On Wednesday 2^nd October 2024, the Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience brought island glamour to the streets of New York. This year, the dinner event was hosted at the Continent Brooklyn by Industry 360, a social impact organization focused on the advancement of Caribbean culture on the global stage, in an historic partnership with CultureCon, helmed by its parent company The Creative Collective NYC (TheCCNYC). 

In celebration of Caribbean excellence, the glamourous affair featured attendees from across the region who are of Caribbean descent, or allies to the Caribbean community. The event also featured a Caribbean-inspired fine-dining experience curated by Chef Scotley Inniss, with cocktail pairings courtesy award-winning Caribbean spirits Ten To One Rum and a live performance from Grenada-born vocalist Jeverson. With representation from across the Caribbean, the networking soirée featured entertainment by DJ Danglez and DJ Kayla G from Guyana, with cocktails courtesy Jim Beam. Specially invited guests included the CEO and Founder of CultureCon, Imani Ellis; popular Bahamian-Nigerian movement lawyer, writer and creator Olayemi Olurin; Billboard Magazine Music Journalist Kyle-Brandon Denis; Apple Music’s Nadeska Alexis; Emmy Award-winning storyteller and on-air travel expert Oneika Raymond and Grenadian-born celebrity publicist, Dr. Yvette Noel-Schure. As part of the programme this year at the Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience, Industry 360 also honoured Grenadian womenswear fashion designer Felisha ‘Fe’ Noel with the Cultural Legacy award, for her seismic impact on and invaluable contributions to Caribbean Culture.

Founder of Industry 360, Tenille Clarke, explains that the partnership between Industry 360 and CultureCon is a significant milestone for the Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience this year – the first Caribbean-oriented event of its kind to be hosted and recognized during CultureCon Week. “Black spaces deserve to be celebrated in all of its diverse range – and that includes the beauty and dynamism of the Caribbean diaspora,” Clarke said. “For Caribbean culture to be included and celebrated in such a meaningful and intentional way within the CulureCon ecosystem – during year two of our event no less – is a testament to the shared values of this partnership between Industry 360 and CultureCon. It proves the power of Caribbean creativity as we showcase our limitless potential to the world.”

In her welcome greetings to event guests, CultureCon Founder, Imani Ellis noted that working alongside Clarke and relying on the award-winning Trinbagonian publicist’s insight has given Ellis ‘amazing foresight into tapping into the diaspora’. “The Creative Collective is the largest community in the United States for Black creatives (…) and we’re making sure that we’re building strong ties across the diaspora. This is the beginning of an ongoing partnership with Industry 360, and we’ll have more details to share soon,” revealed Ellis.

At the Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience, Tenille Clarke also announced an exciting new Creative Arts Residency partnership between Industry 360 and Little Caribbean NYC and I Am Caribbeing, both founded by Shelley Worrell. Little Caribbean NYC is home to the largest and most diverse Caribbean-American-LatinX community outside of the West Indies. The multi-disciplined residency, which will take place in 2025, will work to usher in the next generation of Caribbean creative talent with a 6 to 8-week mentorship opportunity based in New York. Further details on the residency will be available towards the end of 2024.

Caribbean carnival excitement is steadily building as the countdown is on to the highly anticipated Miami Carnival 2024, this coming weekend. The Miami Carnival weekend sees thousands fill the city, ready to create memories with friends and fun seekers, all aligned in some way or another to the Caribbean carnival culture. THC Promotions, a staple brand on the US carnival circuit, is set to unleash their slate of events this season and they’re promising nothing short of good vibes and fun.  

Anthony Maingot, Jason Jordan and Akil Jordan are the men behind THC Promotions. They pride themselves on delivering events that can be enjoyed by everyone. “Our aim at THC Promotions has always been to provide patrons with an atmosphere that allows them to feel comfortable in their skin. We welcome everyone to come out to our events and have a great time, no matter race, class or nationality,” said Maingot. 

On Miami Carnival Friday, October 11^th, the energy builds from 10am as the team hosts ‘Mawnin Suave,’ an event that sees two familiar event names out of Trinidad’s Point Fortin Borough Day celebrations, merge into one, in Miami. “The concept for this event is all white wear and it’s breakfast inclusive. We’re working collaboratively with Love Life Sounds for this event merger, which ironically, is a break- off of Suave, which is hosted on Borough Thursday and Mawnin Neighbour, which is held on Borough Sunday. The music will speak volumes for the experience, as we merge past with present,” said Maingot. He noted that veteran artiste out of Trinidad and Tobago, Ronnie McIntosh will be there along with other artistes. “Our DJ lineup is also really strong so we’re bringing all the necessary elements for a great fete, and inviting all the good people to come through.”

Get Ready for Glasshouse

Then on Monday, October 14^th, THC Promotions and Ninja Fete host Glasshouse Miami– an event that’s never one to miss. As the curtains close on the Miami Carnival experience, this event will offer something unique to patrons. Glasshouse will deliver an alternative to the hype of a ‘total soca’ showcase – intentionally bringing fete lovers back down to earth with other music genres they enjoy. “We’ve been doing events in Miami since 2007. We try to make our events as cost effective as possible, especially for those visiting Miami just for this season. There are limited tickets still available for these events,” said Anthony, pointing to online ticketing options, Fronlineticketing.com and Eventbrite.com. 

As event promoters in the US Carnival industry, Maingot and Jordan have broken through the glass ceiling, capably using their individual experience in sales and marketing to satisfy their bases. “Our patrons’ satisfaction is extremely important to us. We try to be as accessible to everyone, as we can and we deliver on what we offer.” 

Mawnin Suave and Glasshouse are set to thrill those heading over to Miami Carnival with all intents and purposes of having the time of their lives. “What we will assure is that no person attending our events, will leave unfulfilled. Come out and have a great time,” said Anthony. He is excited to show off all that’s set to unfold at what’s been coined, THC Promotions’ Extreme Miami Carnival Weekend 2024.