CITY COUNCILMAN LEROY COMRIE

Comrie Introduces Resolutions To Honor Caribbean Heritage Month & WIADCA Founder Carlos Lezama

NEW YORK, NY- Councilmember Leroy Comrie (D-27th District) recently introduced resolutions during the Stated Meeting of the New York City Council that will recognize the contributions of Caribbean-Americans and people of Caribbean descent by designating the month of June as “Caribbean Heritage Month” in New York City. Additionally, Councilmember Comrie also introduced a resolution to honor the life and achievements of the late Carlos Lezama, the legendary founder of the annual West Indian American Day
Carnival.

“As the son of Jamaica immigrants, I am especially proud to have the privilege of introducing these resolutions,” stated Councilmember Comrie. “The occasion of Caribbean Heritage Month affords our City an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary contributions that Caribbean Americans have made not only to New York, but to our entire nation.”

In 2005, Congress adopted a resolution authored by U.S. Representative Barbara Lee that designated June as “Caribbean Heritage Month”. President Bush signed the resolution in 2006. Various local organizations will be hosting events to mark this month’s celebration, while the City Council will host its second annual Caribbean Heritage Month celebration at City Hall on Thursday, June 7 at 5:30 p.m.

Co-sponsors of the Caribbean Heritage Month Resolution are Council members Tony Avella, Inez Dickens, Lew Fidler, Helen Foster, James Gennaro, Letitia James, Oliver Koppell, John Liu, Diane Mealy, Helen Sears and David Weprin.

“I believe that the celebration of Caribbean Heritage Month is a fitting occasion for the Council to also
pay tribute to Carlos Lezama,” continued Councilmember Comrie. “He was a shining example of the impact that Caribbeans have had on our nations, alongside the contributions of Shirley Chisholm, Marcus Garvey, Arthur Schomburg, Colin Powell, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier and countless others. Mr. Lezama’s legacy will not only be the continued celebration of the world-famous carnival he founded, but more importantly his personal example and message that it is important that we continue to teach our youth to respect and celebrate one’s culture.”

Lezama is best known as the father of the City’s penultimate celebration of Caribbean heritage, the
annual West Indian American Day Carnival. Held every Labor Day weekend, this booming economic engine attracts millions of people to Eastern Parkway and has spawned over 39 other carnival celebrations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Carlos Lezama died on January 22 of this year at the age of 83.

Co-sponsors of the Carlos Lezama Resolution are Council members Gale Brewer, Lew Fidler, Sara
Gonzalez, Michael Nelson, James Sanders Jr., Larry Seabrook, Kendall Stewart and David Weprin.

Councilmember Comrie concluded, “In light of recent revelations about a foiled terrorist plot that
involved Caribbean nationals, I think it is extremely important that everyone is reminded that the actions of these individuals can in no way overshadow the long and distinguished history of Caribbean partnership and Caribbean-American service to our nation. So I propose to my fellow Caribbean-Americans to use this month’s celebration not only to remember our proud history but
also to strengthen our resolve to become even greater voices in the future of this nation. And I challenge my fellow New Yorkers to also use this opportunity to embrace their Caribbean neighbors and join in the celebration of this beautiful culture.”