The 52nd Annual Conference of the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislators, Inc. was held on the weekend of February 17th to February 19th in Albany. The Association membership consists of New York State Legislators of Minority descent and educates and empowers minority communities by advocating for racial justice and economic mobility throughout the State. Panelists consisted of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; the Consul General of Jamaica Alsion Roach Wilson; the Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago Andre Laveau; the Consul General of the Dominican Republic Eligio Jaquez; Camille Hastick, Brooklyn Regional Director, Office of the State Comptroller DiNapoli; Ann Marie Adamson, Director Emblem Health; Khari Edwards, Head of Corporate and Social Responsibility at Ayr Wellness; and Drew Gabriel, V.P. Intergovernmental Affairs at CAMBA. There was also a special recognition given in honor of the late Dr. Roy A. Hastick Sr. and the late Eleanora P. Bernard for their innumerable contributions to NYS and the Caribbean Diaspora.
“The Impact of the Caribbean Diaspora in New York State” was the main theme topic that permeated the event. Assemblywoman Jaime Williams and fellow elected officials, including Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman, State Senators Roxanne J. Persaud and Zellnor Myrie, and Assemblyman Brian Cunningham sponsored and took part in workshops on current goals and challenges of the Caribbean communities.
“I am grateful to the panelists who attended and shared not only their personal perspective, but also the impact the diaspora had on our Caribbean communities in New York State. I am grateful to my constituents who traveled to Albany to attend the event. Through dialogue and understanding, I am confident that we can succeed at empowering and improving our communities,” remarked Assemblywoman Williams.
“The impact of the Caribbean Diaspora stretches far beyond New York State, which is evidenced by our rich diversity and impact of the attendees,” said Assemblyman Cunningham. “As a Jamaican American, I was thrilled to celebrate my rich Caribbean heritage at the 52nd Annual Conference and to discuss the intersectionality of Caribbean and Black American culture and build consensus on creating stronger communities. We are a much more powerful force than when we are separate.”
“New York’s Caribbean communities add to the tapestry of our versatility to our great city and state. I’m a proud son of Costa Rican immigrants with Jamaican heritage. It is my honor to fight for our people’s needs and advancement in Albany,” remarked Senator Myrie.
“As a New York State Senator born in Guyana, I proudly participated in the events celebrating the contributions of the Caribbean Diaspora to New York State. The Caribbean community in New York is productive and thriving, and I commend my colleagues for hosting the events. We highlighted the vast contributions made across all industries, and we will continue to advocate for the community’s needs,” said Senator Persaud.
Assemblywoman Chandler-Waterman said, “The impact of the Caribbean community cannot be quantified because our culture, spirit and contributions permeate every part of our City and State…I am proud to partner with my colleagues of Caribbean descent to amplify our hard work. I offer my gratitude to Caucus Chair Latrice Walker for placing her confidence in me to open this year’s gala as I was honored to do so.”
Courtesy of Assemblywoman Jaime Williams’ Office