In Times Like These: Mourning and Remembering from Guyanese Brooklyn

Central Brooklyn was disproportionately impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. According to the Endangered Language Alliance, “the most linguistically diverse stretch of neighborhoods in Brooklyn, from Borough Park to Canarsie and including major Jewish, Caribbean, and post-Soviet diaspora communities, has the highest number of cases in the borough.” Due to the isolation requirements, death and burial rituals were also taken away. Before we can properly #BuildBackBetter, it is necessary for us to mourn and honor those that we have lost due to COVID-19 while recognizing diverse strategies for mourning and remembrance. Join Brooklyn Arts Council and the Guyanese Cultural Association for a moment of mourning and remembrance in honor of those who have passed from the Guyanese experience. Brooklyn Folklorists Dr. Kay Turner, and Christopher Mulé will be joined by Guyanese heritage ambassadors Winston “Jeggae” Hoppie, Rose October-Edun, and Claire Goring. Please share your thoughts on those that have passed and strategies to Build Brooklyn Back Better here.