As expected, a plethora of lawmakers — a virtual “Who’s Who” of New York politics — were on hand Monday for the American West Indian Day Carnival Parade.
They not only attended the pre-parade breakfast at Lincoln Terrace Court on Buffalo Avenue at the start of the parade, but also marched along the long stretch to the Brooklyn Museum near Grand Army Plaza.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul; New York City Mayor Eric Adams; US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer; Congressional Representatives Hakeem Jeffries, Yvette Clarke and Stacey E. Plaskett; New York Attorney General Letitia James; Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; a host of other elected officials in the municipality; as well as diplomats from several Caribbean consulates, taking advantage of photo opportunities.
“I’m letting you know how important this community is,” Hochul told customers in the morning. “I announce to you the vibrancy of the Caribbean community.” “I look forward to visiting the Ambassador to Jamaica, Nick Perry (Jamaica-born, former Assemblyman, who represented, for nearly three decades, 58th Brooklyn Assembly District).
Adams noted that there were “no shots fired last night (in Brooklyn).
“Let’s keep doing what we’re doing,” he urged.
New York Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell, who was appointed the 45th New York City Police Commissioner by Mayor Adams in December 2021, said she had explained to her colleagues that “this is a celebration of culture .
“Thank you very much for the invitation, and see you out there,” said Sewell, who was born and raised in Long Island City, Queens, and previously served as the Nassau County Police Department’s Chief of Detectives.
“I tell the ancestors and I say the biggest island is Brooklyn,” Schumer said with a big laugh. “This is a great day for immigrants and for hitting those Republicans in Washington.
“We could have the first senator and the first speaker of the House from Brooklyn,” he added, referring not only to himself but also to Jeffries, who represents the 8th.th Brooklyn Congressional District.
Jeffries noted that he has “two bad sisters in Congress — Congressmen Clarke and Plaskett.
“It is an honor to have Congresswoman Clarke represent the largest Caribbean district in America,” he said. “Have a great day on the Parkway.”
Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9thth The congressional district thanked patrons “so much for respecting this organization (West American Indian Day Carnival Association – WIADCA, Carnival organizer).
“It’s a challenge in a changing landscape,” she added. “Election day is approaching (in November). Get out and vote.”
After singing the soca hit, “Jump and Wave, Jump and Wave, It’s Carnival,” James noted that “it’s been two years since this carnival.”
She then added, “No body is above the law — from the State House to the White House,” implicitly alluding to her office’s investigation into former President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Organization.
Although he was under the weather, Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, attended J’Ouvert before taking part in the parade.
“WIADCA is taking us to the Parkway in two years,” he said, thanking the NYPD for helping keep the peace.
“Too many elected officials are here, we have to show WIADCA the money,” he added.
City Council President Adrienne Adams said, “It’s important to recognize the work of WIADCA,” adding that the Caribbean American community should benefit from the economic impact of the carnival.
“Thank you for what you do,” she said, referring to WIADCA. “Jump up (to the Parkway)!”
City Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, representing the 35thth The Brooklyn Council District said the parade passes through its district.
“Be safe, be proud and be well and be proud of our Caribbean heritage,” said Hudson, who has roots in Jamaica.
State Senator Zellnor Myrie, representative for 20th Brooklyn Senate District, presented a proclamation to Guyanese-born Michelle Gibbs, president of WIADCA.
“Today is about the liberation of people of African descent,” said Myrie, whose grandmother came from Jamaica.
Gibbs noted 55th anniversary of WIADCA, asking the public to support the carnival.
“I just want to say to everyone, please be safe,” she added. “Please enjoy the carnival.”
Civil Rights Activist Rev. Al Sharpton urged: “Let’s march together and vote together.”
Trinidadian Angela Sealey, former president of WIADCA, remembered the late Carlos Lezama, former president and founder of WIADCA, stating that it was Lezama who “put the Caribbean community on the map.”
Other elected officials participating in the parade included city and state legislators; Borough Presidents of Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx; members of the judiciary; and the Consuls-General of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Barbados and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
