For the first time ever on Aug. 8, the intersection of Church and Ocean Avenues in Brooklyn was a sea of black, green, and gold — the colors of the Jamaican National flag — as thousands gathered to celebrate the country’s culture, resilience, excellence, unity, and strength at the inaugural Jamaica Rising Day Parade.

Formally kicking off the inaugural event, the members of the “Jamaica Rising Day” Committee joined together for a ribbon cutting ceremony, including founder and chair Dr. Bill Tinglin; executive director of marketing Mickael Marabou; Dr. Lawman Lynch; Ambassador Ariel Bowen; elected officials; law enforcement; Ambassador to Jamaica, former Assemblyman Nick Perry; and New York Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels; and Honorary Grand Marshal, Jamaica Dancehall Singer Nadine Sutherland.

The parade proceeded to make its way northward along Ocean Avenue; the procession that was scheduled to showcase the vibrant spirit of Jamaica along Church Avenue (Bob Marley Boulevard) was instead rerouted due to the anticipated immense gathering.

The historic event kicked off at 11:00 a.m. sharp after a Breakfast Morning reception at the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (CACCI) headquarters on Flatbush Avenue.

"It is very important to be celebrating this parade in a country that is very divisive, around different cultures," New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who brought along his young daughter, Amani, to the parade, told Caribbean Life. “We are showing that the best rebellion is joy, and celebration. So being here among all of these Jamaican flags, showing what it meant to be Jamaican, is a historic moment here in Brooklyn, in Flatbush, and in New York."

“More importantly, it’s great to see so many cultures coming together to celebrate,”  said Williams, an honorary grand marshal.

It’s important for us to celebrate what we bring to this country, said New York State Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman, an honorary grand marshal who represents District 58 in Brooklyn.

“This is the first-ever parade since the major hurricane in 2025 that caused devastation to the island of Jamaica. And now seeing Jamaicans celebrating at the Jamaican Rising Day parade makes me happy," Chandler-Waterman said. "I represent a large population of Jamaicans in my district. I am a proud Jamaican, and of Bajan heritage. There are a lot of mixed emotions here today. I am glad to be here, especially at this time."

Chandler-Waterman added: “The history is deep. We remember in 1804 when Boukman left Jamaica and went to Haiti to fight for our freedom, and helped us to gain our Independence. So when we celebrate black people, especially Jamaicans, we remember Boukman from back in the day.”

New York City Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse, who represents District 46, said, “We the people have stood together to understand the mission. I am a proud Jamaican today."

“This is my community," said NYS Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn. "The Jamaicans have been extraordinary in making a big contribution to the United States, and the economy, and we are here to support the first Jamaica Rising parade. We are excited. It’s long overdue. They were the first Caribbean immigrants to settle  in New York. Dr. Una Clarke paved the way for people like me. We are here today because we are going to rise together. We will not allow the President to take away our birthright, and our right to be in this country that was built by us,” said the powerhouse politician, who represents District 42 in Brooklyn.

“We stand together to celebrate Jamaica Independence, 64 years of freedom. We also want to thank "Boukman,” who moved from Jamaica to Haiti and helped Haiti gain its independence. We are one Caribbean and we will support each other, said Bichotte Hermelyn, a Haitian-American who also wore the sash as an honorary grand marshal.

The massive historic event took over the streets with live music and loud DJ entertainment. One Disc Jockey who spun the popular melody “I am Blessed” engaged revelers who joined in the singing of the song made famous by Jamaican artist Mr. Vegas.

Attendees chanted, “Jamaica is the best country in the whole world." "If you were born to Jamaican parents in Brooklyn, New York, you are still Jamaican," yelled the DJ, much to the delight of the multi-generational community that reveled along Ocean Avenue, towards Lincoln Road, where the parade ended.