06/01/2026
Celebrating Caribbean Heritage Month: Honoring the Legacy of Carlos Lezama
This Caribbean Heritage Month, we proudly celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Caribbean people throughout New York City and beyond. We also honor the enduring legacy of Carlos Lezama, a visionary community leader, cultural advocate, and pioneer whose work helped preserve and elevate Caribbean identity in America.
Carlos Lezama dedicated his life to ensuring that Caribbean voices, traditions, and achievements were recognized and respected. As a founder of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) and a driving force behind the growth of the annual Caribbean Carnival in Brooklyn, he helped transform a cultural celebration into one of the largest Caribbean events in North America.
Beyond Carnival, Lezama worked tirelessly to promote Caribbean arts, history, education, and civic engagement. He believed that preserving our heritage was essential for future generations and that cultural pride could strengthen communities and inspire leadership.
Today, the Carlos Lezama Archives & Caribbean Cultural Center (CLACCC) continues that mission by preserving Caribbean history, promoting cultural awareness, and providing educational opportunities that celebrate the diverse contributions of Caribbean people.
As we celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month, let us reflect on the vision, dedication, and impact of Carlos Lezama—a man whose legacy reminds us that our culture is our strength, our history is our foundation, and our community is our future.
Happy Caribbean Heritage Month!
Honoring the past. Celebrating the present. Inspiring the future.
LegacyOfLeadership OneCaribbeanOneCommunity NYCCaribbeanHeritage PreservingOurHistory CelebratingOurCulture
