Feathers and Flags of Freedom

Cultural parades in New York City are characterized by enthusiasm and a strong sense of pride. Independence is a common theme for parades but in this new era of political challenges, it has become vital to emphasize freedom of expression.

The annual West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn is sponsored by WIADCA, the West Indian American day Carnival Association. America is home to 13 million people who share Caribbean ancestry. The parade is more than just music and masquerade; it represents a celebration of independence and diversity. Every Labor Day, the parade honors Caribbean nations that earned independence from colonial rule. Eastern Parkway is filled with flags proudly waving through the streets of Brooklyn from Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and other Caribbean countries.

The African ancestors of West Indians wore elaborate feather crowns during rituals and festivities. Today many participants wear colorful feathered costumes that serve not just as a visual show, but it honors the ancestors while serving as powerful symbols of liberty and resilience.

The parade is the biggest event that represents cultural pride for Caribbean Americans, attracting over one million people.

Lisa Dubois

Lisa DuBois is a New York-based ethnographic photojournalist and curator. Her work focuses on subcultures within mainstream society. Her widely collected work on Black subculture in New Orleans is a demonstration of her deep love for history and tradition. She has exhibited her work both internationally and domestically, including at the Schomburg Cultural Center for Research in Black Culture, and at the Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Kansas. She has been interviewed on BronxNet, Nola TV, and Singleshot about her work. Lisa received a BFA from the School of Visual Arts and a degree in Metaphysical Science at the University of Metaphysics. As a freelance photographer, she has contributed to several major news publications and stock photo agencies, including Getty, the New York Post, and the Daily News. Lisa has been recognized by The Guardian and the New York Times for her work as a photographer and curator for X Gallery.  Her most recent project as creative consultant and curator for Art on the Ave helped to launch the first socially distanced outdoor exhibition along Columbus Avenue in New York City. Lisa is a member of Enfoco and a contributor to Social Documentary Network and Edge of Humanity magazine.