Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman hosted the Bankra Caribbean Folk Festival at Holy Family Church on Sunday, Aug.10, in collaboration with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, Assemblywoman Jaime Williams and Braata Productions.
The event drew hundreds of Brooklyn residents to celebrate Caribbean heritage, culture and community.
The annual festival brought together families, local leaders and community members for an afternoon of live performances, traditional Caribbean basket weaving, artisan demonstrations, refreshments, interactive activities plus access to community resources.
“The Bankra Caribbean Folk Festival was an incredible celebration of our community’s vibrant Caribbean roots,” said Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman. “It was an honor to bring together residents of all ages from young to older adults, to uplift our culture, enjoy meaningful traditions and connect with services that strengthen our neighborhoods.”
Beyond its cultural offerings, the festival created an inclusive space for residents to connect across backgrounds, engage with elected officials and access vital services. In a climate often marked by political division, gatherings like the Bankra Caribbean Folk Festival foster unity, strengthen trust and reinforce shared community values.
Braata Productions played a key role in bringing authentic Caribbean artistic expression to the event, featuring music, storytelling and visual arts that reflected the community’s heritage. The celebration underscored the lasting contributions of Caribbean communities to Brooklyn’s cultural landscape and served as a reminder of the power of collective celebration and civic connection.
