Senate Resolution No. 1007

BY: Senator MYRIE

RECOGNIZING June 28, 2023, as Steel Pan Day, in
conjunction with the observance of National
Caribbean-American Heritage Month

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
recognize June 28, 2023, as Steel Pan Day, in conjunction with the
observance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month; and

WHEREAS, The national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, the sounds
of the steel pan have always been synonymous with Caribbean culture, and
is a source of great pride and true resilience for all its citizens; and

WHEREAS, When enslaved Africans were brought to Trinidad by
colonialists in the 1700s, they brought over their African heritage and
traditions of rhythmic drumming with them; when slavery was abolished
between 1834 and 1838, Trinidadians joined in on Carnival festivities
with their drums; and

WHEREAS, In the 1930s, the steel pan was originally made with metal
objects, including car parts, paint pots, dustbins, oil drums, and
biscuit tins; and

WHEREAS, On July 26, 1951, the Trinidad All-Steel Pan Percussion
Orchestra (TASPO) performed at the Festival of Britain, and in doing so
introduced the steel pan and a new music genre to the world; today,
steel pans are enjoyed in concert halls like Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie
Hall, the Kennedy Center, and more; whether in the United Kingdom,
Japan, Senegal, or the United States, the steel pan is an
internationally recognized instrument that reminds listeners of its
island origins; and

WHEREAS, Steel Pan Day was established in 2015 to acknowledge the
impact of the steel pan, the only instrument invented in the 20th
Century, which has greatly contributed to the music and culture of the
Caribbean people; and

WHEREAS, Declared by Pan Trinbago, World Steelpan Day is on August
11th of every year; Steel Pan Day will be celebrated during National
Caribbean-American Heritage Month in Prospect Park with caribBEING and
Prospect Park Alliance; and

WHEREAS, In 2017, caribBEING spearheaded the naming of Little
Caribbean to recognize, celebrate and foster the contributions of
Caribbean-Americans in New York City and the neighborhood of Flatbush,
Brooklyn, as a center for culture, community and commerce; and

WHEREAS, caribBEING is an inclusive hub for creativity featuring
artists and makers from Cuba, Guyana, Haiti, Guadeloupe, Grenada,
Jamaica, Trinidad, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Martinique, France,
Canada and others; and

WHEREAS, caribBEING is a multidisciplinary venture dedicated to
show-casing Caribbean culture, art, and film in Greater New York City
and around the world, where art, culture and lifestyle meet global
Caribbean and LatinX heritage; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this vital organization celebrates and
amplifies Caribbean culture and lifestyle, supporting businesses,
creating community, and documenting as well as creating culture; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity
to recognize such events of significance which foster ethnic pride and
exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the
fabric of the people and the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize June 28, 2023, as Steel Pan Day, in conjunction with the
observance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to caribBEING.