“I have a dream” were the iconic words of civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963 during the March on Washington. From the Ebenezer Baptist Church’s pulpit to the polls, the fight for equality, social and economic justice continues.
Nearly 60 years ago, the Voting Rights Act was enacted, and it is inspiring to see how pivotal the Black vote has become in breaking racial and gender barriers in the White House and the United States Senate.
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It was 4:53 pm when a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck our beloved home, Ayiti Cheri. 250,000 lives lost. 300,000 injured. Millions of people forever changed. Eleven years later, I can still remember…The victims, survivors, rescuers, and families like mine searching for loved ones. The images of destruction, displacement, despair, resilience, hope, and faith were permanently etched in our minds.
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Wishing you a Happy New Year on behalf of my family, staff, and I.
At the dawn of every new year comes excitement for a fresh start and the new opportunities that await us. After a challenging year, we hope that 2021 will be full of promise and prosperity.
As the confetti settles and loud cheers fade in the background, may the happiness that we feel on January 1st last a lifetime.
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Happy Haitian Independence Day!
Today, the Haitian community –locally and abroad – is celebrating their Declaration of Independence from French rule which occurred on this exact date in 1804. More than 200 years later, the vibrant people of this island nation remain resilient and determined to overcome any setback.
As we recount the stories of our ancestors and the successful slave revolt that would forever change the world, we must also recognize the historical significance and global impact of the Haitian Revolution.
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The principles of Kwanzaa are deeply rooted in community building and empowerment. Every candle lit is a reminder of how each value works together to strengthen who we are individually, but most importantly, collectively.
This week-long celebration of African-American culture and heritage has instilled the importance of unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba), and faith (imani) across familial generations.
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Wishing all who celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ – the greatest gift ever given to mankind – a blessed and Merry Christmas.
May this holiday season restore hope, joy, and peace in our hearts and in our homes.
As Jewish families around the world light their menorahs to celebrate the festival of lights, we are reminded of the story of Chanukah. This story teaches us to fight against all forms of hate and bigotry, with the same tenacity as the Maccabbean revolt against the Greek-Syrian oppressors. Although we are facing more challenges than ever before, the message remains the same, we too will remain resilient.
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In this season of gratitude and generosity, I am thankful for the extraordinary experiences we have shared over the past several months as family, friends, neighbors, and New Yorkers.
During an unprecedented pandemic, we rallied behind our frontline and essential workers who propelled this city forward. Residents and small business owners came together to offer a helping hand during such difficult times.
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We owe a debt of gratitude to our former servicemembers and their families who made tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedoms. Without their contributions, the American Dream and spirit would cease to exist. Despite fulfilling their commitments in the U.S. or abroad, many veterans continue to serve our community – particularly during this pandemic. They are our first responders, nurses and doctors, small business owners, educators, sanitation and transpoortation workers.
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Nineteen years later, we remember…
The attacks that forever altered our lives, but not who we are as New Yorkers —resilient and united in the face of tragedy.
The acts of heroism that inspired hope despite the tremendous loss that we shared.
We honor the memories of the loved ones that we lost on this day, in the weeks, months, and years that followed the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
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