J'Ouvert City International, Inc.

J’Ouvert started in 1899 in Trinidad & Tobago, it was accompanied by Tamboo Bamboo musical instruments. In 1937 steelpan made out of dustbin covers and biscuit tins became the leading instrument in Carnival. The Creole form of the French Jour and Ouvrir (day open) complete the creation of the name. J'Ouvert is a significant part of Caribbean carnivals. It is the pivotal aspect of our culture which symbolizes and makes us keenly aware of the historical journey and struggle of African peoples struggle to maintain, celebrate and preserve our cultural heritages. Costumed bands, revelers wearing mud, paint, or costumes that comment on social and political injustices dance through the streets until daybreak to open the daytime carnival.

As years go by the Steelbands were pushed out of the street’s celebrations and the Brass bands and DJ's filled that gap. J’Ouvert came out off a hunger for us as a people to celebrate the totality of our carnival that we brought to this diaspora. Let’s go back a bit and look at Carnival through the eyes of Caribbean people. Carnival came to New York in the 1920 by Jessie Waddle in Harlem, then it was brought to Brooklyn by Rufus Goring on Fulton Street in 1964 and later moved by Carlos Lezama in 1967 to the Famous Eastern Parkway.

Our Carnival during that period was consisted mainly of Steelband music, the only instrument invented in the 21st century. After several years, DJ's and Brass bands became the main source of music on Eastern Parkway and the Steelbands were forced out of the carnival because they could not compete with the loud amplified sounds.

In the late 1980, Steelband leaders decided that they were going to create an arena where they can showcase the beautiful instrument. “Steelpan”, that came out of struggle by people of African race to maintain our freedom and identity. However, during that struggle to enjoy the totality of our carnival, several things were happening at the same time, such as, Golden Stars Steelband from Woodruff and Flatbush and Pan Rebels Steel band were on the streets playing music the Sunday night before Labor Day Monday. Another group, called Scanty and the Supernatural was going from party to party picking up people, dancing in the streets.

According to Mr. Carlos Lezama who is now deceased and was my mentor and Joyce Quaima, they were in the Police Chief’s car, when the chief received a call stating that there were several people on the street jumping up to music and what should they do, the Chief in responded by said bring out the riot squad. Mr. Lezama and Joyce said no and explained what was happening. It is something called J’Ouvert, which is the beginning of our Carnival. The chief sent two police cars to escort the people. Thus, the birth of our J’Ouvert. Some may dispute this story but this is the introduction as we know it. J’Ouvert first official route: Carnival begins on Flatbush Avenue and Woodruff