LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim June 5-11, 2011, as Caribbean Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge and
celebrate individuals, groups and events which add vitality, sensitiv-
ity, understanding and inspiration to the diversity and value of the
people of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 5-11, 2011, as Caribbean
Week in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Caribbean Week in New York is a celebration of the sights,
sounds, color, culture and unique vacation experiences of the Caribbean;
Caribbean tourism officials, the media, artists, performers, celebrity
chefs, fashion designers, models, investors and other strategic partners
all converge on New York; and
WHEREAS, Caribbean Week in New York showcases the diversity and
vibrancy of the region and offers Caribbean vacations at a discount
available only during Caribbean Week; and
WHEREAS, Organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Carib-
bean Week in New York combines business sessions and consumer-oriented
events with food, fashion, entertainment and networking opportunities;
and
WHEREAS, CTO, with headquarters in Barbados and marketing operations
in New York and Toronto, is the Caribbean's tourism development agency
and comprises membership of more than 30 governments and a myriad of
private sector entities; its mission is to provide to and through its
members, the services and information needed for the development of
sustainable tourism for the economic and social benefit of the Caribbean
people; in addition, it provides specialized support and technical
assistance to member countries in the areas of marketing, human resource
development, research and information technology, and sustainable devel-
opment; and
WHEREAS, People of Caribbean ancestry have made significant contrib-
utions that are reflected in their cultural, social, educational, indus-
trial and economic diversity, and have contributed in many ways, includ-
ing as writers, educators, athletes, social activists, secretaries of
state, politicians, civil rights crusaders, artists, entertainers,
entrepreneurs, businessmen/women, military personnel and religious lead-
ers; and
WHEREAS, People of Caribbean ancestry who have become part of New York
State's lasting heritage by fighting against stereotypes, racism, and
insurmountable obstacles include, but are not limited to: Arthur Alfonso
Shomburg, Curator of the New York Public Library's Division of Negro
Literature, History, and Prints, and dedicated historian, writer and
collector; Malcolm X, a prominent figure in the black social movement of
the 1960s; Sidney Poitier, who altered the perception of race through
theatre and screen as actor, producer and director; Colin Powell, a
four-star United States Army General and eventually, Secretary of State;
Alexander Hamilton, who became Congressman, founder of the Bank of New
York, first Secretary of the Treasury and one of the first supporters of
the Constitution; Jean Michel Basquiat, who revolutionized the world of
painting and drawing through the social introduction of the urban black
culture that marginally existed in the 1980s; and
WHEREAS, New York State has been, and continues to be, the home to
many distinguished people of Caribbean ancestry who have made their mark
in history as pertinent figures in their field, and who have succeeded;

these figures include: Shirley A. Chisholm, first African American woman
elected to Congress, and who was also the co-founder of the National
Organization for Women (NOW) and a genuine activist, lecturer, and poli-
tical mentor; Marcus Mosiah Garvey, established, among other things, the
United Negro Improvement Association (U.N.I.A.); Susan Taylor, editor-
in-chief of ESSENCE magazine; Harry Belafonte, who used his fame as an
entertainer in the cause for human rights; Hazel Scott, who achieved
acclaimed status for her classical and Jazz technique as a pianist, and
who became the first black woman to have her own television show;
Edwidge Danticat, who invigorated the voices of Haitians and Haitian
Americans who experienced poverty through her writing; Maryse Conde,
acclaimed international author, who now teaches at Columbia University
in New York in the French and Romance Philology Department; and Maurice
Ashley, the first African American to win the chess Grandmaster title;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to the people of
Caribbean ancestry who foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate
those events of true significance which add strength, vigor and inspira-
tion to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the communities of
the State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 5-11, 2011, as
Caribbean Week in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; Marie Blanchard-Green, Caribbean Tourism Organization-USA, Inc.;
and The Caribbean American Chamber Of Commerce and Industry, Inc.