Most people claim Brooklyn J’Ouvert officially started in the late 1980s in Flatbush. But here’s Kitchener in 1974 singing “Who Give Them the Okay”, a tune about a J’Ouvert in Bedford Stuyvesant. Assembling on Fulton Street and Franklin Avenue, the group then proceeded east up Fulton towards Utica Avenue and eventually to Eastern Parkway. Bed Stuy was a hub for West Indians in the 60s and 70s, therefore it's not surprising Trinidadians, after feting, would form a band, and, without permission, head to the Parkway.

New York City and J’Ouvert have survived endless setbacks, only to come back stronger. Next year ole mas will replace surgical masks. A hug will replace an elbow bounce. Six feet will be the size of a head piece, not the distance between friends. The alcohol-based liquid tucked in handbags and front pockets won’t be hand sanitizer. And 10,000 people will rejoice when Hearts of Steel come down Nostrand Avenue playing “How Great Thou Art.”

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  • ......Very informative article Grvin, hope you are included in the new initiative Leah Clark Brisard is advocating....stay safe...

  • Excellent read Mr. Blake.

    bugs

  • A picture as only the Lord could paint with his lyrics and melody.  Thankx Garvin for the information!

  • Thanks! Mr. Blake a vivid presentation, I see you didn't have my name, your mention of my presence is all the acknowledgment I needed, Eye, like the rest can relate... "Liming on the sidewalk, listening to pan with friends and strangers, some dancing, others ole talking, was a quasi-J’Ouvert"

    Mas in Brooklyn

  • Garvin great history my beloved. I think you have to write your book on our carnival history in NYC starting in Harlem. If we don't tell our history no one else will. You have a gift don't waste it. Your trini writing style is awesome. 

  • WOW!

    Great piece of historical writing. Very informative and very entertaining.

    Garvin, I love the lyrics. I felt like singing while I was reading.

    In the calypso you cited, Kitchener introduces the intriguing idea of an overcrowded band.

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