Res. No. 518

Resolution declaring October as Jamaican Heritage Month in New York City.

By Council Members Brooks-Powers, Cabán, Hanif and Gutiérrez

Whereas, Jamaicans are the third-largest foreign-born group in New York City, according to the Census American Community Survey 2020; and

Whereas, Jamaican Immigrants have made neighborhoods like Crown Heights and East Flatbush in Brooklyn; Eastchester and Wakefield in the Bronx; the Laurelton-Rosedale area in Queens and many other areas of the city their home; and

Whereas, Jamaican immigrants have contributed greatly to the economic development in New York City and the U.S. as notably hard workers, business owners and entrepreneurs; and 

Whereas, For example, according to a 2010 American Community Survey and the U.S. Census Bureau, Jamaicans are among the three immigrant populations to own the greatest number of businesses in the U.S. from 2002 to 2008, contributing $348 billion to the U.S. economy from 2002 to 2007; and

Whereas, New York City had the largest number of black-owned Jamaican businesses during this period and these businesses contributed about $12.8 billion to New York City economy; and

Whereas, Many Jamaican Americans have contributed significantly to the arts, music, culture, and politics in New York City and the U.S; and now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of New York declares October as Jamaican Heritage Month in New York City.

CMB

LS#9402

8/1/24