07/15/2026
🙌🏾We are overwhelmed with emotion from Saturday’s AfriCarnaval: a joyous tribute to the legendary Calypso Rose, and a beautiful reminder of what 50 years of community, culture and collaboration can make possible.
It was a true full-circle moment, bringing together artists, collaborators and community members who have been part of CCCADI’s journey throughout five decades, at one of the few institutions that opened their doors to us from the very beginning: Lincoln Center.
🇹🇹Calypso Rose, who performed at CCCADI’s inaugural Carnival in New York at Lincoln Center in 1984, and then again in 1994 at Battery Park City.
Machel Montano, who joined Carnival in New York as a nine-year-old Junior Calypso King, brought to us by our beloved Marie Brooks (Ibaye!) and her Dance Theater.
Silvana Magda & Viva Brazil, who walked with us in some of our earliest Carnival processions in the 1980’s, sharing the authenticity and richness of Brazilian Carnival traditions.
Something Positive, a constant collaborator and presence in our archive, from the days of the incomparable Cheryl Byron (Ibaye!) to the recent years, under the leadership of Michael Manswell.
2J & Friends, a new collaborator, brought to us by Sandra Bell, a cherished member of our village.
The magic journey of our 50th Anniversary Year celebration continues to surprise us. We invite you to walk with us.
If Saturday reminded you why institutions like CCCADI matter, we invite you to be a part of our next 50 years. Join our 50 for 50 Campaign and help sustain this work for generations to come.
Drop a “Legacy” in the comments and we’ll send you an invitation.
