WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES MAY 6, 2021 17
NYC’s #1 Source for Political & Election News
Councilman Koo introduces resolution
supporting COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act
BY CARLOTTA MOHAMED
CMOHAMED@SCHNEPSMEDIA.COM
Councilman Peter Koo introduced a resolution
to the City Council on Thursday, April 29, in
support of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to
address the surge of anti-Asian hate crimes during
the pandemic.
Koo’s resolution calls upon Congress to pass, and the
president to sign, the legislation that would facilitate
the expedited review of COVID-19 hate crimes, provide
support for state and local law enforcement agencies
to respond to hate crimes and coordinate with local
and federal partners to mitigate racially discriminatory
language used to describe the pandemic.
The relentless attacks on Asians throughout the
country needs to be acknowledged and fought by
every state in the union, Koo said.
“This requires federal action to make sweeping
changes in the way we deal with hate crimes, especially
in areas where there may not be large Asian
populations, and law enforcement may not have the
linguistic or cultural competence to address hate
crimes and bias incidents as they occur,” Koo said.
“They cannot simply explain discriminatory language,
like ‘China virus,’ or ‘Kung Flu.’ These are not partisan
words, and this is not a partisan issue. This aff ects
all of us.”
Koo thanked Congresswoman Grace Meng and
Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) for taking action on the
issue by reintroducing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act
that was unanimously passed with a vote of 94-1 in the
Senate last week.
Sunnyside residents hold a rally against anti-
Asian hate crimes on March 6, 2021.
File photo by Gabriele Holtermann
In response, Meng commended Koo and his colleague,
Councilwoman Margaret Chin (D-Manhattan)
for their leadership in bringing attention to the
passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to the City
Council.
“I have been so heartened and grateful by the tremendous
support, solidarity and allyship that I have
received since I reintroduced the bill last month, and
it would be an honor to have the City Council endorse
the measure as well,” Meng said.
The House is expected to vote on the legislation
next month, and President Biden has expressed his
support for the bill, Meng said.
“The ongoing discrimination and racist attacks
against Asian Americans in New York and across
the country has been horrifying, and we must act,”
Meng said.
Who do they like?
Lieutenant Gov.
Hochul surprises
Queens students
BY ANGÉLICA ACEVEDO
AACEVEDO@SCHNEPSMEDIA.COM
@QNS
In celebration of Autism Awareness and Acceptance
month, students at three Birch Family
Services schools in Queens were surprised by
special guest Lieutenant Governor of New York
Kathy Hochul last week.
Hochul read the best-selling book “My
Brother Charlie” to the children enrolled in the
organization, which is dedicated to empowering
individuals with autism and developmental
disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. Birch Family
Services hosted several events throughout
April that focused on spreading love, kindness,
respect and understanding.
Hundreds of students at nine Birch Family
Services schools in New York City — including
Long Island City Early Childhood Center,
Springfield Gardens Education Center and The
Phyllis L. Susser School for Exceptional Children
in Queens — participated in the events,
which welcomed several “real-life superheroes”
for special readings, including employees of
Pfizer, alumni of their program and Lt. Gov.
Hochul.
In a video for students, Hochul read “My
Brother Charlie” by actress Holly Robinson
Peete, a heartwarming story based on Peete’s
son, who has autism.
“What a beautiful story about Callie talking
about her brother, Charlie, who has autism,”
Hochul said in the video. “Everybody we know
knows someone and loves someone with autism,
and this book will help you understand why
they may be different, but they’re really special
and they’ve got a lot of love to give.”
Participants in the organization’s New Frontier
employment and social skills program, who
are on the autism spectrum, read children’s
books about autism acceptance to pre-school
students and answered their questions.
Students also participated in art contests
and took the “Kindness Pledge,” which reminds
them to treat others and themselves with
respect.
“I promise to be kind on this very day. To show
all acts of kindness, in a special way. To friends
I know both big and small, I will catch them if
they fall. To those that need a helping hand, I
will guide them when I can,” the pledge states.
“I promise to say ‘thank you,’ ‘excuse me now’
and ‘please.’ These three words will show my
kindness, even when I sneeze! If I love myself,
then I can show to others, that love begins with
kindness, for all of my sisters and brothers.”
@QNS
HOLDEN RECIEVES MULTIPLE
ENDORSEMENTS
Councilman Robert F. Holden racked up a
lot of endorsements in the past week.
Councilman I. Daneek Miller, Assemblywoman
Catherine Nolan, state Senators Leroy
Comrie and Joe Addabbo, former Assemblyman
Mike Miller and Maspeth community
activist Diane Ballek endorsed him in his bid
for re-election in City Council District 30.
They join more than 38 labor unions and
elected officials, and counting, who have endorsed
Holden.
“I am proud to endorse Bob Holden for a
second term in the City Council,” Comrie said.
“Bob and I have known each other for many
years and he is a proven leader who serves
his constituents with honor. I look forward
to working with him to improve the lives of
Queens residents.”
ULRICH ENDORSES
REPUBLICAN FELICIA KALAN
Republican City Council candidate Felicia
Kalan in District 22 received the endorsement
of Councilman Eric Ulrich who represents
District 32 in Queens and is the borough’s only
Republican lawmaker.
“Felicia Kalan is the commonsense candidate
in this race. She will stand against the radicals
who have allowed New York City to spiral into
disarray. As a mom of two, Felicia knows how
important it is to protect our quality of life
and improve our public education,” Ulrich
said. “Felicia has extensive knowledge of and
experience in government and business. She
will help us rebuild our city and borough. We
need more working moms in the City Council
representing children and families, and she
has my full support.”
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