The Association of Caribbean Americans of Long Island hosted its vibrant 2nd Annual Family Day celebration in Merrick, NY, bringing together Caribbean music, dance, food, and unity for an unforgettable community experience.
If joy had a sound, it would be the rhythmic bassline of soca and reggae vibrating through Merrick, New York this afternoon. On Sunday, July 27, 2025, I had the honor of attending the 2nd Annual Long Island Caribbean American Family Day, hosted by the Association of Caribbean Americans of Long Island (AÇA of LI) at the Merrick Golf Club Clubhouse. And let me tell you—it was more than an event; it was a homecoming. A love letter to culture. A full-circle celebration of who we are, where we come from, and how we thrive together.
From the moment I arrived, the vibrant colors of flags, fashion, and food wrapped around me like a big Caribbean embrace. Hosted and co-organized by the powerhouse duo Dr. Corrinne Graham and Yonette Diamond Maynard, the event was a beautiful and free celebration of Caribbean pride that brought together families, community leaders, artists, and culture lovers from across Long Island and beyond.
The Soundtrack of the Islands
You could feel the culture before you even stepped fully into the space. The air pulsed with music, joyfully curated by DJ Killa Boo of Irie Jam, whose blends of dancehall, kompa, calypso, and afrobeats set the perfect island vibe. And then the performances began—and baby, they delivered.
First up, ITruth graced the stage with his soul-stirring performance, merging roots reggae and poetic reflection that held the crowd in a melodic trance. Then came Steff, whose sultry voice and stage presence pulled us closer to the magic of the Caribbean diaspora’s younger generation. And if you know Blu Lyon, then you already know he had the crowd moving from the front row to the back. The man brought soca and dancehall vibes, reminding us why Caribbean music is the heartbeat of any true celebration.
Dance, Drum, and Diaspora
Midway through the day, a spontaneous dance cypher broke out—young girls and aunties alike winding waistlines to the infectious beat.
This was not just entertainment—it was cultural preservation in motion. The dance performances reminded us of the ancestral heartbeat that pulses through every step. This was Caribbean joy—unapologetic, unfiltered, and unforgettable.
A Culinary Love Affair
Now you know I couldn’t walk past the food vendors without indulging. My taste buds took a trip through Trinidad, Haiti, Jamaica, Guyana, and the Dominican Republic—all in one afternoon. I devoured perfectly seasoned jerk chicken, a savory baked chicken with just the right amount of spice.
What I loved most? Every vendor had a story. A connection to heritage. And yes, the event was cashless, which made things smooth and stress-free.
Vendors & Village Building
Outside of the food, the vendors brought it—from handmade jewelry and colorful fashion to mental health resources and cultural keepsakes. I even won a raffle (yes, me, y’all!) and took home an incredible journal titled “Dear Self, It’s Not Time to Panic Yet: An Affirmation Journal for Anxiety” by Amanda Fludd, LCSW-R. As someone who believes in the power of healing, self-reflection, and mental wellness—especially in our community—this was a gift I didn’t even know I needed.
It was a reminder that cultural celebration and wellness go hand in hand. This event created space for both.
Why This Event Mattered
Bringing the community together to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Caribbean culture. This event is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy a day filled with music, dance, food, and camaraderie, build communities relationships and create those lost family times memories. Also, helping to promote up and coming talents and helping to create economic growth.”
Events like this aren’t just a good time—they’re vital. They connect us. They support small businesses. They inspire our youth. They celebrate who we are in a world that often asks us to dilute our brilliance. This was more than a party—it was resistance through rhythm and resilience through unity.
About AÇA of LI
The Association of Caribbean Americans of Long Island (AÇA of LI) is doing the work to uplift and amplify Caribbean voices and stories in our region. Through events like this, they’re preserving culture, building bridges across communities, and creating platforms where new talent and traditional customs can shine side-by-side.
Looking Ahead
If you missed this year’s Caribbean American Family Day, don’t make that mistake again. Mark your calendar now for 2026. And if you were there—you already know we witnessed something special. The music, the food, the people, the vibe… it was all a reminder that when Caribbean people come together, the world gets brighter.
We dance harder. We laugh louder. We love deeper.
And on a warm Sunday in Merrick, Long Island, we showed the world exactly what Caribbean excellence looks like. For more information or future collaborations, reach out to Dr. Corrinne Graham at:
📧 billing@grahamconsultingandresearch.com