Res. No. 741
Resolution honoring the life and achievements of Carlos Lezama.
By Council Members Comrie, Brewer, Fidler, Gonzalez, Nelson, Sanders Jr., Seabrook, Stewart and Weprin
Whereas, Carlos Lezama, known as the father of the City’s annual West Indian American Day Carnival, died on January 22, 2007 at age 83; and
Whereas, Carlos Lezama spent his formative years in Trinidad, where he played Mas and the Steelpan; and
Whereas, According to the official website of The West Indian Day Carnival Association, Carlos Lezama long ago recognized the cultural significance of Carnival; and
Whereas, The original Carnival in New York City took place in Harlem, and beginning in the mid 1960’s, Carlos Lezama directed his efforts, with his friend Rufus Goring, to firmly establishing Carnival in Brooklyn; and
Whereas, According to the Caribbean and Caribbean-American News Service (CAC-ANS), the West Indian American Day Carnival attracts millions of people to Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn on Labor Day each year; and
Whereas, As reported in CAC-ANS, for his efforts in promoting the culture of Caribbean people and enriching the cultural life of New York City, Mr. Lezama has been officially recognized and honored by four New York State governors, including Governors Nelson Rockefeller, Hugh Carey, Mario Cuomo and George Pataki, as well as every New York City Mayor since John Lindsay; and
Whereas, According to the official website of The West Indian American Day Carnival Association, New York’s West Indian American Day Carnival has spawned over 39 Carnivals in many American and Canadian cities, and the economic impact of the numerous Carnivals has been estimated to reach more than $200 million each year, with a significant multiplier effect in the Brooklyn community alone; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York honors the life and achievements of Carlos Lezama.
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2/14/07