The Caribbean community in Philadelphia is vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in traditions of resilience, pride, and community. From Guyana to Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis to Jamaica, Caribbean Americans living in Philadelphia carry forward rich cultural legacies while shaping the city’s social, cultural, and civic life.We interviewed a few leaders for Caribbean American Heritage Month to learn more about them and their communities.

Guyana 

• My name is Raeann Billey. I was born and raised in Guyana — a South American nation known as the “Land of Six Peoples” for its six major ethnic groups: African, Indian, Portuguese, European, Chinese, and Amerindian. I’m founder and president of the Guyana Tri-State Coalition and Chamber Inc. and co-chair of the Caribbean United Leaders Collective (CULC), working to build a visible and empowered Caribbean diaspora in Philadelphia. 

• Being Caribbean in Philadelphia means carrying a shared history of resilience and self-determination — values that connect Guyana and this city. 

• The Guyanese community is visible throughout Philadelphia: at faith-based institutions and events, educational symposiums, salons, and cultural gatherings. 

Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis 

• My name is Danielle Mellanson. I’m president of the United Caribbean Association of Philadelphia (UCAP), host of Philly Caribbean Carnival, and a member of the Caribbean United Leaders Collective (CULC). I represent the twin island nations of Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis. 

• Being of Caribbean descent and living in Philadelphia means the world to me. I am proud of my heritage and cultural background mixed with a little Philly flair. 

• Caribbean culture shines throughout Philadelphia — most visibly at Philly Caribbean Carnival. Carnival celebrates freedom, resistance, resilience, and heritage, and that pride radiates through every person of Caribbean descent. 

Jamaica 

• My name is Michelle Tulloch-Neil. I was born in Kingston, Jamaica — a country known for the saying “Wi likkle but wi tallawah” (we are small but mighty). I represent the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) for the Northeast U.S. and am a member of Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) and the Caribbean United Leaders Collective (CULC). 

• Being Caribbean in Philadelphia means honoring values like resilience, service, and community, and using them to contribute to this city while staying rooted in Jamaican heritage. 

• Philadelphia’s Jamaican community is visible in restaurants like Carib Grille, Jamaica D’s, and Ron’s Caribbean Café; in faith-based organizations, cultural events, and diaspora leadership groups; and in the educators, entrepreneurs, and public servants making contributions across the city.