Crown Heights, NY – Members of the New York State Legislature, West Indian cultural organizations, and community advocates gathered Friday to support the passage of A.1717 (Cunningham) / S.07334 (Parker). The legislation would transform school grounds into outdoor steel pan theatres and community hubs during the summer months, enabling steel bands to practice for the annual world-renowned steel pan competition and New York Carnival week. It would also establish a steel pan music curriculum for all grades in community school districts and open the door for steel pan education in colleges and universities.

The art of the steel band is an integral component of Caribbean heritage, a symbol of resistance and resilience, and a mainstay of West Indian Carnival festivities. While New York City is the center of the Caribbean diaspora and the home of North America’s Caribbean Carnival movement, steel bands in the city lack access to permanent rehearsal spaces that can accommodate the sizable instruments and large ensembles. The New York City Caribbean Steel Pan Educational Music Program Act would provide a pipeline to success for the youth that participate and a cultural lifeline for the communities that support these groups.

“Caribbean heritage is central to the cultural vibrancy and economic vitality of Central Brooklyn, and the West Indian American Day Carnival is both a beloved community tradition and a key economic driver,” said Assemblymember Brian A. Cunningham (D-Brooklyn). “Steel pan ensembles provide lively and iconic music, inspire cultural pride, and bring an undeniably positive energy at the festivities every year. It’s high time we stand up for these artists, not only by ensuring that they have access to facilities to practice, but by investing in the development of the next generation of steel panners.”

New York State Senator Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn) stated, "We want to ensure that students have access to a diverse and comprehensive education that promotes cultural understanding and appreciation. As the creator of the Martin Douglas Steel Pan Bill, I am proud to see it come to fruition and ignite hope for the vibrant steel pan community. This legislation is a testament to our commitment to preserving cultural heritage and supporting the arts. Today, at this press conference, we stand united in celebration of this bill's potential to empower aspiring musicians, strengthen educational opportunities, and promote cultural diversity. The Martin Douglas Steel Pan Bill is more than just a piece of legislation; it represents our unwavering dedication to nurturing talent, honoring tradition, and fostering a harmonious society for all."

“The steel pan is a beautiful instrument that creates the most recognizable sound of the Caribbean, and I am proud that New York is home to many skilled pannists,” said Assemblymember Michaelle Solages. “I applaud Assemblymember Cunningham for sponsoring a bill that will empower the pannist community and help educate future generations about this instrument.”

Assemblyman Anil Beephan, Jr. (R-East Fishkill) added, “As a proud Trinidadian-American born in the Queen’s community, a vibrant Trinidadian cultural

center, I wholeheartedly support the 'New York City Caribbean Steel Pan Educational Music Program Act,' recognizing that the steel pan music, invented in Trinidad, holds a special place in our cultural heritage. This legislation not only preserves that heritage but also fosters community engagement through music. By authorizing school grounds for steelpan organizations and establishing a music curriculum, we're harmonizing education and tradition, striking the right note for our future generations.”

Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman (D-Brooklyn) said “Today, I join my colleagues in highlighting the rich Caribbean heritage and culture in the great state of New York, in Brooklyn. Assembly District 58 represents one of the largest and most diverse Caribbean-American communities outside the West Indies. I am joining my colleagues to introduce legislation to permit steelpan music ensembles in NYC to have access to schoolyards and other available spaces to practice for the annual Labor Day parade. With a vision of community stakeholders and steelpan groups working together to ensure everyone is respected in the process. We are aware of the challenges faced by many who participate in these festivities, and it is our duty to create solutions in these instances for everyone involved.”

“Learning to play a musical instrument has always been accredited helping a student with their development,” said Alton Aimable, Founder & President of Tropical Fete. “The movement to have steelpan be part of their school curriculum provides additional benefit such as connecting students to their heritage and inviting others to learn a new culture that has been instrumental in New York City’s cultural landscape. Tropicalfete has always believed in sharing in others culture brings harmony and peace in the community And Steelpan bill (A1717) Will definitely achieve this.”

Curtis Nelson, Executive Director of Sesame Flyers International added, "We at Sesame Flyers have long championed the cultural significance and transformative power of the Steel Pan. In fact, we were among the pioneers in bringing steelpan to schools through our after-school Beacon programs. Assembly Member Cunningham’s bill resonates deeply with our mission, seeking to embed steelpan education within the heart of our communities. The act ensures not only the preservation of this rich musical tradition but also addresses a longstanding need for safe spaces for practice and performance. We wholeheartedly support this initiative and believe in its potential to uplift and empower the next generation through the power of Steel Pan."

"Our Steelband orchestras, players, arrangers, and outdoor theatres are integral to our Caribbean culture," added the Board of Directors of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA). "As the only instrument invented in the 20th century, the history of the Steelpan is melded with struggle and triumph, both of which many of us can relate to. Our youth are taught in safe zones considered some of New York's largest free childcare programs and schools where mentoring, confidence building, and music reading skills are developed. These programs expand access to culture, arts, and music. We applaud the efforts of Assemblyman Brian A. Cunningham for honoring our community by providing this opportunity and we look forward to showcasing our steel band musicians at New York Panorama in September at Brooklyn Museum."