NO PASSPORT REQUIRED: CARIBBEAN

How global is your Detroit? Join us in the parlor with Gracie Xavier of Global Detroit to meet Detroiters from around the world.

With special guests:

Sophia Loraine Chue, Caribbean Community Service Center — Born and raised in Jamaica, Sophia is a Veteran of the United States Army. She moved to metro Detroit over 21 years ago, and is currently employed by Process Control & Instrumentation (PCI), an engineering company where she manages contract administration, human resources & business development. She serves Detroit entertainment commissions and the Detroit Immigration Task Force, and is a World Medical Relief Ambassador to the Caribbean. In 2017, Sophia founded the Caribbean Community Service Center to provide cultural, social, educational & professional support to Caribbean Nationals as they adapt to life in the United States. She is the mother of two sons and is an avid dancer, poet & community activist.
Ralph Taylor, Caribbean Mardi Gras Productions — A 2016 Kresge Live Arts Fellow, Ralph is a native of Trinidad, where at a very young age he began learning from his family the art of making costumes for Carnival. Over 40 years ago he immigrated to Detroit to pursue a welding career while continuing to pursue his passion for Carnival costume design & production. Ralph’s costumes are commissioned for Mardi Gras parades throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean, and he has collaborated with several local organizations, including Marche du Nain Rouge and DLECTRICITY.

This is the first of a three-part conversation series happening Fridays 5-7pm in June. Free & open to the public.