The Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston (CACAB) organization held its annual breakfast at City Hall on Friday morning, Aug. 26, a kick-off to the Boston Carnival weekend. The breakfast was a precursor to the J’Ouvert Parade early on Saturday, and the Carnival Parade later Saturday afternoon. The breakfast was first hosted by former Councillor Charles Yancey. This year it was hosted by Councillor at-Large Ruthzee Louijeune, who welcomed CACAB President Shirley Shillingford and several other guests, including former NBA Toronto Raptors star Jamaal Magloire.

The Breakfast concluded with a nod to next year’s 50th anniversary of Boston Carnival.

Nicole Bowden of Eversource, with Boston City Councillor-at-Large Erin Murphy.

Myrlene Burrowes, Councillor-at-Large Ruthzee Louijeune, and Pastor Jacqueline Coutain.

Wilma Clouden and Iysis Clouden, captain of the Step into Culture Dance Group.

President Shirley Shillingford cleared the air during the breakfast, noting that it’s time to put the bad things behind and move forward with the good.

Dorchester’s Step into Culture Dance Group performed at the breakfast.

Former Toronto Raptors NBA basketball player Jamaal Magloire called for unity and understanding in the Boston Carnival. A leader of the colossal Toronto Carnival, heading up the Mas Band Toronto Revelers, he promised to have his group in Boston next year.

Myrlene Burrowes and MC Wassy celebrate the beginning of Carnival weekend on Friday morning at the annual City Hall breakfast.

Councillor Brian Worrell, who has a unique Caribbean heritage that includes Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad, welcomed everyone to the Carnival Breakfast.

Hopa Bailey, owner of Dorchester’s Taste of Eden, Parade Grand Master Sheriff Steven Tompkins, and Eileen Kenner.

Kent Johnson and Jemare Jordan.