NEWYORK: New York city Mayor Eric Adams said that largest Puerto Rican population outside of Puerto Rico is right here in New York with a rich history and tradition.
Addressing reception to celebrate Puerto Rican heritage, Mayor Eric Adams said that he was just really happy to be here as we celebrate the rich culture of the Puerto Rican community.
“You see your leadership, your spirit, your energy, in this administration. When you do an analysis of the success of this city, it is tied directly to the contributions, your commitment, your dedication on all level of our society, the Puerto Rican community,” he said.
“The community has played such a role and it’s really exciting when you think about it. Everything from Tony Miranda, Anthony Miranda leading our Sheriff’s Department. My brother, Eddie Caban, who is the first Spanish speaker to be the police commissioner of the City of New York,” he said.
“My brother Molina, who is now going over to DCAS, one of the largest citywide services controlling these huge inventory of our city, and the beautiful Lorraine Cortés-Vásquez, our friend from the Department of Aging, looking after our older adults. But go back, as we march this weekend, let this weekend not only be a weekend of celebration, but a weekend of reflection,” he said.
“Let’s think about the Young Lords and what they have done and ensure that our young people are aware of this history. Let’s think about the great work of Pablo Guzmán who transitioned, but his commitment to making sure that the mass media see the reflection of the power of the Puerto Rican community,” he said.
“Let’s think about Justice Sotomayor, who now sits on the Supreme Court. Grew up in NYCHA, from NYCHA, to sitting on our biggest and most important court. Let’s not be dismissive of what this community has represented and has presented to us year after year after year, culture, dance, music,” Mayor Adams said.
He said that as he celebrated the 152nd Cultural Festival last month, he reminded constantly of the contribution of the Puerto Rican experience.
“We did a flag raising a few days ago, and they were there with us many, but they have contribute to who we are. As I look over the crowd and I see the famous Michael Nieves who has done so much when he’s looking at HITN and Rubén Díaz Jr. who has contributed so much. That is our success. We can’t do it alone, we do it with our partners. You talked about Vanessa Gibson, who’s the Bronx borough president, but think about the first Spanish-speaking district attorney in the largest county in this country, Eric Gonzalez, and what he has done with the office,” he said.
“We are focused. We say it over and over again, crimes are down, jobs are up. We’re going to celebrate,” he said.
