REMARKS
Council Member Brooks-Powers advocates for Jamaican Heritage Month resolution
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Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers presents Resolution 518, which aims to designate October as Jamaican Heritage Month in New York City. She highlights the significant contributions of Jamaican immigrants to the city's culture, economy, and various sectors.
- Brooks-Powers, herself a daughter of Jamaican immigrants, emphasizes the impact of Jamaican culture in Southeast Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
- She notes that Jamaicans represent 5.5% of the city's foreign-born population and 2% of the total population.
- The resolution aligns with Jamaica's national heritage week celebrated in the third week of October.
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
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Thank you, chair, and good morning, Holly.
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Today, I'm proud to stand before you as a daughter of Jamaican immigrants and request your support for Resolution 5 18, which formally designates October as Jamaican Heritage Month in New York City.
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Jamaicans are a vital part of our city's fabric.
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Especially in Southeast Queens where the influence of Jamaican culture through music, art, and innovation has had a profound impact on the community.
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Their contributions go far beyond the arts touching areas like science, education, and entrepreneurship making New York City stronger and more vibrant with Jamaicans representing 5.5% of the city's foreign born population and 2% of the total population particularly concentrated in Southeast Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
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The cultural and economic contributions of this community cannot be overstated.
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This resolution allows us to honor Jamaica's rich heritage and its enduring influence here in New York City.
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While also aligning with Jamaica's national heritage week celebrated in the 3rd week of October.
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It's an important opportunity for us to officially recognize the lasting contributions of the Jamaican community I am proud to bring this resolution forward and look forward to celebrating the vibrant legacy of Jamaica each October.
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Thank you.
