Cultural Response
+ Community Resources

Saludos, Sali, Hola, and Hello to all of our friends, artists, families and community members,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI), we want to extend our best wishes, bright light and love to our circle of family and friends during these very difficult times. As we adjust and manage our lives and create a sense of normalcy, we are aware that the immediate future offers uncertainty. CCCADI has taken every precaution to care for our community, by suspending all public programming while we plan for a future designed to ease the stresses and pressures recent developments have imposed upon us all. We are in the process of developing online programming and options designed to inform, educate and celebrate our creative selves planning for the short and long term as we work together to find balance in what is becoming a new normal. Rest assured that we will get through this together . . . because we must!

While the unknowns we face are great, we believe that it is times like these that bring humanity closer together. It seems that each time we recover from a shared tragedy, the ground shifts again. In the past three years, we have witnessed the challenges, trials and tribulations that our extended families in the Caribbean have lived through caused by natural disasters, economic crisis and now this worldwide pandemic. Yet, through it all we have come together, cared, expressed support and above all, have stood firm in our sacred beliefs and with our resilience. In acknowledging this, we at CCCADI want to do our part to lessen the burden and recognize that it is this strength, love and commitment to one another as human beings that will get us through this crisis.

It is up to each one of us to remember that we each play an important role in our own healing and recovery. These are incredibly tough times and it is important that we work together to create a future that is bright and full of promise. When we are threatened by illness or catastrophes, we must find ways to support and lift up one another.

In addition to sharing resource information for assistance and guidance from first responder and social service city, state, and community based organizations, CCCADI will be providing an upcoming calendar of activities that we will share on our digital platforms and website that we hope you will find beneficial and meaningful during this time. We want to provide you support in every way possible and yes, even bring a smile to your face. We are working diligently to create online learning tools, virtual tours of our present and past exhibitions, access to archival footage of historic programs and online workshop-presentations on art making, wellness, healing and spirituality.

We are in the process of reshaping and rethinking program services moving forward and would love to hear from YOU as to what you would like to see from us.

Unfortunately, right now, physical distancing has become necessary for staying well. Soon, we will be together in real time, but until then we will do our very best to stay connected to our community, spiritually and virtually.

Stay safe, be smart and stay home! During this pause we are reminded to value what is most important right now . . . family, health, and well-being. These times have become some of the most precious moments of our lives!

Ashe,

Melody Capote
Executive Director

Welcome to our resources portal

Here you will find important information for our community, like for example an Emergency Resources List for Artists, as well as some uplifting content straight from our archives. You will even have the chance to take a virtual guided tour of one of our past exhibitions provided through Google Arts and Culture. Stay tuned as we are currently looking into launching a greater web presence in the coming weeks for your viewing pleasure and continued cultural connection to our community.