Assembly Resolution No. 433

BY: M. of A. Cunningham

MEMORIALIZING Governor Hochul to proclaim August
6, 2023, as Jamaican Flag Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 6, 2023, as
Jamaican Flag Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Jamaican Flag Day celebrates the rich culture of Jamaica
and its people, including the history, language, arts, food, music, and
traditions; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of the day is to raise awareness and
understanding about Jamaican culture, celebrate the independence of
Jamaica, and to strengthen the pride of Jamaicans and Jamaican youth;
and

WHEREAS, August 6, 1962, marks the date Jamaica received its
independence; 2023 marks the 61st year of independence; and

WHEREAS, Between 1881 and the beginning of World War I, the United
States recruited over 90,000 Jamaicans to work on the Panama Canal;
during both World Wars, the United States again recruited Jamaican men
for service; and

WHEREAS, Over 500,000 Jamaicans reside in New York, making Jamaicans
one of the largest Caribbean groups residing in the State; and

WHEREAS, Jamaicans in New York have contributed enormously to the
vitalization and growth of the State, with small businesses, cultural
parades, careers in the fields of healthcare, law, government, sports
and education, with icons such as Harry Belafonte, Vice President Kamala
Harris, General Colin Powell, former NY Assembly Member and Current U.S.
Ambassador to Jamaica, Nick Perry, Former Basketball Player Patrick
Ewing, Boxer Mike Tyson, Singer Bob Marley, and many more; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 6, 2023, as
Jamaican Flag 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; and various Jamaican organizations across the State.