BP MARKOWITZ’S STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF CARLOS LEZAMA

“Brooklyn mourns the passing of legendary community leader and West Indian-American Day Carnival founder Carlos Lezama. Although he was ‘Trini’ to the bone, Carlos will be remembered as a truly great Brooklynite — a man whose vision, energy, and cultural pride were responsible for the parade’s transformation from fledgling, five-block celebration to the largest and most colorful event in the world’s greatest city.

Carlos was a special person, so full of energy, vitality, and love of his Caribbean heritage that he was the personification of the Caribbean contribution to the rich ethnic mix in New York City. He truly was the spirit of a whole people, and although we are all saddened by this tremendous loss, Carlos’ legacy will live on in the world-renowned celebration that he built here in Brooklyn, the proud Caribbean Capital of the United States.”

- Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz