Jamaica Rising Day Parade Officially Launches

NEW YORK — Black. Green. Gold.

Before a single speaker approached the podium, the colors of Jamaica were already making a statement.

Inside the Consulate General of Jamaica in New York on Friday evening, community leaders, elected officials, cultural ambassadors, media representatives, and members of the Jamaican diaspora gathered for the official Media, Press and Community Launch of the Jamaica Rising Day Parade.

Some attendees arrived proudly dressed in the colors of the Jamaican flag, creating a vibrant backdrop for an evening centered on culture, community, identity, and the future of the Jamaican diaspora.

While the inaugural parade itself is scheduled for August 8, 2026, the excitement surrounding the initiative was already evident as supporters filled the room to learn more about what organizers hope will become a signature celebration of Jamaican culture, heritage, achievement, and community.

Hosted in partnership with the Consulate General of Jamaica, the event brought together an impressive cross-section of leadership and influence, including former United States Ambassador to Jamaica N. Nickolas Perry, Officer-in-Charge of the Jamaica Consulate Ariel Bowen, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Jamaican cultural icon Nadine Sutherland, OD, community leaders, media professionals, and stakeholders from across New York City's vibrant Jamaican community.

The evening opened with a formal call to order by Lyndon Taylor, followed by prayer from Bishop Cecil Riley and welcome remarks from Dr. Lawman Lynch. Chairman Dr. Bill Tinglin outlined the vision, milestones, and significance of the Jamaica Rising Day Parade, emphasizing its potential to become a unifying platform for Jamaicans throughout the diaspora.

Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on the role of culture in preserving identity, the importance of strengthening connections between Jamaica and its diaspora communities, and the opportunity to create a lasting tradition that celebrates Jamaican excellence on a dedicated stage.

One of the evening's most engaging segments featured Media, Culture and Community Voices, where selected speakers were invited to share their perspectives on the cultural and economic significance of the initiative.

I was honored to be among those invited to offer remarks.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Brooklyn after immigrating to New York City as a child, I spoke about the importance of preserving cultural identity and ensuring future generations remain connected to their roots.

I reflected on the experience shared by so many Jamaican families—building lives abroad while carrying Jamaica with them every step of the way through culture, values, traditions, music, and community.

For me, the Jamaica Rising Day Parade represents more than a single event.

It represents legacy.

It represents an opportunity to create something meaningful for the children and grandchildren of Jamaican immigrants—something they can embrace, celebrate, and pass on to future generations.

While New York City is home to many cultural celebrations, the Jamaica Rising Day Parade is uniquely focused on Jamaica and the Jamaican diaspora. It creates a dedicated space to celebrate the people, achievements, resilience, and contributions of Jamaicans both at home and abroad.

During my remarks, I also shared a sneak peek of a new song currently in development—an anthem inspired by the experience of being Jamaican abroad while remaining deeply connected to home. The song's themes of identity, pride, and belonging resonated with the spirit of the evening.

A key moment of the program came when Officer-in-Charge Ariel Bowen addressed attendees on behalf of the Consulate, speaking to the importance of cultural diplomacy, national identity, and the role of the diaspora in advancing Brand Jamaica.

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke followed with remarks underscoring the significance of celebrating Jamaican heritage and recognizing the contributions Jamaicans continue to make throughout New York City and beyond.

The evening concluded with powerful remarks from Dr. Lawman Lynch, who delivered a compelling call to action centered on why the Jamaica Rising Day Parade matters.

Speaking passionately about the cultural, economic, and community impact of the Jamaican diaspora, Dr. Lynch emphasized that this initiative is about far more than a parade route through Brooklyn.

It is about visibility.

It is about pride.

It is about ensuring that future generations inherit a tradition that celebrates who they are and where they come from.

His message resonated throughout the room and reinforced what many attendees already felt: the time has come.

As the formal program came to a close, the evening ended in true Jamaican fashion.

Jamaican cultural icon Nadine Sutherland, OD, brought attendees to their feet with a spirited performance of her hit song Action. What began as a performance quickly became a celebration, with guests singing along, clapping, dancing, and joining her word for word.

For a few unforgettable moments, the room transformed from a formal gathering into a joyful expression of Jamaican culture and community.

It was the perfect ending to an evening centered on identity, heritage, and the future of the Jamaican diaspora.

If the energy inside the Consulate was any indication, anticipation for August 8, 2026, is already building.

The inaugural Jamaica Rising Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the intersection of Bob Marley Boulevard (Church Avenue) and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.

For many who attended the launch, the countdown has officially begun.

Stay tuned to Ask Blondie TV for continuing coverage, exclusive interviews, and updates leading up to what organizers hope will become a historic new tradition for Jamaicans throughout New York City and the global diaspora.

— Keisha Martin

Ask Blondie TV