The New York State Senate

J2729

Senate Resolution No. 2729

BY: Senator CLEARE

CONGRATULATING the Juneteenth Committee at Masjid
Malcolm Shabazz upon the occasion of hosting their
29th Annual Juneteenth Parade

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
profound impact of those exemplary organizations within the great State
of New York which proactively work for the empowerment of minority
communities, and the importance of such work which benefits all citizens
of this State, and indeed, all citizens of the Nation, should be
rightfully commended; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate the Juneteenth Committee at Masjid Malcolm Shabazz upon the
occasion of hosting their 29th Annual Juneteenth Parade; and

WHEREAS, Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States
commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans; it is also
often observed for celebrating African American culture; and

WHEREAS, The 29th Annual Juneteenth Parade and Celebration sponsored
by Masjid Malcolm Shabazz Juneteenth Committee is the oldest Juneteenth
Committee in the State of New York; it first started in 1993, at the
suggestion of Imam W. D. Mohammed, the son of The Honorable Elijah
Mohammed, who wanted his community to be a part of the broader African
American Community in ensuring that African American people in North
America become more knowledgeable about their history and culture
through the celebration of Juneteenth; and

WHEREAS, The theme for the 2022 Parade is "Ethnic Excellence Within
The African American Family" with the vision to inspire their community,
where African Americans will reclaim their dignity, honor, and respect
in America and throughout the world in the areas of education, business,
health, culture and government; and

WHEREAS, The Juneteenth Committee has the mission to celebrate,
educate and commemorate the African American struggle for Freedom,
Justice, and Equality in America; and

WHEREAS, The earlier Grand Marshals for the Juneteenth Celebration
were pioneers and senior members in the Masjid Malcolm Shabazz community
who had labored hard throughout the years in service to the Harlem
community; in more recent years, Grand Marshals were selected from the
community and were role models and volunteers serving their community
without formal recognition; and

WHEREAS, The Parade has historically marched from 116th up to 125th
Street, then to Fifth Avenue and ending at Marcus Garvey Park, where the
celebration continues at the Amphitheatre with vendors, musical and
cultural entertainment, guest speakers, recognition awards for the Grand
Marshals, as well as political and special supporters and guests;
furthermore, the Ruff Ryders Entertainment Group has participated in the
Parade since its inception; and


WHEREAS, In 2009, The Juneteenth Committee of Masjid Malcolm Shabazz
met the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) New York Support Group who held a
small KingFest celebration to promote programs and activities to honor
Dr. King's legacy on the same day of the Juneteenth celebration; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, that same year, Imam Pasha invited the MLK
group to 116th Street, the location of the then-called Annual
Juneteenth/KingFest Celebration; the MLK group took over the
responsibility of managing the educational and entertainment portion of
the program at the Main Tent of the combined celebration; and

WHEREAS, During this 29th year of consistently managing the growing
support for the Juneteenth Celebration of Masjid Malcolm Shabazz, they
are expected to have a parade and festival that will be the largest one
to date; and

WHEREAS, There will be three different stages to host music and
speeches, activities such as bounce houses, face painting, reading of
African American historical stories to children, giveaways of African
American authored books, a Double Dutch tournament, a basketball
tournament, musician, Love (P Diddy) and other bands, presentation of
awards, guest speakers and political guests, and keynote speeches from
Imam Izak-El Pasha, resident Imam of Masjid Malcolm Shabazz; and

WHEREAS, The Grand Marshals include Dabney Montgomery (Tuskegee
Airman), Michael Gardner (MTA), Hank Carter (President, Carter Rehab
Center), Dr. John Palmer - (President, Harlem Hospital), Judge Tanya
Kennedy, Dr. George Shelby White, DDS, Charles Rangel, The Honorable New
York State Senator Cordell Clear, Jerome Hunter (La Rock Bey school of
Drum and Dance); and

WHEREAS, Our society is greatly benefited by the purposeful efforts
of individuals who unite for the cause of improving the quality of life
for others, and who proactively work toward the goal of dignity for all;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Juneteenth Committee at Masjid Malcolm Shabazz upon the
occasion of hosting their 29th Annual Juneteenth Parade; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Juneteenth Committee at Masjid Malcolm Shabazz.