Aravella Simotas
Jan. 12, 2017 By Hannah Wulkan
Several local politicians are hosting an event to celebrate the diversity of Astoria in the wake of the presidential election.
In response to requests from their constituents, Assembly Member Aravella Simotas, State Senator Michael Gianaris and Council Member Costa Constantinides are hosting an event with performances and remarks from local groups on January 22 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club at 21-12 30th Road.
“Astoria is a place where differences do not divide us; rather they bring life to our community. We all live together, work together and educate our children together, and we are better for it,” Simotas said. “I hope our community serves as a peaceful example for the rest of the nation, for places in our country where change and cultural, religious and ethnic differences instigate fear and hate. Come to Astoria and see how we do it.”
The free event will include performances from the Variety Boys and Girls Club Dance Troup called “The Vipers” and the Astoria Young Women’s Leadership Academy “Digital Dance Project,” as well as remarks from faith leaders and more.
“Queens is the most diverse county on Earth, with people from more than 100 countries co-existing peacefully for generations. I am proud to represent a community that is willing to unite and organize, to make sure our neighborhood remains a welcoming, safe place that everyone is happy to call home,” Gianaris said.
“We must recognize that Astoria’s strength is our diversity,” Constantinides added. “At a time when we have seen a marked increase in hate crimes citywide, seeing our neighborhood come together to celebrate one another is in the spirit of what makes us great.”
Featured Events
6 Comments
Diversity ruined queens ,this was a nice place until the late 70s then boom boom out went the lights
I wish all the very, very best. I’m seeing things that I NEVER thought I would see in my lifetime. I thought the Klan was dead, but maybe not.
the president isn’t discriminating against anyone.. where is this outrage coming from? we have better things to fund than some stupid event that will only generate more SJW’s.. stop this nonsense.
Celebrate the diversity of Queens in light of the Presidential Election? Someone make it stop. You politicians are marginalizing everyone who isn’t “liberal minded” yet call yourselves inclusive. What a joke.
they are inciting trouble just like JVB is from Sunnyside — pretty sad –
Nice event – something to look forward to these days.