J’OUVERT AT BARRY University: A VIBRANT CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, RHYTHM AND COLOR
- Kean Huy Alado
- 14 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
By Kymani Phillips
“Colorful!” “Special!” “Free!” “Twerk!” “Different!” were words students at Barry University used to describe the annual J’ouvert event hosted on campus.
On Feb. 20, one of the Barry University fields was transformed into a vibrant party ground as the Caribbean Student Association (CSA) hosted its annual J’ouvert celebration. This annual Caribbean festival took over the campus at 8 p.m., captivating the Barry community within unforgettable night of music, movement, and, most importantly: unity from diversity.
J’ouvert, meaning daybreak or opening of the day, dates back to the 1700s when enslaved Africans in the Caribbean were denied participation in the grand masquerade balls and celebrations of their European enslavers. After the abolition of slavery in 1834, formerly enslaved people used Carnival as a space for cultural expression, mocking their former enslavers through dance, fashion, and music.
The festival has since grown beyond its Caribbean roots to be celebrated globally, with each region adding its unique touch to the festivities. At Barry University, the event embraced both the traditional and contemporary aspects of Caribbean culture, and this year, it was no different—an explosion of color, energy, and screams filled the campus as students came together to honor this rich cultural tradition.
When the clock struck 8 p.m., the Dominican Hall’s yard was alive with students expressing them selves though dance, the DJ blasting classic reggae and soca hits. The rhythms from each track were a clear invitation to the attendees to immerse themselves fully in the experience. Speakers lined the campus field, blasting tunes that urged everyone to join the middle of the field that soon turned into a canvas on the grass from the paint. The music was the heartbeat of J’ouvert, driving the movement and expression of every participant.
Jasmine Henry, a nursing major and junior at Barry, stated, “From where I’m from we don’t do stuff [J’ouvert] like this. There’s a lot of Caribbeans here and I’m Caribbean so it’s a good feeling when I see all these different people here together.”
The signature aspect of J’ouvert is its colorful chaos. There was no need for hesitation—regardless of background or familiarity with Caribbean culture, everyone was invited to join in the fun. Many came dressed in white or solid colors, eagerly anticipating the colorful powder, made of cornstarch and dye, that would be thrown into the air, covering everyone in a rainbow of hues.
“For me, it’s all about freedom,” said Casey Simpson, a freshman and finance major, attending the event for the first time. “The powder, the paint—it’s all about shedding everything you’ve been carrying and just celebrating life, culture, and community.”
This year’s J’ouvert was a resounding success, in large part thanks to the efforts of the Caribbean Student Association. From the planning stages months in advance to the final clean-up of the event, the CSA worked tirelessly to ensure that the festival was a celebration and a reflection of the spirit of the Caribbean.
The event was a massive undertaking, requiring coordination with campus security, vendors, performers, and volunteers who helped make the night run smoothly.
“It’s about more than just the party,” said Jacari Crayton, an ambassador of the Caribbean Student Association. We’re here to educate, share, and bring people together. J’ouvert is meant to celebrate Caribbean culture, but at the same time, it’s also an invitation for everyone to learn from one another.”
For Martha McIntosh, a freshman who is studying biology, attending her first J’ouvert, the event is a chance to celebrate her Caribbean roots while connecting with others.
"It’s the inclusivity for me, that’s the heart of J’ouvert at Barry,” she said. “Growing up in Jamaica, this was a huge part of my life. Being able to share that with my friends here at Barry and seeing people who aren’t from the Caribbean enjoy it just as much, is so special.”
For those who attended, the experience was unforgettable. As the night progressed and the music continued to pump through the speakers, students danced until they could dance no more, often taking a break to cool off with refreshing drinks from the stands provided or to chat with new friends. The night was filled with laughter, music, and an unspoken sense of unity—proof of the transformative power of events like J’ouvert.
“We were overwhelmed by the turnout and the positive response -- no lie,” said Jacari. “It’s incredible to see how many people came out to enjoy the event, and it reminds us why we do this every year.”
As the final beats of music echoed through the field and the last grains of colorful powder faded into the air, one thing was clear: J’ouvert at Barry University had once again proven itself to be one of the most memorable events on the calendar. A true testament to the joy, culture, and unity that J’ouvert brings to the Barry University campus each year.
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