SEQ 3rd Annual Spring Fest & Egg Hunt: A Start to Spring in District 27
April 8th, 2024
Amidst a week of rain, the vibrant spirit of spring blossomed here in Council District 27 with the kickoff of the 3rd Annual Spring Fest & Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 6th at Archie Spigner Park. Families and community leaders came together for this celebratory occasion made possible through the collaborative efforts of Council Member Nantasha Williams, Senator Leroy Comrie, Assembly Member Alicia L. Hyndman, the New York City Parks Department, and Southern Queens Park Association.
February 28th, 2024
In an ever-advancing technological era, the utilization of social media and the digital population is rapidly increasing, especially among our youth. As these platforms become more prevalent, so too do we become increasingly aware of the dangers they pose to our society’s mental well-being. The rise of the national mental health crisis among young people is alarming, and its correlation with social media engagement cannot be ignored. Social media not only impacts mental health but also plays a significant role in influencing crime rates among the youth. In response to this pressing issue, Council Members Nantasha Williams, Althea Stevens, and Kevin Riley are spearheading initiatives to address the detrimental effects of both social media on youth mental health and on crime reduction. Their proposed legislation aims to delve into the root causes of this crisis and implement measures to mitigate its impact on our communities.
January 19th, 2024
I am immensely grateful and honored to continue leading the Committee on Civil and Human Rights for this session.
As Chair, my commitment remains unwavering – I am dedicated to ensuring that the agencies under my purview, EEPC and CCHR, receive not just support but proper funding. This year, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work diligently, looking forward to a productive term where I aim to provide the essential resources needed for them to carry out their vital missions effectively. It is crucial that these agencies are equipped to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and human rights in our city. I am enthusiastic about the challenges and opportunities ahead, and I look forward to a year of meaningful progress in advancing the cause of civil and human rights.
December 21st, 2023
On Tuesday, December 19th, 2023, Council Member Nantasha Williams hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion, delving into the enduring influence of hip-hop on politics and social justice, in partnership with Until Freedom and The Gathering for Justice. It was an engaging evening of insightful discussions and reflections on the past, present, and future of this influential cultural movement.
In a continued celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, Council Member Nantasha Williams aimed to centralize thinking around the intersectionality of hip-hop and politics. The panel focused on exploring the artistic origins, evolution, and enduring influence of hip-hop on political dynamics. From its roots in activism to its current impact, attendees discovered how hip-hop continues to shape and respond to the ever-changing political landscape.
Holiday Season in Full Effect in District 27 with Council Member Nantasha Williams
December 18th, 2023
The festive spirit is alive and thriving in District 27, as Council Member Nantasha Williams spearheads two incredible holiday events that brought joy and merriment to the community. These back-to-back celebrations not only brightened the streets but also fostered a sense of togetherness and community spirit.
On December 9th, the Oneness Pentecostal Tabernacle was transformed into a radiant spectacle for the inaugural Holiday Lighting on Linden, a heartwarming celebration marking the first-ever illumination of Linden Blvd during the holiday season. This monumental event was made possible through a collaborative effort with esteemed partners, including the Queens Chamber of Commerce, Blaque Resource Network, Oneness Pentecostal Tabernacle, and the Law Offices of Andrea Gross.
November 14th, 2023
The recent tragedy in our district has left us all in shock and sorrow.
My heart goes out to the families grappling with the devastating loss of their loved ones. In times of such profound grief, our community must unite to offer support and solidarity to those affected. As we await further details from law enforcement, it is crucial that we prioritize the well-being of the families involved and work collectively to provide any necessary assistance. This is a stark reminder of the challenges our community faces, and together, we will navigate these difficult times, offering condolences and standing together in the face of tragedy.
November 2nd, 2023
Following the devastation of Hurricane Ida, the community of Cambria Heights, Queens lost a local landmark on the corner of 222nd Street and 115th Avenue. The dual archways ornamenting the sidewalks of 222nd Street are beautiful public artwork that predates most of the homeowners on the block. Unfortunately, a violent storm battered the aged archways until the eastern archway collapsed in 2021; local residents believe the structural stability of the archways became questionable in 2012 when the same archway saw damage during Superstorm Sandy. Luckily when the infrastructure came down in 2021 no one was hurt but the community lost a treasured possession.
October 12th, 2023
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Council Member Nantasha Williams stood alongside esteemed community leaders, local advocates, and dedicated educators today at Delphin H. Greene Playground to celebrate a transformative moment for our community. Thanks to a substantial $7.7 million allocation secured through the unwavering partnership of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Speaker Adrienne Adams, and Council Member Nantasha Williams the playground will undergo substantial renovations that will greatly enhance the quality of life for our residents.
September 19th, 2023
Council Member Nantasha Williams presented a monumental $2.8 million check to support the vital resilience upgrades at the Cambria Heights Library. The event marked a remarkable demonstration of unwavering commitment to the community.
City Council Members Honor Hip-Hop with Two Landmark Resolutions
September 15th, 2023
The New York City Council is thrilled to announce the momentous passage of not one, but two extraordinary resolutions, marking a significant milestone in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop. These resolutions stand as a testament to the enduring and indomitable influence of Hip-Hop, as well as the profound impact of Def Jam Recordings on the music industry, the arts, our cultural tapestry, and the hearts of music enthusiasts spanning the globe.
August 31st, 2023
Council Member Nantasha Williams is thrilled to announce the completion of a beautification project along Jamaica Avenue, a vibrant and bustling corridor that serves as the heart of our community. Through diligent efforts and dedicated advocacy, Council Member Williams secured an allocation of $592,000 with support from Mayor Eric Adams during her first year in the NYC Council – FY 2022-2023 – directing funding towards the Parks Department for the purpose of enhancing the aesthetic appeal and environmental quality of Jamaica Avenue.
August 31st, 2023
Council Member Nantasha Williams hosted a Check Ceremony at Harvard Playground, located at 90-73 179th Pl, Queens, NY 11432, to commemorate the allocation of $2.755 million in capital funding for the reconstruction of the playground. The event marked a pivotal moment in the District’s community development.
August 28th, 2023
Council Member Williams of District 27 is delighted to announce the resounding success of the Rain Barrel Distribution event held in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Morning Star Baptist Church. The event occurred on August 27th at the Morning Star Baptist Church Parking lot, 11444 Merrick Blvd, Queens, NY 11434, where we were proud to distribute 100 rain barrels to our constituents.
August 28th, 2023
Council Member Nantasha Williams in partnership with Senator Leroy Comrie, Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman and Council Member Rita Joseph conducted a successful 2nd Annual Back-to-School Giveaway & Block Party on Sunday, August 20th from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in front of her district office on Linden Blvd and Marne Place, Jamaica,NY 11434. The event brought together the community, local businesses, and esteemed partners to provide essential school supplies to almost three hundred children of District 27 in preparation for the upcoming academic year.
August 11th, 2023
Council Member Nantasha Williams, in collaboration with Malikah Safety Center for Women, held a highly successful self-defense training event at Masjid Ar-Rahman on August 10th. The event aimed to empower women with essential self-defense skills and enhance their personal safety in the community.
August 7th, 2023
Council Member Nantasha Williams partnered with the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) to present a special exhibition at the highly anticipated Jamaica JAMS Festival to mark the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, a cultural movement that has transformed the world’s music and art scene. Their goal was to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent of the local community, providing a platform for aspiring artists to showcase their creativity and passion.
August 2nd, 2023
In a display of community collaboration, Council Member Nantasha Williams led a highly successful Safe Pop-up Disposal Event on Saturday, July 29th in the parking lot of the Roy Wilkins Recreation Center. DSNY hosts SAFE (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, and Electronics) Disposal events every spring and fall. Events are held in all five boroughs, and NYC residents can drop off chemical products, medical waste, and electronics. This event was organized in partnership with the Department of Sanitation, Senator Leroy Comrie, and Assembly Member Alicia L. Hyndman. The overwhelming community support further bolstered the event’s impact, attracting over 100 residents eager to responsibly dispose of old household products.
July 27th, 2023
Council Member Williams hosted a successful Mobile Office Event in collaboration with Queens Public Library at its Central location at 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11432. The event, held from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, aimed to provide essential assistance and representation to the underserved and vulnerable community of District 27. This initiative was specifically designed to offer personalized one-on-one support to older community members facing difficult cases or requiring representation with city agencies.
July 17th, 2023
Council Member Nantasha Williams, Council Member Farah Louis, Council Member Kevin Riley, and Council Member Althea Stevens marked the end of the Citywide Teen Entrepreneurship Program funded by the NYC Council in City Hall conducted by ‘Partners Uplifting Our Daughters and Sons’. Dr. Jamila Davis and ‘Partners Uplifting Our Daughters and Sons’ (EGL PUD) developed a teen entrepreneur program that helped start dozens of small businesses across the City in close partnership with local schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens.
July 12th, 2023
Council Member Williams is thrilled to conduct a successful Fair Housing Celebration in partnership with the NYC Commission on Human Rights (CCHR). This event focused on serving the community, aims to provide crucial housing information and resources to constituents in Councilmanic District 27. With housing affordability reaching critical levels and information gaps persisting, this collaborative effort seeks to empower constituents and improve their quality of life.
June 29th, 2023
As the Chair of the Civil and Human Rights Committee, I am deeply disheartened by the overturn of affirmative action in higher education.
It reflects a setback in our journey towards inclusivity and undermines the principles of diversity and equal opportunity in which we strive for. Racial segregation denies students of color the chances to fully engage in education and limits their access to crucial resources and opportunities for personal and professional growth. It perpetuates systemic barriers and racial disparities. We have a collective responsibility to dismantle these barriers and promote inclusive environments that value diversity. Despite this unjustified decision, I do hope institutions continue to operate in ways that maximize diversity and equity for students who have been historically underrepresented.
June 29th, 2023
A highly impactful Community Convo re: Environmental Justice was held yesterday, June 26th, in collaboration with Brinkerhoff Action Association to address critical issues surrounding waste transfer stations, air quality, and other pressing environmental justice matters affecting our community. “A step in the direction of the community needs is a step in the right direction,” as stated by Walter Dogan, of Brinkerhoff Action Association. The event, attended by concerned residents, local organizations, and government officials, provided a platform for open dialogue, informed discussions, and the identification of concrete steps to address these challenges.
June 13th, 2023
On June 1st, 2023 Council Member Nantasha Williams in collaboration with NYC Parks Department and the Department of Education, hosted a seed planting project, aimed at educating and empowering third graders from South East Queens, at Roy Wilkins Park. A total of 81 enthusiastic children, with 20 participants selected from each of four (4) public schools in the district, were actively engaged in this exciting initiative. By teaching the importance and benefits of planting seeds and trees, Council Member Williams, in partnership with NYC Parks, is cultivating a generation of environmentally conscious young individuals who will make a positive impact on their surroundings and inspire their families to do the same.
May 26th, 2023
The Office of Council Member Nantasha Williams is pleased to announce her highly successful Constituent Services event held on May 25th at the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York Church. This event was made possible through a collaboration with the MET Council, who provided representatives from their office to assist constituents of District 27 with a range of essential services.
This event aimed to address the immediate needs of community members and provide valuable support in various areas. The MET Council representatives offered their expertise and guidance to these individuals facing challenges such as job loss, income instability, and the need for bill payment assistance. They provided crisis intervention services, helping constituents navigate through these difficult situations and identify the next steps towards financial stability.
Council Member Nantasha Williams Hosts 2nd Annual Community Health Fair
May 24th, 2023
On Saturday, May 6th, Council Member Nantasha Williams hosted her 2nd Annual Community Health Fair at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. This event included various vendors, giveaways, community resources and had a primary focus on the importance of eye care. Overall, it was a major success! “I am truly grateful for the amazing turnout for our 2nd Annual Community Health Fair!” said Council Member Williams. “The health and wellness of the members of my District are of immense importance to me. This event had a wonderful display of resources and information regarding various health concerns. Additionally, thank you to Dr. Daniel Laroche and his team for coming out to perform eye screenings. I am already looking forward to next year!”
May 24th, 2023
On April 19, 2023, the Sheriff’s Joint Compliance Task Force, comprised of the Sheriff’s Office along with the New York City Police Department (NYPD), Department of Consumer Worker Protection (DCWP), and the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), conducted smoke shop inspections of unlicensed locations in District 27.
The inspections were conducted as part of Mayor Eric Adams’ initiative to combat the proliferation of unlicensed and unregulated cannabis sales, and the Sheriff’s Office is leading the task force to ensure that these inspections are conducted daily.
May 12th, 2023
I am deeply saddened to share with you a tragic incident that unfolded last night in our community. At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, a 16-year-old girl was tragically shot in the head on Lucas Street near 121st Avenue in St. Albans, Queens.
According to authorities, the young girl was sitting in a car outside P.S. 015 Jackie Robinson when she was struck by a single gunshot. This senseless act of violence has left us all in shock and mourning. Our hearts go out to the victim and her family as they face this unimaginable tragedy.
April 20th, 2023
Council Member Nantasha Williams held her first State of the District address, part of her Community Convo’s Series on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at York College. It was such a full circle moment as this event was held at the same venue she had her inauguration in 2021. During her address, she highlighted her accomplishments within her first year serving in office. As the first Black woman to represent District 27, Council Member Williams has made significant strides in addressing the quality of life issues facing her constituents.
One of the main themes of Council Member Williams’ speech was her commitment to providing the members of District 27 a platform to address their concerns and issues to their elected officials. She initially launched her Community Convo series to allow residents to have a voice and bring real change to their communities, and plans to continue hosting these events throughout the year.