Kids take center stage as West Indian American celebrations get underway in Brooklyn
NEW YORK -- The West Indian Day Parade will return to Brooklyn in full force this year, and as CBS2's Thalia Perez reports, celebrations are already underway.
It was a musical feast of soothing melodies over the sweet sound of steel oil drums that have been converted into musical instruments. Hundreds turned out for the concert on the Brooklyn Museum grounds.
"I love it. This is what we do. This is what we live for," said Tony Reece, with Kutters Rhythm Section.
Reece says for the performers, it's all about tradition and authenticity.
"Steelpan represents the music, the culture, the revolt against slavery to keep the free people free and liberated," one person said.
Organizers say the steelpans are a symbol of the rich history from Trinidad and Tobago that has spread throughout the West Indies.
"You get this feeling of love, the energy, the vibration, it's so good. I love the beat. It's so spiritual. So take me there!" Manhattan resident Empress Sharron said.
Earlier in the day, there was a Junior Carnival Parade in Crown Heights, where dozens of kids proudly showed off their costumes.
"I've been doing this since I was about 8, and I was born in Guyana and came to the U.S., so this is like family, it's like everything" Brooklyn resident Jermaine Lynch said.
For the Gant family, these celebrations are an annual tradition. This year, their 4-year-old son, Rashem, was a participant.
"It's great to get the kids out and enjoy some sun and enjoy some culture, Caribbean culture," father Roy Gant said.
Culture that's the cornerstone of West Indian tradition.
Meanwhile, street closures begin at 11 p.m. Sunday for Monday's parade, and there will be increased security from the NYPD.
The J'Ouvert festival starts 6 a.m. Monday at Grand Army Plaza and ends at Nostrand Avenue and Rutland Road at 11 a.m.
The West Indian Parade follows at 11 a.m. at Ralph Avenue and Eastern Parkway, ending at Grand Army Plaza.
