape future campaigns, sponsorship efforts, and cultural programming.

From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, We Are J’Ouvert will offer a free printed photo booth experience, a keepsake moment designed to uplift and honor the fathers, uncles, sons, mentors, and community leaders among us.

This event is all about wellness, appreciation, and presence. Alongside health screenings, massages, free food, and giveaways, our booth brings a little joy and celebration into the mix. Come by, take a portrait, and walk away with something you can hold on to.

Details:
Saturday, June 14
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Marcy Plaza (Between Fulton St & Macdonough)

Learn more and register at: bit.ly/OurKings614

Let’s continue to celebrate the legacy and light of our community, one frame at a time.

This year’s first posters feature images captured by Keith Getter, spotlighting two unforgettable portrayals that pay homage to African ancestry shared across the Black diaspora:

• Roy Pierre & Associates’ “Kente Kingdom” (2019)
• Power Promotion Family’s “Africa in Our DNA” (2024)

These posters mark the first phase of the campaign rollout and will appear across Brooklyn on LinkNYC kiosks starting mid-June. Two more designs in the Dawn the Opener series will follow in July.

As always, this campaign reflects the vibrancy, resilience, and artistry of our community, one image at a time.

More posters will be revealed later in the season as we head toward J’Ouvert and Carnival weekend. Stay tuned.

As part of the day’s activities, we offered free portraits to families, caregivers, and neighbors who stopped by. From morning through early afternoon, we captured over 150 portraits, from solo shots to full family groups, each printed on the spot as a keepsake.

This photo booth was just one part of a larger celebration that invited attendees to:

1. Pick up a list of 12 participating stores
2. Collect a flower at each one
3. Wrap a full bouquet back at the Plaza
4. Enjoy free food, gifts, and raffle prizes worth over $300

It was a full-circle moment of care, celebration, and community connection — and we’re grateful to everyone who stopped by the booth or simply came to enjoy the day.

We’ll be back at Marcy Plaza on June 15th for Father’s Day, same setup, new faces, and another chance to show love through portraits.

Special thanks to: Bed-Stuy Gateway BID

As part of the day’s festivities, We Are J’Ouvert will be offering free portraits to families and individuals through our on-site Photo Booth Experience. Guests can stop by, take a photo, and walk away with a printed keepsake, our way of saying thank you to the women who lead with love, strength, and resilience.

We’ll be set up near the mosaic area, a naturally beautiful part of the plaza, with steps that can be used for seated portraits. Power will be available on site, and all photos will be taken and printed by our team during the event. No appointments or registration required.

Event Details
Marcy Plaza (Fulton & Marcy Avenue)
Saturday, May 10th
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Free portraits, free giveaways, and activities for the whole family

We believe in showing up for our community beyond Labor Day weekend, and this is one way we can continue celebrating the people and values that J’Ouvert stands for. We hope to see you there.

Held at the St. Jude Community Center in Brooklyn, the evening reflected JCI’s continued commitment to recognizing and uplifting the people who sustain this cultural tradition year after year.

Celebrating 2024’s Contributions to J’Ouvert

This year’s theme, “Rekindle the Sweetness of Calypso and Soca – Showcasing the Rich Heritage of Storytelling Globally”, set the tone for an event that honored the music, masquerade, and meaning behind every performance.

Awards were presented to the top-ranking Masbands, Steelbands, and Rhythm Bands from J’Ouvert 2024, with standout performances by groups like Philly Pan Stars, Kutters, 2 J & Friends, and King Jab & Friends. The results reflect not only artistry and execution, but also the cultural depth and dedication that define the early morning hours of J’Ouvert.

The gala also paid tribute to a group of celebrated Calypso and Soca icons who served as 2024 Grand Marshals and Cultural Ambassadors, including Dr. Witty, Natasha Wilson, DJ Rolls Royce, Denise Belfon, and others who have carried the music forward in New York and beyond.

Twelve Phenomenal Women in Steelpan

A highlight of the evening was the formal recognition of Twelve Phenomenal Women in the Steelband Community, musicians, mentors, and cultural stewards whose behind-the-scenes work has shaped generations of J’Ouvert sound:

Annette Chacon, Nyasha Rhoden, Cheryl Williams, Pearl Jones, Ingrid Samuels, Colette Baptiste, Kathleen Trebuse, Sherma McMillan, Gwynn Glasgow, Lillian Nicholas, Hyacinth Meade, and Zion Alexis.

Each woman honored represents a lineage of excellence and dedication within a musical tradition that is both technical and deeply communal.

Looking Ahead

The evening was not just about recognition, it was also a celebration of the collective work required to carry this culture forward. With support from elected officials, clergy, community organizations, and cultural leaders, J’Ouvert City International continues to lead the effort to preserve the art and history of J’Ouvert in Brooklyn.

Special thanks were extended to the elected officials who offered their support, including Mayor Eric Adams; Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso; Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; Assemblymembers Monique Chandler-Waterman and Brian Cunningham; Councilmembers Farah N. Louis, Mercedes Narcisse, Rita Joseph, and Chi Ossé; Senators Zellnor Myrie and Kevin Parker; and Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams.

JCI also recognized the dedicated panel of judges who helped make this year’s awards possible: Dr. Winsome Davidson, Annette Alston, Carlton Joseph, Shaneek King, Janelle Young, Glenis Thomas, and Brian Weekes.

View the official 2024 J’Ouvert results here

In this post, we explore how this collaboration unfolded not only on J’Ouvert morning but throughout the entire weekend—highlighting its impact on the future of safety efforts.

Crisis Management and Community Leadership — Coordinating on the Ground

One of the key reasons J’Ouvert 2024 and the broader Labor Day Weekend events ran smoothly was the close collaboration between Crisis Management Teams, deployed by Cure Violence organizations, and the NYPD. Positioned strategically throughout the weekend at high-traffic locations, these teams actively monitored crowd dynamics and responded swiftly to any tensions that arose.

As Pastor Gil Monrose from GodSquad emphasized, “We expected larger crowds everywhere. Use CMS teams and dispatch them first so they can work the situation. Having a few officers helping to manage.” This forward-thinking strategy ensured teams were in place to prevent incidents before they could escalate.

For example, during an incident on 54th and Church, Crisis Management Teams and the NYPD intervened quickly, working together to resolve the situation without escalation. Their actions ensured that the parade and other events continued without disruption—highlighting the effectiveness of on-the-ground communication and teamwork between the groups.

Clergy members from the GodSquad also played a key role by offering their calming presence throughout the weekend, helping to maintain a peaceful atmosphere at key locations. “Together, we ensured that Labor Day was a safe and joyful celebration for everyone,” said Thomas Haynes from Tailor Made for a King Inc., reflecting on the importance of clergy presence in managing the crowd and providing emotional and spiritual support.

The Impact of Collaborative Safety Efforts

The success of this year’s J’Ouvert and Labor Day Weekend celebrations highlights the importance of immediate interventions. Crisis Management Teams were not only proactive but also prepared to address tensions quickly, using conflict mediation and direct engagement to prevent escalation. This approach fostered trust among participants and created an environment where people felt safe to celebrate.

Pastor Gil Monrose acknowledged the critical role of the Crisis Management Teams and law enforcement in de-escalating tensions—”The CMS and Clergy teams made a big difference in de-escalating potentially dangerous situations, particularly at 54th and Church.” Their presence was not only about security but about maintaining the spirit of J’Ouvert as a joyful celebration.

By blending community-led efforts with law enforcement, the event struck a balance between traditional security measures and personal engagement—making the overall experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Looking Ahead — Building on Success

As organizers reflect on the success of J’Ouvert 2024 and the broader Labor Day Weekend, it’s clear that coordination between community groups and law enforcement will continue to be crucial in the future. “Communication was key and I think we all met that goal,” said Thomas Haynes, representative of Tailor Made for a King Inc., acknowledging the importance of collaboration in successfully managing such a large event.

While challenges arose later during the West Indian American Day Parade, the teamwork and coordination that took place throughout Labor Day Weekend 2024 were a testament to the power of collaboration between community organizations and law enforcement. By working together, the Labor Day Weekend & J’Ouvert Public Safety Group ensured that the celebrations remained focused on culture, safety, and unity.

As planning begins for future celebrations, the lessons learned from this year will help guide even stronger safety efforts—allowing J’Ouvert and the wider Labor Day Weekend to continue as joyful and secure traditions for years to come.

J’Ouvert 2024 in Brooklyn was a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, bringing thousands of revelers to the streets for a day filled with music, creativity, and community spirit. This year’s success was a testament to months of careful planning by the Labor Day Weekend & J’Ouvert Public Safety Group, comprised of community organizations, clergy, and city agencies, who worked together to ensure a safe and joyous event.

Early Planning for Labor Day Weekend 2024

The collaborative planning for Labor Day Weekend 2024 began as early as June, when key stakeholders—including organizations like B.T.T.M/D.R.U.M, GodSquad, and the NYPD—gathered to address challenges and prioritize safety. The planning group developed a comprehensive strategy that would integrate law enforcement with community-led efforts to maintain peace while celebrating the richness of Caribbean culture.

These early meetings emphasized the importance of community involvement. As Rev. Kevin Jones from GodSquadnoted, “It takes all of us to play a role in ensuring the safety of our community. I am honored to share this space and opportunity to serve our community.” The inclusion of local voices helped shape a holistic safety approach, ensuring that J’Ouvert, along with the entire weekend, remained focused on both culture and security.

The Role of Crisis Management Teams and Community Leaders

At the heart of the safety plan was the deployment of Crisis Management Teams (CMS) by Cure Violence organizations and other community groups. These teams were stationed at key points along the parade route to de-escalate tensions and engage directly with the crowd. Their role was crucial, not only in real-time interventions but also in reinforcing a positive and peaceful atmosphere throughout the event.

As Pastor Gil Monrose, a coordinator from GodSquad, remarked, “Use CMS teams and dispatch them first so they can work the situation.” Teams like B.T.T.M/D.R.U.M and Stop Hiding Inc. leveraged their deep ties within the community to anticipate and address potential conflicts before they escalated, ensuring that J’Ouvert remained focused on celebration. Their presence helped maintain the festive and vibrant nature of the event.

Collaborative Safety Initiatives for J’Ouvert and Beyond

In addition to the role of Crisis Management Teams, other organizations played vital roles in maintaining security. Clergy members from the 67th Precinct Clergy Council, Inc. (GodSquad) were stationed at key spots, offering a calming influence throughout the celebration. “Together, we ensured that Labor Day was a safe and joyful celebration for everyone,” said Thomas Haynes, representative of Tailor Made for a King Inc., reflecting the gratitude of many participants who saw first-hand how effective collaboration could be.

Support from DYCD’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and the NYPD further highlighted how law enforcement and community leaders can work together. By blending community-based policing with traditional security measures, the coordinated efforts created a safer experience for all attendees.

While challenges arose later during the West Indian American Day Parade, the collaborative safety efforts for J’Ouvert were a testament to the effectiveness of early planning and teamwork.

Planning is Only the Beginning

The success of J’Ouvert 2024 was the result of months of careful preparation and early collaboration. However, planning is only one part of the equation. As we’ll explore in the next post, real-time coordination and on-the-ground teamwork were just as crucial in ensuring a peaceful and joyous celebration.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into how Crisis Management Teams, community leaders, and law enforcement worked together in real-time to manage crowds and respond to situations as they unfolded.