New York State Comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli on Thursday took a culinary and cultural tour of New York City’s Little Caribbean neighborhood in Flatbush, Brooklyn.
During the visit, DiNapoli met with elected officials, community members and business owners to discuss neighborhood happenings.
The tour was led by Shelley Worrell, founder of CaribBeing and Little Caribbean NYC; New York State Sen. Zellnor Myrie; New York State Assembly Member Diana Richardson; and Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Randy Peers.
The three-hour walking tour included stops at Tafari Tribe; Styles By Lisa Mulzac; Brooklyn Perk Coffee; Culture Chest; Errol’s Caribbean Bakery; Peppas Jerk; African Record Center; Labay Market; Allan’s Caribbean Bakery; and Rain Eatery.
DiNapoli presented proclamations to Worrell, Myrie, representative for the 20th Senate District in Brooklyn, and Richardson, representative for the 43rd Assembly District, also in Brooklyn, for their work in the community.
He also presented the Brooklyn-based Caribbean Women’s Health Association with a check for their unclaimed funds for $11,250.00.
“Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean neighborhood is a living celebration of the rich cultures and accomplishments of our diverse city,” DiNapoli told Caribbean Life afterwards.
“Shelley Worrell provided an outstanding tour of the neighborhood, as we explored businesses that represent the riches of the Caribbean,” he added. “Brooklyn is home to some of America’s largest immigrant communities – entrepreneurs who lift New York’s economy and culture.
“I was also honored to present Ms. Worrell, State Sen. Zellnor Myrie and Assembly Member Diana Richardson with proclamations for the important work they do throughout the community,” the comptroller continued. “As New York reopens, their leadership is critical to ensuring everyone shares in an equitable recovery that is inclusive of all communities.”
Brooklyn Council Member Farah N. Louis, who was among other elected officials celebrating “One Love Little Caribbean Day” on Thursday, said she was “honored” to be a participant.
“As the daughter of Haitian immigrants, I can’t tell you how proud I am to be part of and represent such a dynamic community of trail-blazers and small-business entrepreneurs,” Louis, who represents the 45th Council District, comprising parts of Flatbush and East Flatbush, told Caribbean Life.
“For hundreds of years, Caribbean-Americans have crossed oceans and broken barriers to build better lives for ourselves and for our families here in New York City, and in cities and small towns across the United States,” she added. “I think ‘One Love Little Caribbean’ is a beautiful testament to the growing clout and cultural influence of the Caribbean-American community here in Brooklyn.
“Let’s celebrate that this month, during National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, and every month,” Louis urged.
