BP Adams Hosts Cultural Discussion On Upcoming J’ouvert, Labor Day Parade
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams alongside the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit will host a roundtable cultural discussion today to discuss the upcoming J’Ouvert Parade and West Indian American Day Carnival.
The discussion will highlight the significance of both Caribbean-American celebrations to the culture of Brooklyn and New York City, as well as touch on issues of logistics and safety. In the following weeks, a more in-depth briefing on security matters is expected.
The annual Labor Day celebration has roots in the post-emancipation Carnival festivities and takes place every year in Brooklyn. However, in recent years the event which is is known for its costumed revelers and steel bands, has been associated with violence following a consecutive string of murders since 2013, most notably that of Carey Gabay, a lawyer in Governor Cuomo’s administration at the time of his death.
The event is slated for 10:30 a.m., today, Aug. 16, at Brooklyn Borough Hall – Community Room, at 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Reynoso Waste Equity Bill To Get Mayoral Signature
City Council member Antonio Reynoso’s (D-Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Bushwick) Waste Equity Bill is set to get signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio today.
The legislation, Intro. 157, would broaden the scope of waste management, specifically combatting the disproportionate amount of waste in marginalized communities. The measure seeks to clean up the communities of North Brooklyn, South Bronx and Southeast Queens, which are the sites of 26 of the 38 waste transfer stations in the city.
Additionally, the bill coincides with the city’s plan to introduce a zone-based system that will aim to reform the way waste is collected in the city. The plan will divide the city into areas that will be divided amongst private waste collectors.
The event is slated for 2 p.m., today, Aug. 16, at the Williamsburg Community Center, at 195 Graham Avenue in Williamsburg.
CM Williams, Bichotte To Unveil Jean-Jacques Dessalines Blvd
City Council member Jumaane Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) and Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park)will celebrate the unveiling of Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard along Rogers Avenue in East Flatbush this weekend.
Last week, the New York City Council voted to co-name Jean-Jacques Dessalines Boulevard after the Haitian leader. Dessalines led the Haitian Armies against the French towards the end of the Haitian Revolution. His courage and fortitude led to the creation of the first free Black Republic in the Western Hemisphere and cemented the Revolution’s place in history as the only successful slave revolt, one which led to the Louisiana Purchase. He went on to become the first leader of a free Haiti in 1804 and had a profound impact on the country and the entire world.
Brooklyn is home to the largest community of Haitian-Americans in the United States outside of Florida, and Haitian culture has had and continues to have a profound impact on the city, especially in the Flatbush Area. The boulevard will be situated within the boundaries of Little Haiti BK.
The event is slated for 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 18, at intersection of Rogers Avenue and Newkirk Avenue in Flatbush.
