Cicely Tyson Day Marked Ahead Of West Indian Day Carnival

Activist and award winning actress Cicely Tyson was all smiles as she was welcomed by NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray during the WIDCA Reception at Gracie Mansion on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017. (Hakim Mutlaq Image)

By NAN ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Sept. 1, 2017: Activist and award winning actress Cicely Tyson had a day named after her this week in New York City, ahead of the 50th annual West Indian American Day Carnival.

Tyson, 92, whose parents were from the Caribbean island of Nevis, was all smiles as she was presented with the proclamation declaring Aug. 29th Cicely Day in New York City.

The presentation occurred during the West Indian Day Carnival Association reception at Gracie Mansion that was hosted by New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray, whose roots extend to Barbados.

Tyson wowed the crown with stories of her childhood growing up wrapped in Caribbean culture. (Hakim Mutlaq Image)

Tyson wowed the crown with stories of her childhood growing up wrapped in Caribbean culture.

The 50th anniversary celebration of the New York West Indian American Day carnival celebration continues tonight, Friday night, Sept. 1st, with Brassfest featuring T Soca Ambassadors, The All Stars, Blaxx, 2017 Party Monarch King Ricardo Drue, Teddyson John, Tizzy, Lyrikal, Farmer Nappy, 2017 Road March King, Problem Child, Lavaman, Sedale, Motto,  2017 Road March King, MX Prime, King Bubba and the Rayzor & Request Band and Elizabeth Watley & Outta Limitz Band.

Tomorrow, Saturday, September 2nd, it’s time for the Junior Carnival followed by the annual Panorama 2017 showcase in the evening.

On Sunday, September 3rd the Dimanche Gras finale includes Calypso Ambassadors – The Calypso King of the World, The Mighty Sparrow, Queen Calypso Rose, King David Rudder, Swallow (Antigua), Ras Iley (Barbados) and Dane Gulston steel pan virtuoso along with the King & Queen of the Bands costume presentations.

On Monday, September 4th, the event will culminate with the Caribbean Carnival Parade on the Eastern Parkway from 11am – 6 pm.

The day long parade will be preceded by J’Ouvert from 6 a.m. that is presented by organizer Yvette Renee.

For more on the carnival log on here.