Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown is a mother of three from Jamaica who moved to New York in 1996 and describes herself as a “Caribbean Queen not an ice princess.”, which is why annually she celebrates her Labor Day weekend at Carnival. She gave us an understanding of Carnival culture beginning in July to prepare costumes, host activities and performances. Her interest began when she moved because they were “not a thing in Jamaica, Byron Lee was just introducing carnival to Jamaica [when she was a teenager].”
Jamaican carnival did grow, but during the 90’s islanders who did not live in Kingston had to rely on the Jamaican Broadcast Corporation for snippets of carnival to gain understanding. This emergence of carnival came from a slavery rebllion.Thus birthing a new energy described as a “electric buzz” of carnivals world wide. Kerry-Ann appreciates this legacy so much she takes her children to parade activities and allows them to celebrate their heritage.
Carnival cannot be compared to any American holiday she said, it holds the freedom of pride day, the costumes of Halloween but it lasts for a season. Carnival music and costumes represent self expression and freedom. Although she does notice the depreciation of carnival within the United States. Women are overly sexualized and seen as promiscuous when Instagram and Youtube sensor Carnival pictures or call artists like Rihanna over sexual; it is their lack of understanding of Caribbean culture.
Of course this year she would have given anything to see everyone together celebrating. The mourning of music and money is her biggest concern. Not to spend money but all the jobs lost because carnival season was cancelled. Culture has changed because for the first time there was complete postponement. This event affected music exposure. Carnival is the celebration of life and liberty and Kerry-Ann agrees that when outside opens up the first thing we should do is celebrate carnival in Trinidad.
Learn more about Kerry-Ann and her company Breadfruit Media at http://www.breadfruitmedia.com.
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