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 COVID-19 pandemic has devastated families and communities in so many ways that we have yet to comprehend fully. We are all in this together, struggling to survive past a health and economic crisis that nearly crippled our city. As New Yorkers, we have always been resilient and recovered from disasters when given a lifeline and a fighting chance. The COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act is the right and humane thing to do to ensure that tenants, homeowners, and small landlords are not displaced from their homes for extraordinary circumstances that are far beyond their control.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

NEW YORK — Council Member Farah N. Louis (D-Brooklyn) issued the following statement after two separate shootings in Flatbush killed 62-year-old Daniel Romulus and wounded a woman listed in stable condition at Kings County Hospital. The shootings, which occurred on Saturday, were 2.5 hours and about a mile apart.

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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.

For photos, click here.

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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

NEW YORK – Council Member Farah Louis (D-Brooklyn) issued the following statement to commemorate World AIDS Day, which is observed annually on December 1.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS

“Today, we remember those we lost, stand in solidarity with 38 million people worldwide who live with HIV, and reflect on the progress that we have made to move closer towards our goal of an AIDS-free generation.

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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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

NEW YORK – Council Member Farah Louis (D-Brooklyn) issued the following statement after the Honorable David Dinkins, New York City’s first and only African-American mayor, died at home on Monday. He was 93.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS

“From the United States Marine Corps to city and state government, former New York City Mayor David Dinkins was a man of humility with a heart for service to others.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

NEW YORK – Today, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) designated the East 25th Street Historic District in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. The East 25th Street Historic District is a remarkably intact and cohesive group of 56 Renaissance Revival-style row houses that reflects the dedication of its community.

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