| Dear Neighbor, As Black History Month comes to a close, it is important for us to reflect on the full history of this country and our people that some would like to erase, hide, or suppress. We cannot and will not allow that to happen. Black history is American history, and it is critical that we tell our stories because knowledge and truth are powerful. As the first Black Speaker of the New York City Council, leading our city’s first women-majority legislative body, I stand on the shoulders of Black trailblazers whose leadership made it possible for us to be here today. We are fully committed to advancing policies that address persistent racial disparities and under-investment in our communities. That is our collective mission, and I’m proud to work with you to forge a better city for all New Yorkers. Committed to Serve,  New York City Council Speaker District 28, Queens New York City Council & District 28 News New York City Council hosts Black History Month Celebration On February 22nd, I joined Council Members Kevin Riley, Althea Stevens, Nantasha Williams, and the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus (BLAC) to co-host a Black History Month Celebration in the Council Chambers. I had the honor of presenting a Proclamation to C. Virginia Fields, the current President and CEO of the National Black Leadership Commission on Health and former Manhattan Borough President. The Council also honored Until Freedom, a social justice organization that fights systemic and racial injustices. Thank you to everyone who came out in the rain to celebrate Black History Month in the People’s House!  Council Legislation to Address Pay Disparities, Improve Accessibility Signed into Law  This week, the City Council celebrated several of its bills being signed into law, including two legislative packages focused on addressing pay disparities in the municipal workforce and improving the accessibility of buildings and city shelters. Among the legislation signed into law was my bill that will improve practices that promote diversity and pay equity in our city. The Council will continue to focus on enacting solutions that eliminate long-standing inequities facing our communities. Read about our bills here. Attending the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Legislative Breakfast On February 23rd, I joined Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, and Council Members Gale Brewer, Joseph Borelli, David Carr, Shahana Hanif, Chi Osse, and Keith Powers at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Legislative Breakfast. We learned more about the upcoming projects at the Met and their arts and cultural programs. The Council will continue to support our beloved cultural institutions!  Touring the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Historic Theaters  The Brooklyn Academy of Music is home to the Howard Gilman Opera House, Fisher Building, and other historic theaters. On February 22nd, I joined BAM President Gina Duncan and Vice President Coco Killingsworth for a tour of their facilities and to discuss the various arts and cultural programs they offer. It is critical to invest in community-based programs that enrich the lives of all New Yorkers and visitors alike. Free Tax Preparation Services with Urban Upbound Tax season is here! On Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., my office is partnering with State Senator James Sanders Jr., Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson, and Urban Upbound to offer free in-person tax preparation assistance. The free service will be offered at 131-15 Rockaway Boulevard in South Ozone Park. For more information, email vita@urbanupbound.org. To make an appointment, call 718-784-0877.  In the News NBC New York: New NYC Laws: Eric Adams signs bills to Tackle Pay Disparity, Increase Accessibility New York Amsterdam News: Speaker Adams, Mayor Adams on state budget QNS: City Council passes Queens lawmaker’s resolution calling on DOE to establish Diwali as public school holiday Events  On Thursday, February 28th, from 6 to 9 p.m., Black Edfluencers United (BE-U) will be hosting a screening of the film “Punch 9,” which tells the story of Harold Washington, Chicago’s first African-American Mayor. The private screening will take place at the Black Spectrum Theatre. RSVP for the event here.  On March 23rd, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Greater Jamaica Development Corporation is hosting its second annual ‘Women Who Lead’ Empowerment Recognition and Cocktail Reception. The event will take place at Greater Nexus, located at 89-14 Parsons Boulevard. RSVP for the event at bit.ly/GJDCWomenWhoLead  Council Member Nantasha Williams is hosting a Black History Month on Monday, February 27th at 6:30 p.m. at the Black Spectrum Theatre. Kyle Bragg will serve as the emcee and the keynote speaker will be NAACP New York State Conference President Dr. Hazel N. Dukes. To RSVP, contact the office of Council Member Williams at 718-776-3700. Resources   The Office of New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams 28th Council District Representing Jamaica, Richmond Hill, Rochdale Village, and South Ozone Park District Office: 718-206-2068 – 165-90 Baisley Boulevard, Store #5, Jamaica, NY 11434 Email us at SpeakerAdams@council.nyc.gov |
| NYC D28 | 165-90 Baisley Boulevard, Store #5, Jamaica, NY 11434 |