The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) can now call East Harlem home. The not for profit cultural organization, which celebrates cultures of people of African Descent through events and programming rooted in advocacy, art and social justice, has become one of the only organizations of color in New York City to own a Landmark city space.

CCCADI kicked off its weekend-long Grand Opening Celebration with a VIP ribbon cutting where guests got a first look at a three-part art exhibition entitled HOME, MEMORY and FUTURE, which explores the concept of home in the age of gentrification and displacement, curated by Lowery Stokes Sims, Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, Yasmin Ramirez and Regina Bultrón Bengoa.

The festivities included participation in the iconic Open House New York, talks about the influence of Afro-descendants in the neighborhood (and the nation) and a block party with a children’s village, among other activities.

Moreno Vega, the CCCADI’s founder and president, believes the opening will only amplify the voices within the local community and larger Afro-descendant familia.

“With this new building comes an even bigger mandate to assure that our presence, stories, and growth inspire the next generation of activists and culture bearers in our communities; to ensure that our voices, as the numerical majority, across the nation, are heard louder and stronger than ever,” she said.

Take a look at images from the CCCADI’s opening weekend, above. Photos by Mario Carrion.