CONTACT:
Kristia Winter, Communications Director
KWinter@council.nyc.gov, 718-629-2900

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK—Council Member Farah Louis (D-Brooklyn), Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions issued the following statement in recognition of April as National Autism Awareness Month.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS

“While we have made progress in rooting out racial, gender, and religious discrimination, there still exists an equally unfair and unjust form of prejudice within our society;

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Millions worldwide, bonded by faith, are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. With a joyful heart, we look towards the start of a new season and the promise of a life filled with hope.

Have a blessed Easter Sunday.

Since Palm Sunday, millions of Christians have observed Holy Week to commemorate the historic events that illustrated God’s unconditional love, compassion, and forgiveness of our sins.  As we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice that took place on Calvary, may we always remember how love can change hearts, restore hope, and transform a community. Have a blessed Good Friday. 

Amid a year-long pandemic and unprecedented challenges, families turned to their faith for solace and understanding.

As we reflect on the Israelites’ bondage and long-awaited exodus, may we never forget the promise of deliverance. Centuries later, their story and challenging path towards freedom inspire young and old.

Although this Passover will not be celebrated as customary due to State mandates on large gatherings and physical distancing, we must continue to rely on G-d and each other for strength and words of encouragement.

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Tonight, our Jewish neighbors will celebrate Purim, which reminds us to fight hate and bigotry in our communities with the same tenacity as Queen Esther. The Jewish community traditionally observes this holiday with costumes, eating candy, and sending gifts of mishloach manos (food baskets) to those who are less fortunate. Due to the pandemic, this Purim celebration will look different, but the holiday brings optimism that we can enjoy our gatherings.

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Happy New Year! 新年快乐!

In recognition of the Year of the Ox, wishing all of you a safe, joyful time with those you love as you enjoy the (virtual) celebrations the Lunar New Year brings!

“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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