Assembly Resolution No. 1533

BY: M. of A. Rules (Solages)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
July 26, 2026, as the inaugural Kompa Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, Kompa Day has been an annual celebration in New York City
dedicated to recognizing Haitian Kompa music and its impact on the
city's cultural life; and

WHEREAS, New York State is home to vibrant Haitian communities in
New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Rockland, and throughout the
Hudson Valley, whose cultural traditions and artistic contributions
continue to strengthen the social and economic fabric of the State; and

WHEREAS, Haitian-owned businesses, musicians, artists, and cultural
organizations across the State of New York have helped preserve and
promote Kompa music through concerts, festivals, educational programs,
and community celebrations that enrich the State's diverse cultural
landscape; and

WHEREAS, The word "Kompa" is adopted from the Spanish language word
"compas" which means rhythm or measure as in a musical measure; and

WHEREAS, Kompa music originated in the 1950s by musician and maestro
Nemours Jean-Baptiste and his band Conjunto International when they
began adapting traditional Haitian sounds into a new dance music style;
and

WHEREAS, The traditional Kompa sound features the beats of the
tanbou, a Haitian barrel drum, sounds associated with big band style of
music including saxophones, trumpets, and trombones, and an upbeat,
danceable style of song; and

WHEREAS, Modern day kompa or nouvelle generation features electronic
sounds like synthesizers and drum machines and incorporates other genres
of music such as hip hop and reggae; and

WHEREAS, Kompa music has had international impacts with the genre
spreading throughout the Caribbean and inspiring the creation of new
genres such as cadence-lypso in the Dominican Republic; and

WHEREAS, Kompa music continues to play an important role in cultural
events, parades, festivals, and celebrations throughout New York State,
bringing together people of all backgrounds through music, dance, and
shared heritage; and

WHEREAS, Kompa music is on track to be included on the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Intangible
Cultural Heritage of Humanity list; and

WHEREAS, New York has one of the largest populations of Haitian
people in the country, and the cultural contributions of Haitian people
are woven into the fabric of our state adding vibrancy and color; and

WHEREAS, Given the significance of this culture, this celebration
should extend beyond New York City; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 26, 2026, as the
inaugural Konpa 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.