Meet Millette Millington: The passionate Caribbean journalist shaping New York City’s cultural landscape despite physical challenges

BY BRIDGETT LESLIE

New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and the Caribbean culture is an essential part of its vibrant and eclectic mosaic. This rich and colourful cultural tapestry is woven into everything from vibrant festivals, music, dance, and food to everyday expressions, language, and customs. It’s not hard to find an array of Caribbean cuisines, such as jerk chicken and curry goat, in the streets of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

Amid this thriving cultural scene, some Caribbean journalists search the city streets, seeking to capture the pulse of the community. One such journalist is Milette (pronounced Mil-eet), a Guyanese reporter whose family moved to New York City over 20 years ago. Millington is a journalist who has made a name for herself covering stories about the Caribbean communities in the city.

Millington’s passion for journalism began when she was ten and became immersed in books. She admired their ability to tell a story and decided she wanted to do the same. After completing her schooling, she took up a journalism degree to pursue her dream career. She often covers Caribbean festivals, such as the West Indian Day Parade, which takes place in Brooklyn every year. With her keen eye and inquisitive nature, the CUNY graduate captures the essence of the parade, its music, dance, and exuberant characters. Her articles and reports provide an on-the-ground view of the Caribbean culture in the city and are valuable resources for people who want to learn more about this vibrant community, but there is also a personal and emotional bent to her stories.

As a Caribbean journalist living with cerebral palsy in New York City, she has faced numerous challenges in her career. “I have had to navigate a city that is not always accessible to those with disabilities, and I have had to find creative ways to cover Caribbean food and lifestyle culture in the city while accommodating my physical limitations.” Her strong Caribbean spirit never let these challenges stop her from pursuing her passion for journalism and connecting with the Caribbean community in New York City. Today, she uses her platform as an education tool.

“First and foremost, it is important to recognize that each disability, or chronic illness affects each individual differently. For me, cerebral palsy affects me the most physically, making transportation a major challenge. However, I have found that with careful planning and support from my family, I am able to navigate the city and cover events related to Caribbean food and lifestyle culture.” Numerous Caribbean restaurants and food establishments in the city offer a taste of the region’s unique cuisine. One establishment is Caribbean Vibes Restaurant, located in Brooklyn. This restaurant offers a wide range of authentic Caribbean dishes, from juicy jerk chicken to hearty oxtail stew. Millington has also helped the city discover new voices, such as Zahira Marmar.

“One of the most inspiring stories I have covered in my career as a Caribbean journalist is that of Zahira Marmar, originally from the Caribbean island of St. Maarten. Zahira started her own tea company, which is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Caribbean community. Stories like this show that there is a wealth of talent and creativity within the Caribbean community in New York City, and it is always a pleasure to share these stories with a wider audience.”

According to Millington, covering Caribbean food and lifestyle culture in New York City as a journalist living with cerebral palsy has been a rewarding and challenging experience. “I have had the opportunity to connect with members of the Caribbean community, share their stories, and showcase the rich culture and traditions of the region. While there are obstacles to overcome, I believe anything is possible with passion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.” That’s the true Caribbean spirit.