Afrofuturism And The Fight To Keep Caribbean Traditions Alive (Replay)

Send us Fan Mail Afrofuturism gets treated like a buzzword, but Vianca helps us see it as something much more grounded: a creative practice that lets Caribbean people and the wider African diaspora imagine a future without external control. From her work at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) in East Harlem, she shows how arts and culture can move racial and social justice forward, not just talk about it. We get specific about cultural equity, what it actually means, and why it matters. Vianca breaks down how culture is restricted through stigma, policy, and uneven funding for cultural institutions, and why that puts Caribbean cultural preservation at risk. We also connect the dots between reclamation of African retentions and the ability to envision a liberated future, from Haitian Independence to today’s cultural movements. We also talk about the “post-technology” question: where do folkloric dance and music fit in a TikTok world? Bianca argues tech can be a bridge, while intentional choices by adults ensure kids inherit more than trends, they inherit lineage. If you care about Caribbean American identity, decolonization, Afrofuturism, and the future of Afro-Caribbean traditions, press play. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Reference: Puerto Rico's Bomba: A Musical Revolution (Strictly Facts Podcast) Connect with Viannca Velez – Instagram | Website | Cultura Lovers Subscribe to the Newsletter Support How to Support Carry On Friends Donate: If you believe in our mission and want to help amplify Caribbean voices, consider making a donation . Get Merch: Support Carry On Friends by purchasing merchandise from our store . Connect with @carryonfriends – Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Source: Carry On Friends: The Caribbean American Experience

Original episode: Watch or listen to the original episode

Original publication date: Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400