Flatbush came alive in black, green and gold on August 8 as the first Jamaica Rising Day Parade made its way through Brooklyn. More than 4,000 people attended, according to an on-the-ground estimate from Maison Eclat World, turning Ocean Avenue into a moving celebration of Jamaican pride, music, culture and community.
The parade was originally expected to begin at 10 a.m. but got underway at approximately 10:45 a.m. Once the floats began moving, Ocean Avenue filled with people representing Jamaica loudly and proudly. DJs performed from the floats while spectators lined the route, creating an atmosphere centered on celebration and cultural pride.
Killa Boo of Irie Jam took the microphone during the parade and addressed what he described as resistance the event faced before reaching the road. He also thanked New York City, the NYPD and elected officials for allowing the parade to take place.
Throughout the portion of the parade observed by Maison Eclat World, the atmosphere remained peaceful, with no fights, shootings or major disturbances witnessed. Instead, the streets remained focused on music, community and the celebration of Jamaica and its culture.
Artists, DJs and Community Representation
Tina, formerly known as HoodCelebrityy, performed from a separate float. Abby Dallas and Dre Island performed from the final float, which also featured Suga Candy Mas, Rainbow Car Service, Venom Sound, Road International, DJ Mad Out, Killa Boo and Dahvey Levy, known for his “Rocking You” saying. GucckiiDaGreat also participated in the parade.
Tower Isles was represented on the second-to-last float, while DJ Danglez was part of the overall event programming.
Other businesses and names represented across the parade’s floats included Rogers Burger, KND Consulting Group, Jamaican Food, Panda and LaBay Market.
Suga Candy Mas, Rainbow Car Service and Tower Isles received sponsor recognition on event signage, while the floats themselves reflected the range of artists, DJs, businesses and community personalities who came together to support the inaugural celebration.
A Celebration of Jamaican Culture in Brooklyn
For its first year, the Jamaica Rising Day Parade gave Brooklyn a visible space to celebrate Jamaican identity and culture. The event brought together artists, businesses, DJs, sponsors and community members in a shared celebration that extended beyond any individual performer or organization.
The significance of the day was ultimately found in the crowd itself: people coming outside for Jamaica, carrying the flags, supporting the music and helping make Jamaican culture visible throughout the streets of Brooklyn.