Queens County Supreme Court, BP Donovan Richards host first Caribbean American Heritage celebration

The Helen Marshall Cultural Center, an atrium named for the late Guyanese-heritage Queens Borough president, came alive with music, tassa drumming, and dancing, at the very first Caribbean American Heritage Month celebration hosted by the Queens County Supreme Court – Criminal Term Equal Justice, (JSC) in partnership with BP Donovan Richards.

The exciting Tuesday, June 11, presentation, against a backdrop showcasing the enticing blue waters of the Caribbean Ocean, elements of carnival, and cricket memorabilia, brought together Caribbean nationals working in the judicial system, as well as a cross-section of the community to mark the auspicious occasion that acknowledged the multi-cultural contributions from the region.

Consul General of Trinidad & Tobago to New York, Andre Laveau, (left) with Justice Karen Gopee, at the first Caribbean American Heritage celebration hosted by the Queens County Supreme Court, Criminal Term’s Equal Justice Committee, in partnership with Borough President Donavan Richards, in Queens. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Karen Gopee, the first appointed Indo-Caribbean justice of the Supreme Court in New York, a Trinidad & Tobago national, served as emcee in commemorating Caribbean American Heritage Month.

During the proceedings, she shared that growing up, like most kids of immigrants, “I struggled to figure out my identity, balancing being a Trini girl and all those expectations while also trying to blend in with my American friends in school and at work.”

“I stood out for my differences, in the way I spoke, the foods we ate in our home, the music we listened to, how I dressed or had to wear my hair, it definitely made me self-conscious,” she remarked.

Judge Gopee, who was also the first Indo-Caribbean judge, appointed to the Criminal Court in New York in 2015, and co-chair of JSC, thanked Caribbean immigrants for their service to the public, and the Courts for making the institution a more inclusive, diverse, welcoming, and understanding place, and acknowledging Chair of the Equal Justice Committee, Justice Nestor Diaz.

During her remarks to commemorate the occasion, Justice Gopee said.

“What I think of when I think of the Caribbean, is beautiful beaches, tropical trees, great music, dancing, celebrations and a fresh coconut in my hands,” adding “in that spirit this event is meant to be fun and to help you feel the vibe, in the most diverse borough.”

“Sit back, chill, adopt the don’t worry, be happy, everything’s going to be alright, attitude of the Caribbean,” she mused.

The audience pays rapt attention during the performances at the first Caribbean American Heritage celebration hosted by the Queens County Supreme Court, Criminal Term’s Equal Justice Committee, in partnership with Borough President Donavan Richards, in Queens on June 11.
Photo by Tangerine Clarke

The audience that included several lawyers and judges, Consul General of Trinidad & Tobago to New York, Andre Laveau, and Fazal Yussuff representing the Guyana Consulate – enjoyed exuberant performances by the colorful costumed Dominican Dance Group Inc. and the Natraj Center for the Performing Arts.

Dancers from the Natraj Center for the Performing Arts, wowed the audience with their infectious movements at the first Caribbean American Heritage celebration hosted by the Queens County Supreme Court, Criminal Term’s Equal Justice Committee, in partnership with Borough President Donavan Richards, in Queens on June 11. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

A Caribbean pop quiz and fun facts segment challenged the audience about the history and culture of the islands. Winners were rewarded with gift bags, and later entertained by the Tassa 1 Taal Entertainment group, that also opened the observance, with a riveting session on stage.

Pannist Jahlani Roberts closed out the invigorating afternoon with a Steel Pan medley, after which, celebrants, feasted on delicious cuisine from around the Caribbean.

Ash, founder of Green Fashion, Art & Design Museum wearing a carnival costume headpiece at the first Caribbean American Heritage celebration hosted by the Queens County Supreme Court, Criminal Term’s Equal Justice Committee, in partnership with Borough President Donavan Richards, in Queens on June 11.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

The committee thanked generous sponsors and vendors, including, Singh’s Roti Shop & Bar, Don’s Coconuts, KST Daycare & Preschool, Henna for All, Green Fashion, Art & Design Museum, Blends, IM of The Saree, Protector Awesomesauce, Bugzy Beverage, Tropical Revwal Inc., Flamingo Restaurant, Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association, Asian American Judges Association of NY, Unique Fire Systems Inc. Devicka Persaud Medical PC, South Asian and Indo-Caribbean Bar Association of Queens, and BAH Realty Group LLC.

Thanks, were also extended to Co-chairs Annerie Rodriguez, Mary Melo, Sherise Ellison, first deputy chief clerk, Kimberly Khan, Candy Sambolah, Aisha Hunt, Ariel Morales, Tora Watson, and Naima Aiken, among others.