Assembly Resolution No. 474

BY: M. of A. Cunningham

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
August 31, 2023, as Trinidad and Tobago 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 Thursday, August 31, 2023,
as Trinidad and Tobago Flag Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Trinidad and Tobago Flag Day celebrates the rich culture of
Trinidad and Tobago 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 Trinidadian and Tobagonian culture, celebrate the
independence of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as to strengthen the pride
of Trinidadians, Tobagonians and Trinidadian and Tobagonian youth; and

WHEREAS, August 31, 1962, was when Trinidad and Tobago received its
independence and 2023 marks the 61st year of its independence; and

WHEREAS, Over 400,000 Trinidadians and Tobagonians reside in New
York, making Trinidadians and Tobagonians the second largest Caribbean
group in New York; and

WHEREAS, Trinidadians and Tobagonians residing in New York have
contributed enormously to the vitalization and growth of New York, with
small businesses, cultural parades, careers in the fields of healthcare,
law, government, sports and education, with icons such as President of
Howard University Wayne Frederick, Actress Tatyana Ali, Rapper Foxy
Brown, Comedian Affion Crockett, Actor Winston Duke, Actor Sullivan
Walker, Grammy Award Singer Heather Headley, Video Music Director Ralph
McDaniels, Rapper Nicki Minaj, Actor Alfonso Ribeiro, WNBA player Tina
Charles, Former Black Panther Stokely Carmichael, Shark Tank co-star
Daymond John and many more; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 31, 2023, as
Trinidad and Tobago 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 Trinidadian and Tobagonian groups across New York State.