Celebrating Caribbean Culture: A Conversation with Roger Archibald, President of WIADCA

Celebrating Caribbean Culture: A Conversation with Roger Archibald, President of WIADCA

Photo: Roger Archibald, Esq.

By Pearl Phillip

Listen to the interview with Roger Archibald, Esq. here:

In an enlightening conversation, we welcomed Roger Archibald Esq, the newly appointed President of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA). With a career spanning over three decades, Archibald brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted connection to WIADCA. His journey with the organization began in the early ’90s when he served as a legal advisor to the late Carlos Lezama, co-founder and former President of WIADCA. His commitment to celebrating and preserving Caribbean culture in America is inspiring and unwavering.

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Vision

Archibald’s vision for WIADCA is clear: to continue and expand the legacy of showcasing Caribbean culture in America. He emphasizes the importance of proper funding and financial stability to support this vision. Leveraging his extensive connections, he aims to tap into rich resources to bolster WIADCA’s initiatives. The annual parade on Eastern Parkway, a vibrant display of Caribbean culture, is just one aspect of WIADCA’s extensive work. The organization also runs educational programs in schools, teaching the younger generation about their heritage through music and cultural history. 

Archibald explained, “Yes, indeed. In terms of vision, one of the things that I loved about Carlos was that he truly embraced his culture, which is our culture. He went to great lengths to make sure that there was a showcase of our culture in America, and I hope to continue that legacy and build on it.. Now, part of the difficulties that I think from the past has been a lack of proper funding from funding sources and stakeholders. In my 34 years as a practicing attorney here in New York, I have made many connections, whether in the business, entertainment, intellectual, or otherwise. I’ve already started tapping into that rich resource. And many people enjoy what we do on Eastern Parkway. They enjoy what we do at the back of the museum because it’s the one time of the year that the Caribbean comes alive in America, where you see all the rich foods, colors, and cultures coming to play in this pageantry in Eastern Parkway. Some people believe that Eastern Parkway is all we do, which is so far from the truth.”

Negative Narrative of Gun Violence Surrounding the Parade

One of the critical challenges Archibald identifies is the negative perception due to occasional incidents of violence around the parade. He passionately argues that these reports are often exaggerated and do not reflect the reality of the event. The parade, which attracts over three and a half million participants annually, is one of the safest large parades in New York City. It also generates significant economic impact, contributing economically during the carnival season. Archibald is committed to changing the narrative through better public relations and partnerships with major media outlets like PIX11 and WABC. 

Archibald stated, “Regarding economic impact, our parade pumps over $300 million in economic activity during the carnival season, particularly on Labor Day. No other parade in the city of New York generates that type of economic impact. So when you hear we are taxing the police, the overtime, and all the other city agencies involved in this parade, remember that we are the largest and bring in the most revenue. So it’s all about parody and being fair. But to return to the original thrust of your question that dealt with the violence, look at the crime statistics for all the other parades. And when you’re comparing apples with apples, you’d realize that the West Indian American Carnival is one of the safest large parades in New York.”

Furthermore, Archbald strongly believes, “The news reports are highly inflammatory, and it seems they have some motive, a hidden agenda. And I’ll tell you some statistics. The Caribbean parade is the largest in the city of New York, in the state of New York, and the United States of America. We put on an exposition with participants over three and a half to four million annually. Compared to the other parades in the city, whether it be the St. Patrick’s Day parade, the Puerto Rican Day parade, the Dominican parade, the Gay Pride parade, they are dwarfed by what we bring to the table.”

Impact of the Labor Day Parade 

There’s a lingering question about whether the parade is receiving the respect it deserves. There’s also speculation about whether WIADCA, the organizer, needs to manage public relations more effectively to ensure the parade’s significance is adequately highlighted. After all, given its financial importance and longevity, it’s crucial for events like these to garner the attention and appreciation they merit, and effective PR plays a pivotal role in achieving that. With proper promotion and communication, the value and significance of the parade might be noticed and recognized. Thus, enhancing the PR efforts could ensure the parade receives the recognition and respect it deserves. 

Archibald agrees. He explained, “I am particularly passionate about this issue, and I’m passionate about this issue because I came to this country as a young boy in the ’70s, and my siblings and I were on Eastern Parkway every single year, through the ’70s, the ’80s, all the way up until the present day. And what we have consistently experienced is nationhood, revelry, cultural expressions, and some degree of, well, who gets the bragging rights? Which island puts on the best band, Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, or the Virgin Islands? That’s the type of Caribbean excitement I have known and will continue to enforce.”

He continued, “When you have forces in control of the media outlets, and they are minded to tilt a story or spin a story in a particular way, it puts any organization at a disadvantage who doesn’t have that bully pulpit. This year, however, with PIX 11 and ABC being there, our messengers will all be saying the same thing regarding parity and fairness, discussing the crime stats and the economic impact we bring to help change that narrative. And it’s my job to make sure that that happens, and I’m up to the task.”

Community Engagement 

Engaging the diverse Caribbean community in New York is another priority for Archibald. He plans to convene meetings with Consul Generals from various islands to ensure that all voices are heard, and their concerns are addressed effectively. This inclusive approach aims to foster a sense of unity and collaboration within the community, strengthening WIADCA’s cultural and social impact. The balance between honoring the older generation’s traditions and incorporating the youth’s energy and ideas is crucial for the organization’s growth and sustainability.

Archibald is excited about the future. With a strong tradition of passing down culture from one generation to the next, Archibald plans to guarantee the organization remains attuned to the changing needs of its members while effectively harmonizing the viewpoints of both older and younger generations and fostering active engagement from all stakeholders.

“Well, the one thing that the youth brings to an organization is energy and new ideas, and couple that with the existing knowledge base of the older generation. I don’t want to say older, but I’ll say the veterans in the organization. That’s a good marriage. The youth also bring opportunities to use the technology at hand. You may also see AI at work at Eastern Parkway. By AI, we’re referring to artificial intelligence, which would help us create the right matrix and the right balance of old mass and new mass: Pan and other expressions of Caribbean music. When you go to our website, you can download certain things that allow you to look at a resource that goes back over five decades here in New York. So that’s what we have in the making, and I intend to enhance that.”

Labor Day 2024

Archibald promises an exciting lineup for the Labor Day 2024 festivities. He encourages everyone to visit WIADCA’s website for updates on upcoming activities and to register as vendors or participants. The parade is renowned for its rich culinary offerings, diverse music, and colorful costumes, representing the vibrant tapestry of Caribbean culture. The involvement of children in Kids’ Carnival is particularly emphasized, as it plays a vital role in passing the cultural torch to the next generation.

Archibald shared, “You want to have your children play Kids Carnival, which has always been the highlight of the Carnival on a Saturday in the back of the museum because that’s how we pass the torch to the next generation by getting them involved. And if you have children and Caribbean blood in you, or you wish you did have Caribbean blood in you and want to be part of the pageantry, join us behind the museum on Saturday for Kids Carnival. The kids steal the Show.”

WIADCA’s efforts extend beyond the parade, providing cultural sensitivity training, expositions, and educational programs. These initiatives aim to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Caribbean culture among the broader American public. Archibald’s leadership promises to enhance these efforts, ensuring that WIADCA remains a beacon of Caribbean heritage in the United States.

As we look forward to the grand celebration on Eastern Parkway, Mr. Archibald’s dedication and vision for WIADCA offer the organization a hopeful and vibrant future. His approach of blending tradition with innovation, strategic partnerships, and community engagement sets the stage for an enriched cultural experience. We eagerly anticipate the festivities of Labor Day 2024 and beyond under his capable leadership.

For more information about events and vendors, please visit www.wiadcacarnival.org

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