The inaugural Jamaica Rising Day Parade was launched on Saturday, Aug. 8, amid much fanfare, with an historic grand breakfast at the headquarters of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) on Caton Avenue in Flatbush, Brooklyn. A plethora of local elected officials, other dignitaries, and celebrities were on hand to participate in the grand spectacle. “Today, I stand before you with a heart filled with gratitude, pride and deep appreciation,” said Dr. Bill Tinglin, chairman and founder of the Jamaica Rising Day Parade Committee, in addressing the wall-to-wall, sumptuous breakfast. “The Jamaican Rising Day Parade is a historic celebration of Jamaica: our culture, heritage, resilience, international influence, and extraordinary contributions to New York City and the world. “This historic event became a reality because people came together, believed in the vision, and refused to give up,” added Dr. Tinglin, who hails from the parish of Westmoreland in Jamaica. “It required sacrifice, determination, hard work, courage and faith.” He said many people contributed their time, finances, resources, relationships and professional expertise without asking for recognition or anything in return. [caption id="attachment_84895" align="aligncenter" width="524"] Dr. Bill Tinglin, chairman and founder of the Jamaica Rising Day Parade Committee, addresses the wall-to-wall Parade Breakfast.Nelson A. King[/caption] Dr. Tinglin extended “sincere appreciation” to elected officials, government representatives, and political leaders who supported and participated in the historic occasion. “Your presence and support demonstrated your respect for the Jamaican community, and your recognition of the tremendous contributions Jamaicans have made to this city, this nation and the world,” he said, offering “very special acknowledgment” to former United States Ambassador to Jamaica N. Nick Perry, for leading “the way for us.” “His leadership, encouragement, guidance and belief in the importance of this historic celebration helped strengthen our vision and gave us confidence to continue moving forward,” Dr. Tinglin said. “Ambassador Perry, thank you for standing with us and for representing Jamaica with such dignity and distinction.” He also extended “profound gratitude” to the Committee’s Founding Dignitary, Dr. Una S. T. Clarke — "a true pioneer, trailblazer, and historic figure within the Jamaican and Caribbean communities. “Dr. Clarke has opened doors, broken barriers, and inspired generations through her public service and lifelong commitment to our people,” said Dr. Tinglin about Clarke, the first Caribbean-born woman to be elected to New York City Council and mother of Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “We are honored to stand upon the foundation she helped to build.” In addition, he thanked the acting Consul General of Jamaica in New York, Ariel Bowen, and the entire consular staff. “Thank you for your support, guidance, presence, and continued service to the Jamaican community,” he said. “Your participation gave this historic occasion an even deeper connection to our beloved homeland.” [caption id="attachment_84896" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Acting Consul General of Jamaica in New York and honorary grand marshal of the Parade Ariel Bowen addresses the breakfast ceremony.Nelson A. King[/caption] Bowen, Jamaica’s Ambassador Designate to Japan, as well as New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman, and Jamaican-born New York City Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuel served as honorary grand marshals. Reggae legend and international recording artist Nadine Sutherland, OD, served as Grand Marshal. [caption id="attachment_84900" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Grand Marshal Reggae legend and international recording artist Nadine Sutherland, OD, briefly addresses the breakfast ceremony, flanked by MC Dr. Bob Lee.Nelson A. King[/caption] Bowen said she was very pleased about the event, stating that she looks forward to “another event next year with Jamaica 65 (anniversary celebrations).” Among others, Dr. Tinglin extended “a very special recognition” to the Holocaust survivors, including Mark Appel, present at the ceremony. “Your presence carried tremendous historical meaning,” he said, noting that, during the Second World War, Jamaica opened its doors to refugees fleeing war and Nazi persecution, many of whom found refuge at Gibraltar Camp in Mona, St. Andrew. Dr. Tinglin said that the land on which Gibraltar Camp once stood later became part of the site of the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. “Those refugees brought with them knowledge, skills, culture, and experiences that became part of Jamaica's remarkable wartime history,” he said. “Their presence and contributions represent a lasting gift to Jamaica and a powerful reminder of what can happen when one people open its doors to another in a time of need. “To have Holocaust survivors standing with us generations later at the first Jamaican Rising Day Parade brought that history full circle,” he added. “We were deeply honored to recognize you as our Special Guests of Honor. Your presence will forever be part of the history of the Jamaican Rising Day Parade.” Dr. Tinglin gave a “very special thank-you” to Dr. Jean Joseph, CACCI president, for “generously allowing us to use her space. “Your kindness and hospitality provided an important home for our gathering, and we are sincerely grateful,” he said. [caption id="attachment_84899" align="aligncenter" width="700"] CACCI President Jean Joseph addresses the ceremony.Nelson A. King[/caption] “To my co-chairs, Dr. Lawman Lynch and Dr. Karren Dunkley: thank you for standing beside me and helping to carry this enormous responsibility,” he added. “Your leadership, loyalty, dedication, and commitment were invaluable.” Dr. Tinglin also recognized the “outstanding members and supporters of the Jamaican Rising Day Parade family. “To our grand marshals, hon. grand marshals, distinguished ambassadors, consular representatives, clergy members, community leaders, sponsors, donors, and special guests: thank you for adding your names, voices, influence, and presence to this historic celebration,” he said. “What we accomplished belongs to all of us. Together, we showed New York City and the world the strength, beauty, pride, resilience, and enduring spirit of Jamaica. [caption id="attachment_84898" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Grand marshal and honorary grand marshals with elected and civic officials, including CACCI President Jean Joseph, seated in front row, left, at the grand Parade Breakfast.Nelson A. King[/caption] In her welcome remarks, Dr. Ionie Pierce, one of the organizers of the Jamaica Rising Day Parade and the chair of the Breakfast Committee, said: “Today folks, we have set history, and you are part of this history. “What is the history? This is the first Jamaican Parade outside of Jamaica and you are a part of it,” she said. “Therefore, we need to give ourselves a round of applause.” She thanked WBLS personality Dr. Bob Lee for serving as Master of Ceremonies. Dr. Lee asked his radio colleague, Barbadian-born Dahved Levy, to briefly address ebullient patrons. “It’s an honor to what Jamaica and the Caribbean did for me,” Levy said. “I want you to have a very good day.” Chandler-Waterman, the daughter of Jamaican and Barbadian immigrants, who represents the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn, and Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, presented citations and proclamations to the Jamaica Rising Day Parade Committee and grand marshals. Perry, the former representative for the 58th Assembly District, was also named honorary grand marshal. Sutherland, who flew in from Jamaica the day before just for the historic event, sang and give very brief remarks, stating that “it’s a little overwhelming to be here.” Breaking down while stating that his wife, Joyce, is recuperating from a fall she sustained, Perry wished “happy independence to Jamaica, land of my birth that I will always claim.” New York State Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn and chairs the Brooklyn Democratic Party, was also among elected officials who briefly addressed the ceremony. Others were: Council Member Rita Joseph, the Haitian-born representative for the 40th Council District, where the breakfast and parade were held; Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, the Haitian-born representative for the 46th Assembly District in Brooklyn; Haitian-American Josué Pierre, the Democratic District Leader for New York’s 42nd Assembly District, community advocate and co-founder of the Shirley Chisholm Democratic Club in Brooklyn; New York State Assembly Member Latrice M. Walker, representative for Assembly District 55 in Brooklyn; and Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Kim Council. Joseph, a certified public accountant, said it was “an historic day for our Jamaican community, for our Caribbean diaspora, and for New York City. “As president of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., I congratulate the members of our Jamaican community on the occasion of your inaugural Jamaica Rising Day,” she said. “As a proud sponsor of this event, CACCI is happy for the opportunity to provide the use of our headquarters for this VIP Breakfast Reception. “Opening our doors to today’s organizers was not just a gesture of sponsorship; it was a reflection of who we are: a home for our culture, our small businesses, and our community’s dreams,” she added. “Thank you for standing with CACCI as we build, uplift and unite our community.” Haitian-born singer Felina Baker sang the Jamaican National Anthem and many reggae songs, including Bob Marley’s “One Love,” during the Parade Breakfast. [caption id="attachment_84897" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Felina Baker leads the Jamaican National Anthem.Nelson A. King[/caption] Thousands converged for the inaugural Jamaica Day Parade in New York City, the first parade in the United States dedicated exclusively to celebrating Jamaica, its people, culture, achievements and global impact. The Brooklyn-based Jamaica Rising Day Parade Committee said the landmark event brought together Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica from across New York, the United States, and around the world for an “unforgettable day of pride, unity, culture and celebration.” The parade, which started at Church Avenue (Bob Marley Boulevard) and Ocean Avenue in Brooklyn, was held under the theme, “Jamaica Rising: One People. One Legacy. One Future.” The parade proceeded north along Ocean Avenue through the heart of Brooklyn, home to one of the largest Jamaican communities outside of Jamaica. “This powerful theme reflects the resilience, achievements and aspirations of the Jamaican people while celebrating Jamaica's extraordinary contributions to the world,” said the organization, stating that the parade was “a celebration, a movement dedicated to celebrating Jamaican heritage and culture; inspiring youth and future generations; strengthening community unity; promoting economic growth and opportunity; connecting the global Jamaican Diaspora; (and) showcasing Jamaica's contributions to the world. “The parade serves as a platform to preserve culture, build community, create opportunities, and inspire future generations,” the Jamaica Day Parade added. “From the legendary music of Bob Marley to Olympic champions, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals, artists, public servants, and innovators, Jamaica's influence reaches every corner of the globe.” Dr. Lawman Lynch, co-founder and deputy chair of the Jamaica Rising Day Parade, who gave the vote-of-thanks at the Parade Breakfast, said: “This was bigger than a parade. We witnessed the birth of a movement and, potentially, a new Jamaican tradition in New York City. “There were many challenges in bringing an inaugural event of this magnitude to life, but when we saw thousands of people proudly carrying the Jamaican flag through the streets of Brooklyn, we knew that every meeting, every obstacle, every sleepless night, and every sacrifice had been worth it,” added Dr. Lynch, who also served as parade director.