The West Indian Day Parade is all about the culture, and this year, parade participants will be led down Eastern Parkway by a new Grand Marshall. 

Ms. Victoria Cruz, a lifelong Brooklyn native and paradegoer with Puerto Rican roots, is ready to take on the honor of Grand Marshall.  

Lamont Jesse, who is a part of the West Indian Day Parade Association, brought Cruz to the attention of everyone he knew, knowing she would be a great fit.  

Jesse and Cruz met back in 2018 and have been inseparable ever since.  

“Actually, I ran into her on the train. I knew it was destined… my work has to be fighting for the LGBTQ plus community,” said Jesse.  

The parade kicks off officials this Monday.