On Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, civic leaders, diplomats, officials, and members of the global Jamaican Diaspora united to launch the Jamaican Rising Day Parade, a movement celebrating Jamaican heritage, independence, and global contributions.
Dr. Karren Dunkley said the unveiling established the first nationally recognized Jamaican Day Parade in the US, making New York City a focal point for Jamaican heritage and global impact.
Dr. Bill Tinglin, founder and chairman of Jamaican Rising Day, reflected on the previous week’s gathering at Brooklyn Borough Hall, telling Caribbean Life on Tuesday, Dec. 16: “This was not simply a ceremonial gathering.
“What took place inside Brooklyn Borough Hall was the birth of a national movement, one rooted in history, pride, and a collective responsibility to honor Jamaica’s legacy on the world stage,” he said.
“What took place inside Brooklyn Borough Hall was the birth of a national movement, one rooted in history, pride, and a collective responsibility to honor Jamaica’s legacy on the world stage,” he said.
Dr. Dunkley said the evening brought together many leaders from government, diplomacy, education, culture, business, and faith.
She noted that among them was Kimberley Council, Deputy Brooklyn Borough President, who highlighted the borough’s role in hosting the launch.
She noted that among them was Kimberley Council, Deputy Brooklyn Borough President, who highlighted the borough’s role in hosting the launch.
“Brooklyn is proud to stand at the forefront of this historic movement,” Council said. “Jamaican Rising Day reflects the diversity, strength, and global influence of our borough, and we fully embrace its vision for celebration, education, and unity.”
Officials emphasized that Jamaican Rising Day is an initiative to promote cultural excellence and community empowerment beyond the parade itself.
New York State Assembly Member Monique Chandler-Waterman, the daughter of Jamaican and Barbadian immigrants, who represents the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn, described the initiative as transformational.
New York State Assembly Member Monique Chandler-Waterman, the daughter of Jamaican and Barbadian immigrants, who represents the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn, described the initiative as transformational.
“Jamaican Rising Day is more than a parade; it is a declaration of cultural excellence and community empowerment,” she said. “This effort uplifts history, identity, and opportunity for generations to come.”
Officer-in-Charge Ariel Bowen reaffirmed the Consulate General of Jamaica to New York’s support for the initiative. She emphasized the importance of Diaspora connection.
“This movement reflects the pride, resilience, and global impact of the Jamaican people,” she said. “Jamaican Rising Day strengthens our connection to the diaspora and showcases Jamaica’s story with dignity and purpose.”
“This movement reflects the pride, resilience, and global impact of the Jamaican people,” she said. “Jamaican Rising Day strengthens our connection to the diaspora and showcases Jamaica’s story with dignity and purpose.”
Dr. Una S.T. Clarke, OD, the first Caribbean-born woman elected to City Council, reflected on the historical weight of the moment.
“I have witnessed many historic moments in this city,” she said, “and Jamaican Rising Day stands among them. This initiative honors our past while boldly shaping our future.”
“I have witnessed many historic moments in this city,” she said, “and Jamaican Rising Day stands among them. This initiative honors our past while boldly shaping our future.”
Jumaane D. Williams, New York City Public Advocate and son of Grenadian immigrants, said Jamaican Rising Day is a celebration of resilience, culture, and community power.
“It reflects the spirit of New York, where immigrant stories are honored, and cultural pride becomes a force for unity and progress,” he said.
“It reflects the spirit of New York, where immigrant stories are honored, and cultural pride becomes a force for unity and progress,” he said.
Other elected leaders echoed the theme of cultural justice and visibility.
Phara Souffrant Forrest, a Haitian-American Assembly Member, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the celebration.
Phara Souffrant Forrest, a Haitian-American Assembly Member, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the celebration.
“This movement centers culture, people, and purpose,” said Souffrant Forrest, whose husband hails from Jamaica. “Jamaican Rising Day affirms that our stories matter and that cultural celebration can also be a vehicle for education, justice, and economic empowerment.”
Rita Joseph, Haitian-born New York City Council Member for Brooklyn’s 40th District, highlighted the initiative’s impact on the community.
“Jamaican Rising Day is a powerful example of what happens when community leadership and cultural pride come together,” she said. “This initiative strengthens our city and honors the rich Caribbean legacy that shapes New York.”
Faith leaders also highlighted the movement’s moral and spiritual foundation, with Bishop and Community Advocate Dr. Cecil Riley describing the historic event as “deeply meaningful.”
“Jamaican Rising Day speaks to the soul of our people,” he said. “It is a movement grounded in faith, unity, and purpose, lifting communities while honoring God-given heritage.”
Organizers announced the Jamaican Rising Day Parade for 2026, aiming to anchor Jamaica’s Independence Week through cultural festivities, education, business, and tourism.
Organizers announced the Jamaican Rising Day Parade for 2026, aiming to anchor Jamaica’s Independence Week through cultural festivities, education, business, and tourism.
“This is about legacy,” Dr. Tinglin said. “Based in New York, but speaking to the world. Jamaican Rising Day is an invitation to governments, institutions, corporations, and communities to be part of something historic.
“What we launched here is only the beginning,” he added.
“What we launched here is only the beginning,” he added.
