New York J 454: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 11, 2025, to April 12, 2025, as Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York

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J00454 Summary:

BILL NOJ00454 

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SAME ASNo Same As

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SPONSORSEPULVEDA

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COSPNSR

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MLTSPNSR

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Go to top J00454 Actions:

BILL NOJ00454 

&nbsp

03/05/2025REFERRED TO FINANCE

03/11/2025REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION

03/11/2025ADOPTED

Go to topJ00454 Committee&nbspVotes:

Go to topJ00454 Floor&nbspVotes:

There are no Assembly votes for this bill in this legislative session.

Go to topJ00454 Text:

Senate Resolution No. 454

BY: Senator SEPULVEDA

 MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
 March 11, 2025, to April 12, 2025, as
 Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New
 York

 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and

 WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
applaud and commemorate events which foster ethnic pride and exemplify
the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the spirit of the
people and the State of New York; and

 WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 11, 2025, to April 12, 2025, as
Garifuna-American Heritage Month in the State of New York; and

 WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month celebrates the history,
culture, achievements, and contributions of the Garifuna People to the
societies of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, St. Vincent and the
Grenadines and the United States of America; it raises awareness and
promotes greater appreciation of Garifuna history and traditions; and

 WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month affirms the history,
culture, identity, and self-esteem of a resilient people; it celebrates
a rich heritage and illuminates Garifuna history and tradition, as well
as the spirit of an indomitable people; and

 WHEREAS, In 1665, two Spanish ships wrecked off the coast of St.
Vincent; and

 WHEREAS, The West African slaves that escaped to the island
eventually intermarried with the Caribs and the Arawaks indigenous
native people; and

 WHEREAS, The new race of people, known as the Garifuna, grew strong
and prosperous on the island; and

 WHEREAS, In 1795, the Garifuna began the Second Carib War against
the British; battles raged throughout St. Vincent over the next year
with both sides enduring heavy losses; and

 WHEREAS, On June 10, 1796, the final battle commenced with the
Garifuna and British, resulting in the Garifuna's surrender; and

 WHEREAS, The surviving Black Caribs were forcibly deported to the
neighboring island of Balliceaux; and

 WHEREAS, On March 11, 1797, the defeated Garifuna were loaded onto a
convoy of eight vessels and transported to Roatan, Honduras, where they

arrived on April 12th of that year; this resulted in permanent Garifuna
Family Separation; and

 WHEREAS, This year we commemorate the 228th Anniversary of the
Forcible Deportation of the Garifuna People by the British from St.
Vincent and the Grenadines and their settlement in Central America; and

 WHEREAS, The Garifuna began to migrate to the United States during
the 1930s; today, New York City is home to the largest Garifuna
community outside of Central America; and

 WHEREAS, Garifuna-American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to
celebrate the Garifuna family reunification and recognize the
significance of Garifuna's contributions to the quality and character of
life of New York State, through many events and activities throughout
the month, for all people to gain a greater appreciation of Garifuna
history and traditions, and of the role Garifuna-Americans have played,
and will continue to play, in New York's society; and

 WHEREAS, Today, New Yorkers of Garifuna heritage such as, Jemma
Lewis, Sara Nunez Mejia, Rosemary Ordonez-Jenkins, Sulma Arzu-Brown,
Mirtha Colon, Rosita Alvarez, Paula Castillo, Carlos Gamboa, Evelyn
Arauz Chamorro, Mirtha C. Sabio, Lizeth Cacho, Ivan Moreira, Eudy Perez,
Johny Batiz, Luz Soliz, Cristian Guity, Lou Ramos, and Jose Francisco
Avila continue to recognize and honor the legacy of their ancestors;
now, therefore, be it

 RESOLVED, That this Legisl