Senate Resolution No. 5329

BY: Senator PARKER

CELEBRATING Little Haiti "Ti Ayiti" on May 18,
2018, in Brooklyn, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
organizations and events which foster ethnic pride and enhance the
profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the
communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate Little
Haiti "Ti Ayiti" on Friday, May 18, 2018, in Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, According to the most recent American Community Survey,
Haitians are the largest immigrant group in Flatbush and make up more
than 20% of the foreign-born population in this neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Naturally, this neighborhood has become the heart of our
Haitian Diaspora's cultural and commercial corridor; hundreds of
thousands of our community members come to this area to worship,
purchase goods and services, and enjoy each other's company; and

WHEREAS, Brooklyn is however facing a wave of gentrification that
threatens to displace Flatbush's Haitian Diaspora; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the community is now on the receiving end of
unjust rhetoric and anti-immigrant policies which jeopardize their
safety and security, including the possible expiration of Temporary
Protected Status for 50,000 Haitians, many of whom found refuge in
Flatbush after the catastrophic earthquake of 2010, and the ending of
H2A and H2B Visa for Haitians; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those organizations and events which contribute to the
improvement and enhancement of the quality of life in the communities
they represent; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate Little Haiti "Ti Ayiti" on May 18, 2018, in Brooklyn, New
York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Little Haiti "Ti Ayiti" Committee.