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Documenting the Stories, People & Experiences
Shaping the Caribbean Diaspora

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Accomplishment

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Innovation

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Influence

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Impact

From a Jamaican patty shop in the Bronx to a national business. That’s the power of the culture economy.

In 1989, Lowell Hawthorne and his family invested approximately US$150,000 to bring a taste of Jamaica to the heart of the Bronx’s West Indian community.

More than three decades later, Golden Krust has grown into a franchise operation with 103 locations and a grocery line in 1,600 Walmart stores.
But the success story isn’t just about selling patties. It’s about recognizing a market, protecting the authenticity of a cultural product, creating a scalable business model and building opportunities for other entrepreneurs.

Golden Krust is proof that Caribbean culture isn’t just something we celebrate. It’s something we can build businesses, create jobs and generate wealth around.

The takeaway? Our culture has economic value. The opportunity is in knowing how to build on it.

#CaribbeanExcellence #TheCultureEconomy #GoldenKrust #CaribbeanEntrepreneurs

From a Jamaican patty shop in the Bronx to a national business. That’s the power of the culture economy.

In 1989, Lowell Hawthorne and his family invested approximately US$150,000 to bring a taste of Jamaica to the heart of the Bronx’s West Indian community.

More than three decades later, Golden Krust has grown into a franchise operation with 103 locations and a grocery line in 1,600 Walmart stores.
But the success story isn’t just about selling patties. It’s about recognizing a market, protecting the authenticity of a cultural product, creating a scalable business model and building opportunities for other entrepreneurs.

Golden Krust is proof that Caribbean culture isn’t just something we celebrate. It’s something we can build businesses, create jobs and generate wealth around.

The takeaway? Our culture has economic value. The opportunity is in knowing how to build on it.

#CaribbeanExcellence #TheCultureEconomy #GoldenKrust #CaribbeanEntrepreneurs

So much to celebrate this week!

The Caribbean showed up on the world stage in every way you can think of. @theed_estined_legend played his violin for more than 40 hours to give Grenada its first Guinness World Record.
@bunnyshaw finished third for the Ballon d’Or, higher than any Jamaican ever has. @caribbeanexport took home a UN award in Doha. @lorna_goodison_ won the Derek Walcott Prize. We also go to Nassau for the @fuzeartfair where the theme was Coming Home. Doubles and dhalpuri are on their way to freezer aisles thanks to @trinibybzefood
And one year after Hurricane Melissa, we look at the local groups rebuilding their own communities. Big wins, quiet work, and all of it ours.

For full reads, head over to out Substack. Start at the link in bio. #CaribbeanaexcellenceWeekly #caribbeannewsletter

So much to celebrate this week!

The Caribbean showed up on the world stage in every way you can think of. @theed_estined_legend played his violin for more than 40 hours to give Grenada its first Guinness World Record.
@bunnyshaw finished third for the Ballon d’Or, higher than any Jamaican ever has. @caribbeanexport took home a UN award in Doha. @lorna_goodison_ won the Derek Walcott Prize. We also go to Nassau for the @fuzeartfair where the theme was Coming Home. Doubles and dhalpuri are on their way to freezer aisles thanks to @trinibybzefood
And one year after Hurricane Melissa, we look at the local groups rebuilding their own communities. Big wins, quiet work, and all of it ours.

For full reads, head over to out Substack. Start at the link in bio. #CaribbeanaexcellenceWeekly #caribbeannewsletter

Rooted in Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — Dr. Shola K. Roberts’ work with Dance Grenada honors the people who came before while helping create a path for the next generation.

Because when we lift one another up, we carry our culture forward.

The full interview is available over on our YouTube.

Follow @dancegrenada festival 2026 happening now through Oct 26

#DanceGrenada #Ubuntu #CaribbeanCulture #CulturalPreservation #CaribbeanCreatives

Rooted in Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — Dr. Shola K. Roberts’ work with Dance Grenada honors the people who came before while helping create a path for the next generation.

Because when we lift one another up, we carry our culture forward.

The full interview is available over on our YouTube.

Follow @dancegrenada festival 2026 happening now through Oct 26

#DanceGrenada #Ubuntu #CaribbeanCulture #CulturalPreservation #CaribbeanCreatives

“I am the lived archive of this work.” — Dr. Shola K. Roberts

Today, students across St. David are stepping into the studio as Dance Grenada kicks off its 7th festival. 🇬🇩

Since 2020, Dr. Roberts has been building access to Caribbean dance. She honours the elders who carried Grenada’s traditions and creates scholarships, choreographic exchanges and career pathways for the next generation.

This year’s theme says it all: Demonstrating Purpose, Moving with Intention.
📍 Grenada | October 22–26 
She is our Builder of the Week, and her story is a reminder that building the Caribbean sometimes means making sure what already exists is recognized, documented and passed on.

Read the full feature at the link in bio. 🔗
 Follow and support @dancegrenada | dancegrenada.com
#CaribbeanExcellence #BuilderOfTheWeek #DanceGrenada #DanceGrenada2026 #Grenada

“I am the lived archive of this work.” — Dr. Shola K. Roberts

Today, students across St. David are stepping into the studio as Dance Grenada kicks off its 7th festival. 🇬🇩

Since 2020, Dr. Roberts has been building access to Caribbean dance. She honours the elders who carried Grenada’s traditions and creates scholarships, choreographic exchanges and career pathways for the next generation.

This year’s theme says it all: Demonstrating Purpose, Moving with Intention.
📍 Grenada | October 22–26 
She is our Builder of the Week, and her story is a reminder that building the Caribbean sometimes means making sure what already exists is recognized, documented and passed on.

Read the full feature at the link in bio. 🔗
 Follow and support @dancegrenada | dancegrenada.com
#CaribbeanExcellence #BuilderOfTheWeek #DanceGrenada #DanceGrenada2026 #Grenada

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