h. nazan ışık—

4 September 2018—

Monday, September 3, was the 51^st anniversary of the New York Caribbean Carnival Parade, hosted by the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), which takes place always on Labor Day. The West Indian American Day Parade, the celebration, is about honoring the culture of the Caribbean, colorful costumes, music, flags, and of course food.

While The annual pre-West Indian American Day parade event, J’Ouvert goes on from 6:0am to 10:00am WIADCA gave a breakfast to invited quests before the parade started at 11:ooam.

Some Elected officials and Those Running for Office were there too, to be heard again before New York’s Primary Elections on Thursday, September 13.

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Governor Andrew Cuomo was one of the speakers at the breakfast. He came with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand who endorsed Cuomo in the Democratic primary governor’s race.

Cuomo announced that the state government would contribute $15 million to build a community center named the ‘Carey Gabay Center’, in memory of his former aide Carey Gabay, who was killed by stray gunfire during J’Ouvert in 2015.

One of the other speakers was Letitia James saying, “ I am New York City public advocate Letitia James, and will be the next Attorney General of New York.”

Grand Marshal, First Lady Chirlane McCray gave a speech and introduced her husband, Mayor de Blasio with a kiss.

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“We are stronger because of immigration.[…..]March with passion. Send a message to- laud and clear message to Washington DC.” Mayor de Blasio said.

Even though it is not very common to see Governor Cuomo who was the Honorary grand Marshal, and Mayor de Blasio at the same event, but this was an event to see them.

And, at about 11:00 am., the parade started.

Honorary Grand Marshal Governor Cuomo marched in the front; with him were the Rev. Al Sharpton who endorsed Cuomo, New York City Public Advocate Letitia James, who endorsed Cuomo and running for New York Attorney General, and Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul.

It was a very hot day!

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Mayor de Blasio’s shirt’s made it very easy to feel, to see how hot it was.

One of the Grand Marshals, First Lady Chirlane McCray and de Blasio marched behind Governor Cuomo.

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Let’s not forget about the colorful costumes.

I was standing close to the end of the parade route, in the shade, water bottle in my hand when I saw this dress. It looked like that heat and humidity didn’t even touch her, who was in that big, eye catching, festive, colorful dress.

“Are you tired? How heavy is that dress? How easy it is to walk in that costume?” I asked.

She looked at me, and smiled her joy. That was her answer!

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And I saw Cynthia Nixon, a first time candidate running against incumbent New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo. She was on her parade float.

I saw neither candidate Jumaane Williams, who is challenging Mr. Cuomo’s Lt. Gov, Kathy Hochul, nor Zephyr Teachout, who is running for attorney general, marching, but their names were with Ms. Nixon on her float.

New York primary elections are around the corner, on September 13. Elected Officials and Those Running for Office marched, shook hands, some hugged spectators, selfies were taken, and some gave things. The parade served them as a big platform to be seen, heard, and remembered before elections. It remains to be seen…..!

Photos: © h. nazan ışık /NKENdiKEN/ All rights reserved

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