Carlos Lezama grew up in Trinidad & Tobago where he learned all about “Carnival” to which he dedicated his life... He met his childhood sweetheart, Hilary Yolanda Charles at the age of twelve. On March 15, 1950 Carlos and Hilary were married.

In 1967 Carlos was employed with the New York Transit Authority as a machinist until he retired in 1988. During this time he also began to work with a small committee responsible for the West Indian Carnival Parade in Harlem let by Rufus Gorin. The gregarious Lezama was elected President of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) in 1967 when the Carnival was merely a small gathering of a few hundred persons. In 1969 Carnival came to Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn. His vision for Carnival became a reality in Brooklyn. Brooklyn's Carnival growth and evolution from its tiny humble beginning to the massive crowds today – totaling more than 2 million spectators from around the world resulted from his perseverance, love for Caribbean people and the arts.

The charismatic leader served WIADCA as President for 34 years before retiring in 2001. During his 34 years tenure Carlos' work has had a profoundly positive impact in the borough of Brooklyn and the Caribbean community. He strengthened the Caribbean voice in Brooklyn and throughout the country. His work touched the lives of the masses who gained from the social, cultural, educational and economic benefits of Carnival in New York City. Carlos provided a warm smile, generous spirit and most important his life for his belief in the human spirit.

Carlos is survived by his daughter Yolanda Lezama-Clark, President of WIADCA, his Son – Kenwyn Lezama; his grandchildren Kenwyn Jr., Leah, Ayana and Keia; his great-grandchildren, Jaye and Derek; three sisters, two brothers; a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends.