About the late Chairman Emeritus

   

CARLOS LEZAMA, THE LATE CHAIRMAN EMERITUS OF NEW YORK'S WEST INDIAN CARNIVAL

Carlos spent his formative years in Trinidad where he played Mas and learned to play the Steelpan as a young man. In fact he played the Cello and was nicknamed "Celloman" a name and position he enjoyed while working on a passenger ship before migrating to the USA in the early nineteen fifties. In those days, Carlos lived in Venezuela with his wife Hilary, before he joined the early migration of Caribbeans to the United States.

In typical immigrant fashion, he worked hard at various jobs until he joined the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority, in the mid-sixties. At NYTA he moved up steadily for the next twenty years until he became a Machinist. In 1989, he retired from that Agency.

Carlos and his wife Hilary Yolanda Lezama, a Trinidadian (who also shared his love and dedication to "Carnival") became parents to a son Kenwyn, and a daughter Yolanda. The marriage endured for over fifty years until Hilary's death in 2001. He is now grandfather to four and great grandfather of two.

Carlos long ago recognized the cultural significance of Carnival. Since he played Mas' in Trinidad, when he came to New York he naturally gravitated towards Carnival which took place in Harlem. In the mid-nineteen sixties, he directed his efforts to firmly establish Carnival in Brooklyn with his friend Rufus Goring, who brought the celebration to Brooklyn.

This activity took a quantum leap when in 1967, Carlos was elected President (a non-paid position) of the fledgling Carnival Association. With numerous re-elections for the next 34 years and with a single-minded determination, Carlos proceeded to impose his vision to transform this cultural activity into the cultural icon that it has now become.

Like Ms. Jessie Waddell, who brought Carnival to Harlem in the 1930's, Goring was a Trinidadian. Most of the others who joined with Lezama were also Trinidadians. Hence, New York's Carnival was a natural extension/offshoot of Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival. Over the years the Carnival underwent many changes prior to Labor Day - with Steelband Panorama, Dimanche Gras, Costume Competition, Calypso Monarch, Kiddies Carnival and more replicating events of Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival. To this day, Trinidad style Carnival and cultural activities dominate Carnival celebrations in New York.

From the very beginning, Carlos attracted a group of dedicated and talented individuals, who allowed the creative talents of the Bandleaders, Calypsonians, Steelbandsmen and Masqueraders to attain their full potential. By official New York Police Department estimates, WIADCA Carnival on Labor Day Monday now attracts 3.5 million persons to Eastern Parkway, making it the largest Parade in the United States. When one considers its early beginnings, one can not help but be awed by this accomplishment.

Resident of Crown Heights for over 30 years, site of disturbances with Blacks, West Indians and Jews in 1991, Carlos is credited with an historic peace move that resulted in bringing the factions together for which he was aptly recognized by many Community Organizations.

For his efforts in promoting the rich culture of Caribbean people and thus enriching the cultural life of New York City, Carlos has been officially recognized and honored by scores of organizations and by four Governors of New York State including Govs. Nelson Rockefeller, Hugh Carey, Mario Cuomo, and George Pataki. In addition, during their respective mayoralties, Carlos has received numerous awards from Mayors John Lindsay, Abe Beame, Ed Koch, David Dinkins and Rudy Giuliani, during whose tenure, the Carnival route - Eastern Parkway was renamed Carlos Lezama Parkway for 2001 Carnival Season.

To place this accomplishment into perspective, New York's Labor Day Carnival has spawned over 39 carnivals in many US and Canadian cities including, Boston Washington, D.C., Miami, Toronto, and Montreal to name a few. Its economic impact has been estimated to reach more than $200 million each year with a significant multiplier effect in the Brooklyn community alone.

Carlos is the proud father of his successor, Ms. Yolanda Lezama-Clark, who he has groomed for this responsibility. He continues to be involved in this his life's greatest love "Carnival" as the Chairman Emeritus.