Tropicalfete, Inc. Presents the Authors Connecting Cultural Reading Program: A Month-Long Celebration of Caribbean American Heritage — June 2026
Tropicalfete, Inc., Brooklyn’s premier Caribbean cultural arts organization, is proud to announce yet another year of its celebrated Authors Connecting Cultural Reading Program in collaboration with the Brooklyn Public Library, a dynamic, month-long literary series taking place throughout June 2026 in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month. The program brings together published and emerging authors for live interviews, community conversations, and cultural celebrations that shine a spotlight on the power of Caribbean storytelling and its enduring impact on American life.
All events will be live streamed across Tropicalfete’s social platforms, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, making the experience accessible to audiences far beyond Brooklyn.
What Is the Authors Connecting Program?
Launched as an annual June initiative, the Authors Connecting Cultural Reading Program is a multi-event platform that unites authors from diverse backgrounds, genres, and career stages to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and genuine community connection.
Each event features a live author interview moderated by a journalist, educator, or cultural voice, diving deep into the author’s creative journey, the cultural significance of their work, the realities of the publishing industry, and the role of storytelling in building stronger communities. The program is intentionally designed to welcome everyone — from lifelong readers to young children encountering their first Caribbean-authored book.
Through interactive discussions, live readings, and open conversation, audiences gain a window into:
- The craft and creative process behind Caribbean-inspired writing
- The challenges and triumphs of navigating publishing as a Caribbean-American author
- The educational and cultural impact of literature that reflects diverse, underrepresented experiences
Opportunities for emerging writers to learn from those who have walked the path before them
Over the years, Authors Connecting has grown from a small community gathering into a valued annual institution, a space where emerging and established writers come to share, inspire, and be celebrated alongside the readers who need their stories most.
Scheduled Author Events — June 2026
EVENT 1 – RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Author: Charles Watts — Upcoming Author
Book: Joombie Chuckie: The Little Moko Jumbie
Interviewer: Tanisha Burke — Educator, Advocate, and Creative Voice
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Location: Tropicalfete Cultural Landmark | 850 New York Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203-2721
Charles Watts brings to life the beloved Caribbean figure of the Moko Jumbie, the colorful, towering stilt-walker who has graced festivals and street parades across the islands for generations, through the eyes of a young, spirited character named Chuckie. Joombie Chuckie: The Little Moko Jumbie is a celebration of Caribbean cultural identity written for young readers, blending vibrant storytelling with the rich folkloric traditions of the Caribbean. Watts will be joined by Tanisha Burke, a passionate educator and advocate whose work has long centered the voices of underrepresented communities.
EVENT 2 – RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Author: Dr. Owen Joseph — Author, Musician, and Educator
Book: I Can Learn to Play the Piano, Said Owen
Interviewer: Keran Deterville — Artist and Journalist
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Location: Tropicalfete Cultural Landmark | 850 New York Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203-2721
Dr. Owen Joseph is a multifaceted creative force, an accomplished author, musician, and educator whose work is dedicated to inspiring young people to believe in themselves. His book, I Can Learn to Play the Piano, Said Owen, follows a young boy who dares to dream of one day playing the piano and turns that dream into reality through perseverance and heart. The story is a testament to the love of music and the transformative power of encouragement, themes close to the heart of Tropicalfete’s own mission. Dr. Joseph will be in conversation with Keran Deterville, artist and journalist, in what promises to be an uplifting and insightful discussion for all ages.
Additional author events are scheduled throughout June 2026. Details to be announced. Follow @tropicalfete on social media for the latest updates.
Grand Finale: Tropicalfete Annual Carnival Festival at Grand Army Plaza
The Authors Connecting program will culminate in a grand celebration at Tropicalfete’s Annual Carnival Festival, one of Brooklyn’s most anticipated summer cultural events, held in collaboration with the Brooklyn Public Library.
SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, June 28, 2026
10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY
This year’s festival will bring together the full, vibrant spirit of Caribbean culture — music, dance, costume, stilt-walking, steel pan, and more — alongside a special literary showcase honoring the authors featured throughout the month. It is a fitting and joyful close to a month of storytelling: a reminder that Caribbean culture lives not only on the page, but in every drumbeat, every handmade costume, and every community gathering filled with laughter and shared memory.
Full festival programming and additional details to follow.
