Assembly Resolution No. 2273

BY: M. of A. Rules (Rajkumar)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
September 1, 2024, as Uzbekistan Independence Day in
the State of New York

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 keeping with its
time-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 1, 2024, as
Uzbekistan Independence Day in the State of New York, in conjunction
with the observance of Uzbekistan Independence Day; and

WHEREAS, The Republic of Uzbekistan is a trusted ally of our State
and Nation, serving as a partner in security, economic development,
humanitarian aid, and regional stability; and

WHEREAS, Uzbekistan Independence dates to 1991, when both the
President of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic, Islam Karimov, and the
nation's legislative body, the Supreme Soviet, declared Uzbekistan as
independent from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and

WHEREAS, The United States is home to over 60,000 Uzbek Americans,
about half of whom live in New York State and the surrounding area,
where they contribute to every facet of life; and

WHEREAS, New York City is home to a diverse Uzbek community composed
of Bukharan Jews fleeing persecution starting in the 1970s, Uzbeks
seeking refuge from political turmoil in the 1980s, and "New Uzbeks" who
arrived in recent decades in pursuit of the American Dream; and

WHEREAS, Uzbeks around the world are renowned for their work ethic,
hospitality, kindness, cuisine, dance, music, and dedication to family;
and

WHEREAS, Uzbek New Yorkers have established vibrant institutions and
businesses that include the Silk Road Foundation, Tashkent Supermarket,
Mahalla USA Public Association, the Uzbek American Community Center, and
the Turkestanian American Association; and

WHEREAS, New York's Uzbek community reached multiple milestones in
2023, a year in which the Mayor of New York hosted the first ever Gracie
Mansion celebration of Navruz, the most popular holiday in Uzbekistan,
and the first ever raising of the Uzbek flag in Bowling Green; 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
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 1, 2024, as
Uzbekistan Independence Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; the Consul General of Uzbekistan; and various Uzbek organizations
in New York State.