Assembly Resolution No. 689
BY: M. of A. Reyes
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
July 25, 2023, as Afro-Latina, Afro-Caribbean, and
African Diaspora Women's Day in the State of New
York
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body hereby memorializes Governor Kathy
Hochul to proclaim July 25, 2023, as Afro-Latina, Afro-Caribbean, and
African Diaspora Women's Day in the State of New York, in conjunction
with the observance of International Afro-Latina, Afro-Caribbean, and
African Diaspora Women's Day; and
WHEREAS, Each year on July 25th, women of African descent across
Latin America and the Caribbean, from Argentina to Puerto Rico, gather
to celebrate International Afro-Latina, Afro-Caribbean, and African
Diaspora Women's Day; and
WHEREAS, This vital holiday was created on July 25, 1992, when Black
women from 32 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean gathered in
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for the First Meeting of Afro-Latin
American and Afro-Caribbean Women; and
WHEREAS, The meeting was called to celebrate Black culture and
identity, to honor the legacy and contributions of Black women and to
combat racism and sexism; and
WHEREAS, Over 130 million people of African descent live in Latin
America; Afro-descendant women have and continue to face racial
discrimination, poverty, abuse, and marginalization; many have less
access to quality education, housing, employment, and healthcare; and
WHEREAS, Afro-descendant women are also affected by policies, laws,
and practices that intentionally or unintentionally create
discrimination; acknowledging these injustices, The United Nations
General Assembly declared 2015-2024 as the International Decade for
People of African Descent: Recognition, Justice and Development; and
WHEREAS, This declaration aims to acknowledge the contribution of
Afro-descendants, increase understanding and respect for Black heritage
and culture, and create opportunities for Afro-descendants; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
(IACHR) calls on countries, "to promote and strengthen this group's
participation through special measures and affirmative action, promoting
safe spaces for their effective impact and combating all forms of
discrimination and violence against them in all political institutions
and spaces."; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, International Afro-Latina,
Afro-Caribbean, and African Diaspora Women's Day has been celebrated in
various ways in countries throughout Latin America, the United States
and Spain; and
WHEREAS, Black women in many countries have been able to promote the
creation of laws against racial discrimination and segregation through
their continued activism and intellectual discussions on racial
discrimination since the First Meeting of Afro-Latin American and
Afro-Caribbean women; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize
those important days which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage of
our great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is duly fitting that all New Yorkers join in these
important celebrations of one of our State's most vibrant communities;
this much anticipated observance and its accompanying activities will
foster greater appreciation for women of African descent and their
culture, and will serve to promote the spirit of cooperation that is
characteristic of all citizens of New York State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim July 25, 2023, as
Afro-Latina, Afro-Caribbean, and African Diaspora Women's Day in the
State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.
