K 324: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 1, 2025, as Uzbekistan Independence Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 324 BY: M. of A. Rajkumar MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 1, 2025, as Uzbekistan Independence Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its time-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 1, 2025, as Uzbekistan Independence Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of Uzbekistan Independence Day; and WHEREAS, The Republic of Uzbekistan is a trusted ally of our State and Nation, serving as a partner in security, economic development, humanitarian aid, and regional stability; and WHEREAS, Uzbekistan Independence dates to 1991, when both the President of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic, Islam Karimov, and the nation's legislative body, the Supreme Soviet, declared Uzbekistan as independent from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and WHEREAS, The United States is home to over 60,000 Uzbek Americans, about half of whom live in New York State and the surrounding area, where they contribute to every facet of life; and WHEREAS, New York City is home to a diverse Uzbek community composed of Bukharan Jews fleeing persecution starting in the 1970s, Uzbeks seeking refuge from political turmoil in the 1980s, and "New Uzbeks" who arrived in recent decades in pursuit of the American Dream; and WHEREAS, Uzbeks around the world are renowned for their work ethic, hospitality, kindness, cuisine, dance, music, and dedication to family; and WHEREAS, Uzbek New Yorkers have established vibrant institutions and businesses that include the Silk Road Foundation, Tashkent Supermarket, Mahalla USA Public Association, the Uzbek American Community Center, and the Turkestanian American Association; and WHEREAS, New York's Uzbek community reached multiple milestones in 2023, a year in which the Mayor of New York hosted the first ever Gracie Mansion celebration of Navruz, the most popular holiday in Uzbekistan, and the first ever raising of the Uzbek flag in Bowling Green; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to recognize such events of significance which foster ethnic pride and exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the fabric of the people and the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 1, 2025 as Uzbekistan Independence Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York; the Consul General of Uzbekistan; and various Uzbek organizations in New York State.