Jab, J’ouvert, Revelry and Resistance Exhibition at CCCADI NYC
- May 12
- 3 min read
Exhibition Explores a History, Identity, a Living Cultural Memory
The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) opens its 50th anniversary with an exhibition that centers history, culture, and collective memory. Jab, J’ouvert, Revelry and Resistance is now on view in East Harlem through November 21, 2026. Curated by Know Your Caribbean, the exhibition examines Carnival as both a cultural expression and a record of resistance rooted in Afro-Caribbean histories.
Located at CCCADI’s Firehouse building on East 125th Street, the exhibition invites visitors to engage with Carnival beyond its surface. It traces how practices formed under systems of oppression developed into enduring traditions that reflect identity, creativity, and resilience.
Carnival as Resistance and Ritual
Carnival is often seen as celebration, but its origins are deeply connected to resistance. This exhibition presents that history with clarity, showing how enslaved and colonized communities used performance, music, and movement as forms of defiance. Over time, these acts became rituals that continue to evolve across generations.
Each section of the exhibition highlights how resistance is embedded in cultural practices. Visitors encounter stories that connect past and present, revealing how Carnival remains a space where identity is affirmed and collective memory is preserved.
A Multi-Sensory Experience
The exhibition is designed as an immersive environment. It combines sound, archival materials, contemporary artwork, and interactive elements to create a layered experience. Rather than presenting static displays, the exhibition encourages visitors to move through spaces that reflect the rhythm and energy of Carnival.
This approach allows audiences to engage with the material on multiple levels. Visitors hear music, see visual narratives, and interact with objects that carry historical significance. The result is an experience that connects the body and the mind, offering a deeper understanding of cultural expression.
Artists and Community Contributions
A range of artists contribute to the exhibition, bringing diverse perspectives to the themes explored. Featured participants include Fiona Compton, Melissa Simon-Hartman, Paloma Dubois, Sandra Bell of the Jouvay Fest Collective, Kambule 1881, Kalinda Kollective, and Keegan Taylor. Additional contributors such as Henry Danner, Michel Chataigne, Nickel “Blacka” Paul, Cherice “Queen Reesie” Harrison-Nelson, and Ani Brutus further expand the exhibition’s scope.
The exhibition is also shaped by CCCADI’s Living Archive and community contributions. This collective approach reflects the shared nature of Carnival traditions and emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural knowledge through collaboration.
CCCADI’s 50-Year Legacy
This exhibition serves as a cornerstone of CCCADI’s anniversary programming. For five decades, the organization has focused on advancing cultural equity and supporting African descendant communities through art, education, and public programming.
Carnival has been a consistent theme in CCCADI’s work, reflecting the diversity of the African Diaspora. The exhibition aligns with the institution’s ongoing mission to highlight cultural practices that speak to both history and contemporary life.
About the Curator
Know Your Caribbean, founded by Fiona Compton, plays a central role in shaping the exhibition’s narrative. As a nonprofit educational platform, it focuses on preserving Caribbean history and addressing gaps in representation. Its work emphasizes African heritage, indigenous histories, and folklore, providing context that deepens the exhibition’s themes.
Visiting Information
Jab, J’ouvert, Revelry and Resistance is open to the public at CCCADI’s Firehouse building, located at 120 East 125th Street in Manhattan. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 3 PM to 9 PM, with additional access on select weekends.
The exhibition is supported by several cultural and public institutions, including the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, among others.
Why This Exhibition Matters Now
This exhibition offers a clear and thoughtful look at how cultural traditions carry meaning across time. It provides context for understanding Carnival beyond celebration and highlights its role in shaping identity and community. Visitors gain insight into histories that continue to influence contemporary cultural practices, making it a timely and relevant experience for anyone interested in art, history, and the African Diaspora.