With Brooklyn historically and currently being a borough of immigrants, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs Nisha Agarwal today announced the kickoff of Immigrant Heritage Week with a panel discussion on Civil Rights and Immigration tomorrow at BAM.
The April 17-24 eight-day festival honors the rich traditions and diverse fabric of the city’s immigrants, and happens to coincide with the oral arguments in the Texas vs. United States lawsuit delaying President Obama’s executive actions on immigration.
“This week is a celebration of the indelible contributions new Americans have made in our city and our nation,” said de Blasio. “As the court hears arguments in the lawsuit over President Obama’s immigration actions, New York and cities across the nation are forging ahead to ensure swift and effective implementation of the these much-needed reforms. We will honor our immigrant heritage and lay the groundwork for a stronger economic future.”
“Immigrants are the backbone of Brooklyn, and the heart of our borough beats with the rhythms of our many varied and vibrant cultures. 47 percent of Brooklynites speak a language other than English at home. We have a unique opportunity to benefit from this rich diversity, and an obligation to support all immigrants with all of the resources, including economic, educational, and legal, that can help them experience the fullness of the American Dream,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.
Established in 2004, Immigrant Heritage Week kicks off on April 17, the day in 1907 when more immigrants entered through Ellis Island than any other date in the city’s history. This year’s Immigrant Heritage Week marks the 50th anniversary of the Hart-Cellar Act, which eliminated race-based quotas in the country’s immigration laws and is widely viewed as a major victory for civil rights, while significantly contributing to the vibrant diversity of the United States today.
“Immigrant communities are the heart and soul of New York City,” said Public Advocate Letitia James. “This week, we recognize and celebrate immigrants from all over the world and all that they have contributed to our city. As Congress and federal courts stall meaningful progress on immigration reform, we are working to ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of where they came from, have the protections they deserve.”
“Celebrating the presence and the many contributions of immigrant New Yorkers represents the values of our City, and our continued commitment to providing safe spaces to every person. Over the last year, the City Council and the de Blasio Administration have worked to affirm the lived experiences of immigrant New Yorkers – and this most recent showing of support will add to that,” said Sunset Park City Council Member Carlos Menchaca, Chair of the Committee on Immigration.
Here’s info on tomorrow’s event at BAM:
- Civil Rights & Immigration, Brooklyn Academy of Music. Saturday, April 18, 2 pm. RSVP toIHW2015@cityhall.nyc.gov
For a full calendar of community events across the five boroughs throughout the month of April, please visit:http://www.nyc.gov/html/imm/html/ihw/ihw.shtml.
