New York City Council members seek to immortalize the legacy of rapper Jay-Z by making his birthday, December 4, an official public holiday in NYC.
According to minutes of the council meeting, City Councilmember Farah Louis, backed by Councilmembers Chi Ossé, Kevin C. Riley, Crystal Hudson and Jennifer Gutiérrez, proposed Reso. 849 on 6 December, 2023.
If passed, the resolution will mark the business mogul's birthday as Jay-Z Day, an annual public holiday celebrating his legendary status as a masterful lyricist, emcee, and innovative entrepreneur.
Presenting the proposed bill, Louis said Jay-Z was a well-respected businessman and a wealth builder who supported community economic initiatives throughout the decades of his decorated career.
Louis cited the recent Book of HOV tribute exhibition, which attracted an unprecedented 600,000 visitors and a 74 percent increase in attendance at the Brooklyn Public Library, saying the rapper's birthday, if marked an official holiday, would inform the world that he is not only respected but loved by his Brooklyn community.
“December 4th, as Jay-Z Day, announces to the world how this Brooklyn son can be all things loved by his community. In the spirit of celebrating hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, establishing an annual celebration to recognize a homegrown hero while proclaiming our municipal support is fitting to designate,” said Louis.
He added that the resolution was emotional, considering the rapper’s background and resilience, which has seen him achieve the unthinkable against the odds.
“Jay-Z has shown the resilience to beat the odds, admitted errors, and has developed mechanisms to create opportunities for others. As always, he has done this work wearing Brooklyn and NYC on his heart. December 4th is definitely a day to offer flowers to Jay-Z," said Louis.
The Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations has the resolutions. City Council members will deliberate on it in the new year.
