Senate Resolution No. 915

BY: Senator MYRIE

RECOGNIZING June 17, 2023, as One Love Little
Caribbean Day, in conjunction with the observance of
National Caribbean 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 17, 2023, as One Love Little Caribbean Day, in
conjunction with the observance of National Caribbean Heritage Month;
and

WHEREAS, National Caribbean American Month was formed to honor these
talented individuals and the positive relations the country has built
with the Caribbean; while immigration increased before the 20th century,
it has since declined gradually; most immigrants are from five
countries: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Haiti, and Trinidad
and Tobago; and

WHEREAS, Brooklyn's Little Caribbean is home to the largest and most
diverse Caribbean-American LatinX community outside of the West Indies,
and makes up 20 percent of New York City's overall population; and

WHEREAS, In 2004, Claire A. Nelson, Ph.D. launched the official
campaign for June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month; and

WHEREAS, In 2005, the House of Representatives passed the bill for
recognizing the significance of Caribbean Americans; a year later, a
proclamation making the Resolution official was signed by the President
in June 2006; and

WHEREAS, On June 17, 2023, elected officials, local organizations
and businesses will gather in the section of Brooklyn known as Little
Caribbean to designate it as "One Love Little Caribbean Day," complete
with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the local businesses; 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; Brooklyn
Flatbush, Prospect Lefferts Garden, and East Flatbush were officially
dubbed Little Caribbean in 2017; 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
showcasing 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 17, 2023, as One Love Little Caribbean Day, in
conjunction with the observance of National Caribbean Heritage Month;
and be it further

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