Given the results of the this years presidential election, preserving the arts, culture, historical facts, and stories is so important if not crucial at this point in our society. Adding to the richness, depth, and fabric of our country, I was so pleased to go to and be invited to the recent opening of the new landmark location of the CCCADI Caribbean Cultural Community African Diaspora Institute , located right in the pulsating, culturally vibrant, and lively Spanish Harlem on East 125th street btwn Lexington and Park. Founded in 1976, carefully and strategically curated by Dr. Moreno Vega, was a haven solely dedicated to using art, activism, and education to advance and preserve the rich legacy of diverse African cultures domestically and abroad, touching as much of the diaspora as possible. During the 70's where protesting was a regular pass time and rightful so, given the nature of society then, the organization used its platform as part of the larger movement for racial and social justice for Black and Latino youth. Currently the Institute is an amazing space where local and international artist can display their works and be a "hub" for achieving cultural equity, putting stock back into the community, "keeping the information" and telling the story of a nation. Operating as a multidisciplinary arts organization, CCCADI uses art as a tool, offering educational programs, art exhibits, and cultural events. The next time any of you have the pleasure of being in Harlem on the border of East and West, take a moment and stop by the new location and see what this amazing institute has to offer. 

"The Center's new home on 125th st. reflects our community, alongside our Board of Directors and Staff." Dr. Moreno Vega said, "the site of the firehouse, in the heart of East Harlem, is iconic of what we stand for---the cross-section of African Diaspora cultures meeting at the nexus of East, Central and West Harlem.....

Pictures below are from the kick-off three part Exhibition curated by Lowery Stokes Sims, Yasmin Ramirez, Marta Moreno Vega and Regina Bultron Bengoa titled HOME, Memory and future appropriately. It features work by the likes of Amilia Mesa Bains, Pepon Osorio, Abigail DeVille, Antonio Martorell and Nicole Awai that chronicles Harlem from the 1970's and includes an altered reality component by artist such as Mariona Lioreta, Andrew J. Padilla and Tamiko Thiel.

For more information: www.cccadi.org/grandopening