Senate Resolution No. 127

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
June 2023, as Barbados Heritage Month in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those countries whose immigrants and descendants have contributed to the
diversity and enrichment of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, The fabric of our Nation has been woven together and
enriched by the diversity of our people; our legacy as a Nation of
immigrants is part of what makes America strong, and during Barbados
Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich history and vibrant culture they
have brought to our shores; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2023, as Barbados Heritage Month
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
Caribbean American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, The small island country of Barbados rests in the Lesser
Antilles of the West Indies; and

WHEREAS, Fifty-four percent of immigrants born in Barbados who have
relocated to New York State have taken up residence in East Flatbush,
Brooklyn and surrounding neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, Bajan and Bajan Americans comprise a large portion of
Caribbean Americans and immigrants who have made the great State of New
York their home, and their myriad of achievements are deeply ingrained
in the American experience; and

WHEREAS, Today, Bajan Americans have prospered in every sector of
our society and enhanced our national character while maintaining the
multi-ethnic and multi-cultural traditions of their homeland; they are
doctors and lawyers, public servants and scientists, and athletes and
service members; their successes inspire individuals in the United
States and abroad, and we take pride in the contributions Bajan
Americans continue to make to the narrative of our Nation's progress;
their achievements are born of hard work and ambition; and

WHEREAS, People of Bajan heritage who have become part of New York
State's lasting history include many notable and impressive characters
such as, Shirley A. Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected
to Congress who was also the cofounder of the National Organization for
Women (NOW) and a genuine activist, lecturer, and political mentor;
Charles Gittens, the first African-American secret service agent;
Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr.; and Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty, highly
acclaimed musician, billionaire and owner and founder of Savage X Fenty
and Fenty Beauty; and

WHEREAS, During Barbados Heritage Month, we also recognize the
important friendship between the United States and Barbados as we expand
our partnership to promote economic development, democratic governance,

citizen security, and improved health and education in the region, these
endeavors being encouraged through the work of figures like Robyn
"Rihanna" Fenty, who has been an ambassador of education, tourism and
investment to Barbados since 2018; and

WHEREAS, The rich history of Barbados does not stop at the
contributions of its people, this year Barbados also celebrates the
eighth anniversary of the inscription of Historic Bridgetown and its
Garrison as a World Heritage Property by The United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); and

WHEREAS, By recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of
Bajans and Bajan-Americans, this great Empire State reaffirms our
commitment to diversity and equal opportunity for all, thereby ensuring
a bright future for all New Yorkers and Americans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2023, as Barbados
Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.