Advance reservations are full. A limited number of $15 tickets will be available at the door tonight, dependent on space capacity.
The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) is thrilled to present Jab, J’ouvert, Revelry and Resistance, a landmark 50th anniversary year exhibition curated by Know Your Caribbean that explores Carnival as a living representation of resistance, identity, and collective memory.
Rooted in Afro-Caribbean histories, the exhibition traces Carnival’s evolution from rebellion to ritual, revealing how practices once born out of oppression have transformed into powerful expressions of freedom, creativity, and joy.
Through layered environments that merge sound, texture, archival material, contemporary art, and interactive elements, visitors are invited to experience Carnival as a living, embodied language that moves through the body, memory, and time.
Unfolding as a multi-sensory journey, the exhibition operates as part installation, part archive, and part altar, illuminating the shared cultural threads of the Caribbean Diaspora.
Each space reveals how resistance has long been encoded in celebration, and how traditions continue to evolve across generations.
Forever present in CCCADI’s 50 years of programming and storytelling, Carnival is a perfect embodiment of the African Diaspora, its diversity and complexities. Presented as a cornerstone of CCCADI’s 50th anniversary celebration – Carrying a 50 Year Legacy of Justice, Joy and Resistance into the Future – the exhibition reflects the institution’s enduring commitment to preserving and amplifying Afro-Diasporic culture.
Featured Artists:
Fiona Compton
Melissa Simon-Hartman
Paloma Dubois
Sandra Bell (Jouvay Fest Collective)
Kambule 1881
Kalinda Kollective
Keegan Taylor
Henry Danner
Michel Chataigne
Nickel “Blacka” Paul from House of Creationz Mas Band
Cherice “Queen Reesie” Harrison-Nelson
Ani Brutus
We acknowledge the vital support of:
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
This exhibition is a collective effort, anchored by CCCADI’s Living Archive and featuring contributions from our community.
JAB, J’OUVERT, REVELRY & RESISTANCE" is made possible with the generous support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Howard Gilman Foundation, the Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, New York State Council on the Arts, New York State Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, New York State Senator Cordell Cleare, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York City Council Member Elsie Encarnacion, New York City Council Member Crystal Hudson, New York City Council Member Rita Joseph, New York City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, the New York City Council Manhattan Delegation and the New York City Council Cultural Immigrant Initiative. 