Jessie Waddell, a trailblazing figure in the history of New York’s Carnival, is best known for her role in bringing the vibrant spirit of Caribbean Carnival to the streets of Harlem. Born in Tunapuna, Trinidad, Waddell carried the love for Carnival with her when she migrated to Harlem, New York, in the early 20th century. Her longing for the festivities of her homeland inspired her to create what would become the West Indian American Day Carnival in New York City.
The Birth of Carnival in Harlem
In 1924, Jessie Waddell took the first steps toward establishing a Caribbean Carnival in New York. Missing the lively celebrations of Trinidad’s Carnival, she began hosting indoor masquerade balls in Harlem. These events, held in venues like the Renaissance, Savoy, and Audubon Ballrooms, featured vibrant costumes and music, offering a taste of the Caribbean Carnival experience. Waddell, a musician herself, played a significant role in these events, often performing with her ten-piece orchestra, Nu-Tones, to bring the music of Carnival to life.
The First Outdoor Parade
Recognizing the limitations of indoor celebrations, Waddell sought to bring Carnival outdoors, where the spirit of the event could truly thrive. In 1947, she obtained the first permit from then-Mayor James O’Dwyer to stage an outdoor Carnival parade in Harlem. This marked a significant milestone in the history of Caribbean culture in New York. The parade route, which reportedly ran either along Lennox Avenue or Seventh Avenue, brought the vibrant colors, music, and energy of Carnival to the streets, captivating both participants and onlookers.
Waddell’s efforts didn’t stop there. In 1948, she registered the first formal organization for hosting the Carnival, known as the West Indies Day Association. This organization laid the groundwork for what would eventually become one of the most significant cultural events in New York City.
The Legacy Continues
Despite the revocation of the Harlem parade permit in 1964, Jessie Waddell’s influence on New York’s Carnival was far from over. The spirit she ignited continued to burn brightly, leading to the establishment of the West Indian-American Day Carnival Association by Carlos Lezama in 1969. The parade was relocated to Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, where it remains a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, attracting millions of participants and spectators each year.
Jessie Waddell returned to Trinidad later in life and passed away in 1975, but her legacy as the pioneer of New York’s Carnival lives on. Her vision and determination brought the Caribbean’s most joyous celebration to the streets of New York, creating a lasting cultural tradition that continues to thrive to this day.