Inaugural Jamaica Rising Day Parade to debut in Brooklyn on Aug. 8
Dr. Lawman Lynch - Jamaica Rising Day Deputy Chair
Key Points(5)
- Organizers have announced the inaugural Jamaica Rising Diaspora Road March & Cultural Festival , a new community-driven celebration aimed at uniting the Jamaican diaspora while building momentum toward Jamaica's 65th anniversary of Independence in 2027.
- The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug.
- 8 , beginning at the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Church Avenue, also known as Bob Marley Boulevard, before making its way to Dr.
- Ronald McNair Park in Brooklyn for a street festival and dance celebration.
- "The Jamaica Rising Day Parade is more than a celebration; it is a grassroots movement powered by the Jamaican Diaspora to honor our heritage, strengthen our community, and showcase the very best of Jamaica right here in Brooklyn," said Dr.
Organizers have announced the inaugural Jamaica Rising Diaspora Road March & Cultural Festival, a new community-driven celebration aimed at uniting the Jamaican diaspora while building momentum toward Jamaica's 65th anniversary of Independence in 2027.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, beginning at the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Church Avenue, also known as Bob Marley Boulevard, before making its way to Dr. Ronald McNair Park in Brooklyn for a street festival and dance celebration.
Initially conceived as a large-scale parade, organizers said the 2026 event has been repositioned as the "Foundational Diaspora March leading into Jamaica 65 in 2027." The revised format is intended to emphasize grassroots participation, community representation and diaspora unity while maintaining the spirit of a traditional Caribbean road march.
"The Jamaica Rising Day Parade is more than a celebration; it is a grassroots movement powered by the Jamaican Diaspora to honor our heritage, strengthen our community, and showcase the very best of Jamaica right here in Brooklyn," said Dr. Lawman Lynch, deputy chair of the Jamaica Rising Day Parade 2026.
"This inaugural event reflects the pride, resilience, and unity of Jamaicans abroad while creating opportunities to share our culture, support local businesses, and inspire future generations to stay connected to their roots. We're inviting everyone to come out and not only celebrate where we come from, but help us elevate Jamaica on the global stage."
A highlight of the event will be three signature floats representing Jamaica's historic counties:
- Cornwall (Westival)
- Middlesex (MidJam)
- Surrey (Surreal)
Organizers said each float will be accompanied by alumni associations, cultural organizations, professional groups and diaspora organizations representing parishes within the respective counties.
The road march will conclude with a block party at Dr. Ronald McNair Park featuring live music, DJs, Jamaican food vendors, cultural performances and community activities celebrating the island's heritage.
Organizers say the event is expected to become an annual celebration leading up to Jamaica's milestone 65th Independence anniversary in 2027.
