Obama and de Ca’nival!
By Zahra Gordon

While chippin’ down Eastern Parkway at this year’s Jouvert Parade in New York, one thing was clear – West Indians support Senator Barack Obama. Their support was evident not only in the costumes which paid homage to him, but also the people lining the streets with Obama campaign buttons and t-shirts with messages such as: “Obama Or Else” in the Pan-African colors of red, black and green.

Of course there was no surprise in seeing political costumes at Jouvert; Jouvert is, among other things, political satire. But as funny as some of these portrayals were, none of them mocked the senator. Quite the contrary, the costumes displayed West Indian and diasporan unity and strong support for the man who could become America’s first black president. And all this from a community where there may be a large number unable to show their support at the voting booth considering only US citizens, and not permanent residents, are allowed to vote. ...View More