Melissa Rose Cooper

Award-winning Journalist | Storyteller | Content Creator

Latest Articles

Recent reporting and features. Explore the full portfolio of published work here.

Connected by Carnival

CaribbeanBeat | January/February 2026

As French Saint Martin celebrates Carnival in February, and Dutch Sint Maarten in April, Melissa Rose Cooper explores how the island’s We Culture museum aims to be a cultural bridge between islands — and between past and present.

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Celebrating Curaçao’s African Roots Through Culture And Community

NewsOne | December 2025

As travelers look beyond the beaches, Curaçao’s Black community is reshaping how the island’s African heritage is preserved and celebrated.

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Woman’s Killing Echoes a Deadly Pattern for Indo-Caribbean Women in New York

Documented | December 2025

The death of Salisha Ali, a Trinidadian immigrant who was allegedly killed by her abusive partner, highlights a pattern of violence that community leaders say is tied to immigration dependency and historical trauma.

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Streaming Now

Watch my original series, created with Industry Labs, on platforms worldwide — covering culture, travel, and personal storytelling.

It's Pretty Good with Mel

From apps to dessert, Melissa Rose Cooper takes you on a bold four-course journey through NYC and beyond. From $2.55 burgers to Trini Sunday lunch, DIY ramen, and Caribbean ice cream, it's flavor, culture, and the people behind every unforgettable bite.

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Runaway with Mel

What happens when you blend a TikTok reel, a documentary, and global adventures? Runaway with Mel! On this journey, Curaçao’s vibrant culture, history, and food come alive in a REEL fast yet deeply personal love letter.

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Sharing with Mel

A news driven documentary amplifies Caribbean voices across America and abroad, bringing context, culture, and community to the forefront while connecting the diaspora through powerful, relevant storytelling.

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From the Blog

Fresh perspectives, personal takes, and original stories — all in one place. Explore more here.

NYC Congestion Pricing: One Year Later

Exploring the Benefits, Challenges, and Questions That Remain As The City Marks a Year of Tolls

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When The Seeds Start To Bloom

What Happens When You Bet on Yourself and Keep Going

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Why Samaná Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List

A Softer, Slower Side of the Dominican Republic That Feels Like a True Escape

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Latest Guest Contributor

Stories and perspectives from diverse writers and voices. Explore the full collection here.

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Why Do I Need to Travel When I’m Perfectly Fine at Home?

Written by Baynes Courtney

I’m genuinely comfortable at home. Not in a boring way. In a deeply satisfying way. I like lamping around the house reading random science facts, editing footage, playing the Switch 2, watching a movie, or falling down a rabbit hole of camera technology forums. That’s my version of peace...

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