CARIBBEAN

CORNER

Labor Day Carnival Boss Resigns

By Michael D. Roberts

After 34 years, Brooklyn’s Caribbean Carnival icon, Carlos Lezama (pictured), recently announced that is stepping down as president of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), the organization that sponsors the annual Labor Day Carnival Parade along Eastern Parkway that attracts over 4 million people each year.

Lezama, 78, has not been in failing health over the past five years and the strains of running such a mammoth event was starting to take its toll. Under Lezama’s stewardship the carnivalc has grown to become one of the largest - if not the largest - outdoor cultural festivals in the United States.

Lezama pioneered the event from its humble beginnings in Harlem when it was held in February to coincide with Trinidad & Tobago’s carnival, which is focuses on the Catholic celebration of Lent.

The wintry February weather even made an indoor activity difficult. In a move that was to have far-reaching repercussions Lezama moved the event to Brooklyn and changed the date to Labor Day when the weather was considerably warmer. This change made sense and allowed the carnical to grow since the borough was rapidly becoming home to thousands of Caribbean immigrants. And, the end-of-summer climate made it more appealing which soon became clear as more participation resulted.

"This carnival was a labor of love. It was not about money or anything but simple love of this beautiful culture that brings people together from all races, classes and creeds. Carnival is a beautiful thing. Its pure healthy fun and I am glad that I helped to establish it as a major part of this city," Lezama said.

Praises have come from across the Caribbean-American community as news of Lezama’s resignation spread. Councilmember elect Yvette Clarke (40th District) whose district is home to a large concentration of Caribbean-Americans said that "Carlos has contributed mightily to the cultural understanding and enrichment of New York City," Clarke, 36, said that Carlos Lezama represented the things that were positive and good about the community.

"He’s a positive role model, a leader, and innovator and certainly one of the finest people in New York. I applaud his contribution and wish him all the best in his retirement," Clarke said.

Desmond Chase, executive member of Hawks International and President of the Caribbean Bandleaders Action Committee International, said that although he had some differences with Mr. Lezama on the conduct of the carnival, he nevertheless "acknowledges his contribution." He too wished Lezama well in retirement and hoped that his organization would move to reform itself and make the carnival better.

"Carlos Lezama’s legacy is intact. He took an indigenous Caribbean cultural event and helped make it into what it is today. That is no simple achievement. He must be commended for his work," Chase said.

Henry Antoine, president of the International Caribbean Carnival Association (ICCA), the international organization of Trinidad-style carnivals in Canada, North America and Europe, that is based in Boston, said that he’s known Lezama for about 34 years and had high praises for him. Lezama is also a founding member of the ICCA and its "president emeritus."

"Carlos has done a great job of bringing to the international community the true meaning of Caribbean carnival and culture. He is truly "the father if Brooklyn’s Labor Day Carnival." The ICCA is going to recommend to the city and WIADCA that this carnival be named for him. That will be fitting tribute to Carlos’ legacy," Antoine stated.