*****All white attire is strongly encouraged.

Celebrate the cultural legacy of Carnival with “Carnival is Black History”, a special evening at Soho Warehouse. Curated and moderated by Adam "Foreigner" Cooper, this event explores the powerful connections between New Orleans, Brazil, Haiti and Trinidad—regions where Carnival has flourished as a symbol of Black resilience and cultural expression.

The evening begins with a panel discussion followed by a party.

Carnival is Black History: A Conversation (7p - 9p)

The Carnival is Black History panel will feature an engaging conversation between Dr. Cathy Thomas and Adam “Foreigner” Cooper, delving into the expansive cultural, political, and historical significance of Carnival across the African diaspora. This dialogue will explore how Carnival, born from resistance and reclamation, transcends borders—linking communities from Trinidad to Brazil, New Orleans to Haiti—each embodying distinct expressions of liberation, joy, and defiance.

About Dr. Cathy Thomas:

Dr. Cathy Thomas is an Assistant Professor of English at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her work focuses on comparative studies of Black Carnivals across the African diaspora, with a particular emphasis on how Black women resist, show up, and dominate within Carnival spaces. Using autoethnographic approaches, her work connects the threads between Caribbean, Brazilian, and North American Carnival traditions, offering critical insights into how these celebrations serve as sites of both personal and collective liberation.

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Carnival is Black History: A Party (9p - 2a)

Carnival has always been more than just a celebration—it’s a diasporic expression of resistance, reclamation, and radical joy. “Carnival is Black History” embodies that spirit, taking over two floors to connect the sounds of Trinidad, Brazil, New Orleans, Haiti, and beyond—each riddim carrying stories that accentuate borders while bringing us closer to the source.

Upstairs: the roots of Black carnival music. Downstairs: the modern expression of Black carnival music.

Curated and produced by Adam “Foreigner” Cooper, the night features sets from Love Baila representing Panama, Rabbit b2b Sebastian Baptiste representing Haiti, Baby.com representing New Orleans, Foreigner representing Trinidad & Tobago, and Jay Burnquist representing Brazil. The energy will be amplified with live percussion from Bloco Obini and Kahlil Cummings, bringing the spirit of Carnival to life.

Unapologetic, defiant, and free—wear white and come to move, come to sweat, come to celebrate our history, come to celebrate our future.

We hope to see you there!