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New York City Council
Declaring October as Reggaeton Heritage Month
Read summaries and jump into the video at the segment start.
Council staff welcomes attendees to the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Relations vote, asks everyone to silence electronic devices, and turns the floor over to Chair Nantasha M. Williams. Chair Williams thanks staff and begins the proceeding.
Chair Williams identifies herself as Deputy Speaker and Chair, then announces the committee will consider Proposed Resolution 625-B sponsored by Council Member Farah Louis. The resolution would declare October as Reggaeton Heritage Month in New York City.
Chair Williams explains the resolution honors reggaeton as an expression of Afro-Caribbean and Latin American identity and recognizes New York City's role in blending cultures. She then calls on Council Member Louis to deliver remarks.
Council Member Farah Louis thanks Chair Williams and presents Resolution 625-B declaring October Reggaeton Heritage Month. She expresses gratitude for the committee's focus on diverse cultural roots and communities that shaped the city.
Louis traces reggaeton's origins to Afro-Caribbean communities in Panama, where artists adapted Jamaican reggae into Spanish. She describes its evolution through Puerto Rico's underground scene and the contributions of Caribbean artists and producers in Brooklyn and New York City who fused reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop.
Louis says the resolution honors Panamanian communities that birthed reggaeton and celebrates broader Hispanic and Caribbean heritage. She emphasizes that New York City's cultural exchange helped the genre reach global audiences.
Louis thanks advocates who pushed for the resolution, naming the Panama 507 Roundtable Group, Evanita Records, I Am Wonder Woman Foundation, Disipny, and the Afro-Latino Project. She says recognizing the legacy in October creates an opportunity to celebrate Panamanian, Hispanic, and Caribbean contributions.
Chair Williams thanks Council Member Louis and committee staff, including Alejandro, Regina, and summer intern Steven who drafted the resolution. She then opens the hearing for public testimony.
Chair Williams states that the proceeding is formal and decorum must be observed, with the public remaining silent. She explains witness-table rules, bans video or audio recording as testimony, requires appearance cards, and sets a two-minute limit for speakers.
Chair Williams calls Dr. Mita Leacock to the witness table to testify.
Dr. Mita Leacock introduces herself as a Brooklyn native of Panamanian heritage, music executive, producer, and president of Avenita World Records. She states strong support for Resolution 625-B recognizing October as Reggaeton Heritage Month.
Leacock describes her personal and professional connection to reggaeton, rooted in her Panamanian heritage and Brooklyn upbringing. She says New York City became a cultural bridge where Caribbean and Latino communities shared music, language, and traditions.
Leacock recounts beginning dance at Alvin Ailey and the Dance School of Harlem and later performing as a background dancer. She says reggaeton shaped her choreography and served as the soundtrack to family and community memories for over 30 years.
Leacock discusses her career advocating for artists through A&R, marketing, promotions, management, and tour coordination. She now brings that experience to Avanita Records, a label dedicated to elevating Latin artists and honoring pioneers.
Leacock argues reggaeton is more than a genre or billion-dollar industry; it is history, identity, culture, and proof of what communities can create together. She frames the resolution as a way to preserve history and educate future generations.
Leacock says recognizing October as Reggaeton Heritage Month honors pioneers and acknowledges Caribbean and Latino contributions to New York City's cultural identity. She urges the Council to adopt Resolution 625-B.
Chair Williams thanks Dr. Leacock and says the committee is ready for the vote. She briefly jokes with staff about calling the clerk before the roll call begins.
Committee Clerk Ben Jacobs calls the roll on Resolution 625-B. Chair Williams votes aye, Council Members Stevens, Ung, and Maloney are recorded as aye, and the clerk proceeds through the remaining names.
The clerk announces seven affirmative votes, none negative, and no abstentions, so Resolution 625-B is adopted. Chair Williams thanks everyone.