Charla de Merienda: Caribbean Carnival Culture

Tuesday, February 25th 2020 from 2:30pm-4:00pm

In The Commons at Spooner Hall 

CLACS in collaboration with ACSA and Lawrence Talks!

Speakers: 

Giselle Anatol, English Department

Timmia Hearn, Theatre & Dance Department

Cécile Accilien, Institute of Haitian Studies and African and African American Studies

 Carnival in the Caribbean is a popular tradition that came from the celebration of freedom. Emancipated enslaved populations reveled in the mimicry of traditional European masquerade balls, while also embracing African song, dance and masquerade.This tradition has been incorporated into the culture of  Caribbean communities in Canada and the United States, becoming its own cultural phenomenon of Caribbean pride. As the popularity of Carnival grows, so do misconceptions about its rich history and significance.  Last year, culture critic and rapper, Joe Budden made controversial comments about the attire of women participating in Carnival festivities, sparking an uproar on Twitter that united many Caribbean and Black Americans to discuss  ignorance of the tradition. More importantly, the controversy shined a spotlight on the dismissal of Non-U.S. Black cultures. Therefore, Charla de Merienda asks:: Who gets to speak on behalf of Caribbean culture in the Americas? How separated is Black American culture from Caribbean culture? Join us for a riveting conversation in which we share facts, discuss opinions, and build common ground on matters concerning all of us.