In its 50th Anniversary Year, the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) was recognized twice in Puerto Rico on the same day. Both honors celebrated 50 years of advancing culture, Sacred Traditions, and education across the African Diaspora.
in Loíza: Culture for All at PAYE
On Friday, November 6, New Yorkers for Culture & Arts (NYCA), led by Executive Director Lucy Sexton, organized a press event at the P.A.Y.E. (Piñones Aprende y Emprende) Community Center in Barrio Torrecilla Baja, Loíza. NYS Senator José M. Serrano and NYC Council Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams joined NYCA to present New York’s cultural community donation to PAYE. The event brought NYCA’s Culture for All campaign to Puerto Rico under the banner “New York Stands with Puerto Rico.”
Lucy Sexton framed the day around PAYE’s story. When the emergency hits, she said, culture comes to the rescue. PAYE was founded in 2018 in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and María, and it serves Loíza Aldea, widely known as the Black center of culture of Puerto Rico. Today it offers classes for children, programs for elders, and support for single mothers. She also credited CCCADI as one of the organizations on the ground after María, asking what could be done and how to rebuild.
“We’re all aunties.”
CCCADI Executive Director Melody Capote spoke about how the partnership began. When CCCADI first visited, only one building was accessible. Now the campus is alive with activity. She described a space that is not about ownership but about safety, food, and community, a place where “we’re all aunties.” For CCCADI, she said, culture sits at the center of everything: language, food, and spirituality all belong to it.
NYS Senator José M. Serrano & Melody Capote
CCCADI and PAYE are both organizations founded and led by Black Puerto Rican women, and their relationship has grown organically over the years.
Friday Evening: A Special Recognition at the 40th Annual SOMOS Conference
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaking before award recognition for CCCADI.
Assembly Member Karines Reyes presented the award.
That evening, CCCADI received a Special Recognition Award in honor of its 50th Anniversary Year at the 40th annual SOMOS Conference. SOMOS brings together New York elected officials, advocates, labor leaders, and community organizations to discuss issues affecting communities in New York and Puerto Rico. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the gathering before Melody Capote accepted the award on CCCADI’s behalf.
Assembly Member Karines Reyes presented the award. She said CCCADI has taught a simple truth: “Our African roots are not a footnote to our story. They are the heart of it.” She named the Bomba, the Plena, food, and faith, and honored 50 years of justice, joy, and resistance. CCCADI was recognized for building a legacy of connection across the African Diaspora, from New York City to the Caribbean to Africa, through culture, Sacred Traditions, and education.
“Our African roots are not a footnote to our story. They are the heart of it.”
In her remarks, Melody Capote urged the audience to follow their roots and look to their ancestry. She noted that SOMOS is celebrating 40 years while CCCADI celebrates 50. She remembered the birth of SOMOS and honored Angelo Del Toro and the others who paved the way, because there wasn’t always a SOMOS.
Looking Ahead
For 50 years, CCCADI has worked from the belief that culture is a tool for healing, education, and liberation. Being recognized in Puerto Rico, alongside community partners who do that work every day, is a reminder that the African Diaspora is one story told across many shores.
Join us as we continue our 50th Anniversary Year. Visit our 50th AnniverSoirée event hub at cccadi.org/anniversoiree to learn more.”
