The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) opened new doors at its permanent home of East Harlem, a historic location—not far from from Marcus Garvey Park— commonly referred to as “El Barrio.” At the VIP ribbon cutting affair, guests had an exclusive preview of the Exhibit HOME, MEMORY, and FUTURE, co-curated by Lowery Stokes Sims.
CCCADI, which saw three different locations since its founding 40 years ago, adds to the city’s small roster of cultural institutions dedicated to communities of color.
“I met a very global group of people there,” recalls Sims to Tess Thackara at Artsy.net, “and we’re talking in the ’70s and ’80s before globalization became a widespread notion. It was Southern black people, Caribbean black people, African black people, Latin American black people, who came together for commonalities.”
The cultural oasis has served as more than just a platform of arts and creativity, by and for people of color. Just as importantly, the space as been a hub for activism, creating necessary grounds for people of African descent from around the globe.
“CCCADI follows in the steps of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, Silvia del Villard, Rex Nettleford, Amilcar Cabral, Marcus Garvey, Zora Neal Hurston, Katherine Dunham, Abdias do Nacimento, Antonia Pantoja, Yolanda Sanchez, Evelina Antonetty and the many others that have fought for racial, cultural and social justice,” says founder Dr. Marta Moreno Vega to VIBE VIVA. “To have a location that will continue to frame equity at all levels is a tribute to them, to our community and our role as advocates for a just future for our children.”
Congratulations to Dr. Vega and all parties involved in this monumental project. For more information on CCCADI and how you can be a part of this historic site, visit here.