Ozzie Stewart, the Trinidadian-born founder and president of Beyond The Call 24 7, Inc., a New York City-based nonprofit organization that focuses on supporting the people and populations of the Caribbean Diaspora, has described as “a resounding success” an innovative and culturally immersive event geared towards empowering members of the community through their healing journey.
Stewart told Caribbean Life over the weekend that the Sept. 12 epic Caribbean artwork was held at 1 Vanderbilt Ave., 21st floor, 42nd St., near Grand Central, in midtown Manhattan.
She said the inaugural event was dubbed “Healing Abuse Through West Indian Heritage.”
“What began as a vision last year on Trini soil at the Trinidad and Tobago Consulate has now blossomed into reality,“ Stewart said. “Beyond The Call 24 7, Inc.’s first Healing Abuse Through West Indian True Heritage event unfolded at TD Bank’s corporate space in Manhattan, and the response has been nothing short of extraordinary,“ she said.
Stewart said guests from Connecticut, Florida, Harlem, and New York gathered to reflect, celebrate, and heal through “a uniquely Caribbean lens.”
She said Trinidad and Tobago New York Consul General J. Andre Laveau delivered “a keynote that stirred the audience to deep reflection, while speakers and artists amplified the theme of resilience.”
Stewart said GRAMMY Award–winning, Trinidadian-born musical artist Anslem Douglas also “moved hearts with his powerful song on abuse, complemented by Elspeth Duncan’s vibrantly calming healing film.“
She said the evening “flowed seamlessly under the guidance of an engaging MC, who kept the program sharp and led participants through a healing exercise that resonated across the room.“
Stewart said that “floral designs that captured the spirit of the islands and the stirring sounds of pannist Earl Brooks, Jr, added to the immersive cultural atmosphere.
“The result? An event that was equal parts thought-provoking and celebratory— ‘the best tambrin (tamarind) sauce on the Pho lourie,‘ as one attendee joyfully described – an ode to Aunty Wendy’s fantastic hand,“ she said.
“To call the inaugural ‘Healing Abuse’ gathering a success would be an understatement,“ Stewart added. “It set a new standard for blending culture, conversation, and community healing.”
Cecile Ford, a Trinidadian-born director of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), said, “What a wonderful experience to be in the presence of a room filled with those who recognize the subject of abuse and the healing that a community can bring.
“Congratulations, Ozzie, for making this possible,“ she added.
Dr. Farley Cleghorn lauded Stewart for “reaching for new heights in her annual event.
“She rouses the Caribbean community and allies in the greater New York area and nationally to showcase their excellence, food, and fashion while keeping the focus on core issues affecting us all,“ Dr. Cleghorn added.
Michelle Lewis, CEO of Gotham Health, New York Health + Hospitals, said she “enjoyed the space, which set the tone for a relaxed vibe for a very important discussion.
“Everyone seemed engaged and attended for the cause, but mostly to support Ozzie and the groundbreaking work she and her team are doing to push these issues to the forefront,“ Lewis added.
Marcus Gonzales, TD’s vice president and community business development officer, said, “What an amazing gathering of excellence.
“Celebrating Caribbean culture is always important to me, and the room was filled with the arts, music, fine cuisine, and unmatched energy – all pieces of what Caribbean culture means to me,“ he added.
Stewart said the event featured creatives from the worlds of art, music, film, and wellness professionals.
She said the art and works of Hollis King, Sherwin Banfield, and Alicia Aberdeen-Jones were on display, focusing on abuse and healing.
Stewart said that filmmakers Asha Lovelace and Elspeth Duncan spotlighted the healing aspect.
She said steel drummer pannist Earl Brooks, Jr., and Douglas added to the event’s theme.
Besides Laveau and Dr. Cleghorn, Stewart said other featured speakers included Dr. Tulsa Knox, licensed psychologist/mental health practitioner, and Edvardo Archer, executive therapist and family therapist.
Stewart said Beyond The Call 24 7 partners with “The Hard Issues“ segment of the On The Call Podcast Network Experience to focus on uplifting the community while realizing that people need community and a safe space.
“This is our call to action through Beyond The Call 24 7,“ she said. “Through this community-minded organization, the nonprofit speaks to the world at large, as well as the present focus on the Trinidadian populations living outside their homeland.
Stewart also said she is working on “opening up conversations with the Caribbean Basin.“
With premier sponsorship from TD Bank, FWBK, and other community support, Stewart hopes to create “a space wrapped around the power of the Caribbean community, while making room for engagement on the very difficult global conversations of abuse – whether domestic or sexual.”
With the first milestone behind them, Stewart said Beyond The Call 24 7, Inc. now looks ahead to “an even greater vision for 2026.”
For more information, email Stewart at [email protected]
