Senate Resolution No. 2670

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING the West Indian American Day Carnival
Association upon the occasion of hosting its 2024
Festival Week and Carnival

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, as well as those organizations and individuals
who work so diligently to perpetuate the valuable practices, events, and
celebrations recognizing such cultural traditions; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the West Indian American Day Carnival Association upon the
occasion of hosting its 2024 Festival Week and Carnival in Brooklyn, New
York, from August 29-September 2, 2024; and

WHEREAS, This momentous festival, now known as the West Indian Day
Parade, is a product of Caribbean people migrating to North America,
bringing with them this set of cultural traditions, combined with the
celebrations put on by former slaves, blending into a day rich in
heritage and festivity; and

WHEREAS, During the 1920s in New York, a Trinidadian immigrant,
Jesse Waddle, began to organize a carnival celebration to take place
before Lent in February or March; due to New York's cold winter weather,
these celebrations originally occurred indoors at places like the Savoy,
the Renaissance, and the Audubon Ballroom; and

WHEREAS, Eventually, the indoor locations became a problem because
of the confinement of the movement and freedom that defined the
carnival; Jesse Waddle applied for and received a street parade permit
in the 1940s and shifted the celebrations to a warmer time of year,
Labor Day; and

WHEREAS, The Harlem permit was revoked in 1964 due to a violent
riot; five years later, a committee organized by Trinidadian Carlos
Lezama obtained another permit for a parade on Eastern Parkway,
Brooklyn, and the parade has been held at this location since; and

WHEREAS, Under the guidance of the West Indian American Day Carnival
Association, the West Indian Day Parade has expanded and grown into one
of the biggest parades in New York City, attracting an astounding four
million spectators and participants from around the world; and

WHEREAS, The parade's artistic and historical value is clear, and
outstanding costumes are recognized with various prizes; most
importantly, the parade displays participants' pride in their country,
heritage, and culture, strengthening the diverse cultural fabric
representative of our State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are

brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the West Indian American Day Carnival Association upon the
occasion of hosting its 2024 Festival Week and Carnival; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the West Indian American Day Carnival Association.