Jamaican culture, heritage and national pride are taking centre stage in Brooklyn today, Saturday, August 8, as the inaugural Jamaica Rising Day Parade brings members of the Jamaican diaspora and supporters of Jamaican culture together for a day of celebration.
The first Jamaica Rising Day Parade is being held in Brooklyn, New York, as a celebration of Jamaican heritage, music, history, education and community.
The event has also received recognition from the New York State Legislature. Assembly Resolution K1568 formally commemorates the inaugural Jamaica Rising Day Parade in Brooklyn and recognizes its focus on Jamaican culture, heritage, music, education, global influence and community empowerment.
The parade is taking place during the week of Jamaica’s Independence celebrations. Jamaica celebrated its 64th Independence anniversary on August 6, 2026, having gained independence from Britain on August 6, 1962.
The Jamaica Rising Day Parade is being presented as a new platform for Jamaicans in New York and across the diaspora to celebrate their culture and strengthen their connection to Jamaica.
According to the organizers, the initiative is built around four main pillars: cultural preservation and national pride, global education and exchange, community empowerment and social impact, and economic development and diaspora mobilization.
The parade is also being positioned as part of the build up toward Jamaica’s 65th anniversary of Independence in 2027.
According to New York City’s public event records, the Jamaica Rising Day Parade is scheduled for today from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the permitted route covering sections of Flatbush Avenue, Empire Boulevard, Washington Avenue and Montgomery Street in Brooklyn.
The organizers have also planned cultural activities around the road march, including Jamaican food, music, entertainment and community participation.
Three signature floats have been announced to represent Jamaica’s historic counties: Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey. Organizers said the floats would include alumni associations, cultural organizations, professional groups and diaspora organizations representing communities from across Jamaica.
The parade is being led by a team of individuals involved in different areas of the Jamaica Rising initiative. At the centre of the organization is Dr. Bill Tinglin, Founder and Chairman. According to the parade’s official website, Dr. Tinglin leads the organization’s mission to celebrate Jamaican heritage and inspire future generations through education, music and community empowerment.
The parade also recognizes Dr. Una S. T. Clarke, former New York City Council member, as its Founding Dignitary. The organization highlights Dr. Clarke’s longstanding involvement in the Caribbean community in New York.
(Photo from jamaicarisingdayparade page on Instagram)
The executive leadership team includes Dr. Karren Dunkley, Deputy Chair for Global Affairs and Education; Dr. Lawman Lynch, Deputy Chair for Operations and Logistics; Dr. Robert Clarke, Director of Medical Affairs; and Dr. Ione Pierce, Director of Outreach and Development.
The wider team includes Jordi Lakeem Foster, Creative Director for Branding and Design; Ray James, Director of Photography and Videography; Sheldon Lewis, Director of Talent and Partnerships; Natasha Marcellin, Executive Producer for Events and Entertainment; and Dr. R. Rafi, Director of Graphics and Publications.
The organization also lists professionals working across areas including public safety, legal affairs, finance, education, community engagement, media, communications and volunteer operations.
For Jamaicans living outside the island, cultural events such as the Jamaica Rising Day Parade provide an opportunity to maintain a connection to Jamaican heritage and celebrate the country’s contribution to the wider world.
Jamaica’s influence extends far beyond the island through its music, food, sport, fashion, language, business and the achievements of Jamaicans around the world. The Jamaica Rising initiative says it aims to build on that influence through cultural preservation, education, community development and economic opportunities within the Jamaican diaspora.
The organizers are also looking beyond today’s celebration, with a stated vision of developing Jamaica Rising into an ongoing platform that connects Jamaicans and Jamaican Americans while encouraging younger generations to remain connected to their heritage.
Today’s inaugural parade comes at an important moment for Jamaica and its diaspora, with the country’s 65th Independence anniversary approaching in 2027.
For the organizers, today’s event represents the beginning of a wider initiative focused on culture, community, education and economic opportunity.
As Jamaicans gather in Brooklyn today, the message behind Jamaica Rising is one of unity and pride in Jamaican heritage.
Out of many, one people. One culture. One Jamaica.
Jamaica Rising. 🇯🇲
Suga 95.7 FM continues to celebrate Jamaican culture, music and the achievements of Jamaicans at home and across the diaspora.