A gathering of entrepreneurs, business owners, friends, and members of the Jamaican diaspora on May 29 helped lay the groundwork for the inaugural Jamaica Day Rising Parade 2026 (JDRP) on August 8, which is set to kick-off at the intersection of Church Avenue “Bob Marley Way” and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.
“I could not miss this opportunity to be with this beloved community as we launch what I know would be a spectacular gathering to commemorate, to celebrate and to elevate, Jamaicans and Jamaican Americans who have done so much to build this country, and do so much to give back at home, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, said at the Consulate General of Jamaica, 300 East 42nd Street in Manhattan, during the evening event.
Clarke, who represents the 9th District in Brooklyn, and who describes herself as “Jamerican,” the daughter of Jamaican-born Dr. Una S.T. Clarke, the first Caribbean national elected to the NY City Council, noted that Jamaicans have a strong commitment and love for their people back home.
“Many of you have left years ago but continue through alumni associations, through other civic, social, and medical missions to give back,” said the politician, who expressed gratitude to the organizers, while acknowledging that the commemoration will be taking place in her constituency.
“Thank you so much Lawman Lynch, and all of those who saw it fit to continue this tradition in central Brooklyn, where so many Jamaicans have made their home, generation, after generation,” she said, adding: “My district is an immigrant portal, so many come with two “grips” (suitcases) as my mother would say, then they become “stoosh’ (proud) and move to Queens, Long Island, and Connecticut, but it all started in the heart of Flatbush.”
“Thank you for extending an invitation to me,” said Clarke noting that she was happy to be on recess from DC, which she described as a toxic place. “You help me to detox.”
Chairman of the Jamaica Day Rising 2026 committee, Dr. Bill Tinglin, said. “This gathering represents culture, community, vision, legacy, and the continuing lives of the Jamaican people.”
“Whenever the world hears Jamaica, people think about resilience, excellence, music, they think about greatness, and strength. From Bob Marley and Usain Bolt, from educators to entrepreneurs, and healthcare professionals, to public servants, Jamaican people leave a proud mark on the world said Tinglin.
Tinglin added: “Tonight, we’re telling our story proudly, of perseverance, sacrifice, and the story of immigrants who came to this country with determination, faith, and courage, and help build businesses, churches, schools, hospitals, communities, and institutions that strengthened New York and America itself.”
Dr. Ionie Pierce said, “Hopefully, the culinary showcase will allow younger generations to experience the culture firsthand, ensuring that our traditions remain alive and vibrant. We are bringing together families, the elders, young groups, faith leaders, and civic organizations, while reinforcing community ties and giving Jamaican culture visibility.”
Ariel Laura Metayer, founder of The Luminous Lab, and Director of Partnerships and Sponsorships, encouraged business owners to invest in the historic Jamaica Day Rising parade. Metayer brought her corporate fashion luxury professionalism to the event.
Ariel Bowen, officer-in-charge at the Jamaica Consulate General in New York, lauded the committee for including the diplomatic office, saying, “It is fitting that we are gathered here tonight to launch a celebration of Jamaica in this region, home to one of the largest and most vibrant community of Jamaicans outside of our Island.”
“Like so many others that have taken to the streets of New York to promote their cultures, we also, to cement our presence with great pride,” said Bowen.
Education specialist, community advocate, and committee member (JDRP) Dr. Lawman Lynch, said, “The launch of the inaugural Jamaica Day Rising is about declaring a vision of a people united by cultural, heritage, strengthened by community, and inspired by the limitless potential of Jamaica and its music,” pointing out Jamaican musical icon Nadine Sullivan in the audience.
“Our vision is to strengthen community connections, promote economic opportunity, celebrate achievements, and inspire our future generations, to remain connected to our roots,” said Lynch.
Dancehall Singing Queen Nadine Sutherland, who entertained the gathering with her hit song, “Action,” will serve as grand marshal.
She said, “our spirit reaches places our feet have never touched. This parade is the first of its kind in the United States, another example of a powerful diaspora movement innovation.”
“Jamaica is at the forefront, standing proudly,” Sutherland said. “That is why this inaugural Jamaica Day Rising parade is significant. It is not simply a parade; it’s a celebration.”
Sutherland encouraged sponsors, influencers, community organizations, and business owners to get on board to become part of history.
Other presenters included Mickael Marabou, singer, organizer, and founder of Rise Her Summit; fashion designer and author Keisha Martin; and Jensen Desrosiers, producer of JDRP.
