FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

NEW YORK, NY: Today, Council Member Farah N. Louis (D-Brooklyn), Co-Chair of New York City Council Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus, issued the following statement on Inauguration Day. Before noon, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States moments after Kamala Harris made HERstory as the first woman and person of color to become Vice President.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS

“Congratulations to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American to hold the office.

“From Election Day to Inauguration Day, we have witnessed the dreams of civil rights activists fulfilled. On Capitol Hill, we saw elected officials of color take the oath of office, tearing down racial and gender barriers.  

“As co-chair of the New York City Council Women’s Caucus, this milestone is significant because Brooklyn’s own Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm broke through tremendous barriers when she declared her candidacy nearly 50 years ago. 

“For women and girls everywhere, this Inauguration Day will be inspiring and pivotal to closing the gender gap in every facet of American society.  

“Through its message of unity, the Biden-Harris Administration can restore hope while strengthening our communities by championing equity and inclusion. With real leadership in the White House, our nation can finally recover from a health, economic, and moral crisis. Democracy has prevailed. 

“We will rise above the hate and racism that tore our nation apart to build a future that our children can be proud to call their own. Today is only the beginning of a long journey to carry on the spirit of democracy.”      

New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th Council District, which comprises Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Youth Services; and Justice System. Council Member Louis is the Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino/a, and Asian Caucus.

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