New York City Council held a grand Chinese Lunar New Year celebration at City Hall on the evening of the 27th. The event attracted over 900 people from the Asian community, as well as city council officials, and representatives from various organizations, showcasing New York City’s inclusivity and vibrancy as a multicultural city.
The Lunar New Year celebration was co-hosted by Asian-American council members Huang Minyi, Zhuang Wenyi, Julie Won, Linda Lee, and Shekar Krishnan. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Vice Speaker Amanda Farias, and council members Alexa Avilés and Julie Menin were among those in attendance to show their support.
The evening began with a performance of the American national anthem by the “Korean American Youth Choir of New York,” setting the tone for the event.
During her opening speech, Councilmember Huang Minyi emphasized the significance of the Lunar New Year traditions and expressed her hope that Asian cultural customs could be passed down through generations, advocating for more recognition for the Asian community.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, in her opening remarks, stated, “The Year of the Snake symbolizes wisdom, transformation, and growth, reminding us to remain agile and graceful in the face of challenges.” She also highlighted the importance of the Asian community and its contribution to the diverse culture of New York City.
The performances of the evening included the New York Guqin Center, the Korean Drum Team of Public School 203 in Northeast Queens, and the Brooklyn-based “Halo Dance Crew,” showcasing the cultural diversity of the Asian community.
During the event, the City Council recognized four organizations and individuals, including Enjing Jin, Executive Director of the YWCA in Queens.
As the event came to a close, Councilmember Julie Won mentioned that over 900 guests had attended, underscoring the significance of the Lunar New Year celebration as one of the largest Asian cultural events hosted by the City Council. She concluded by stating, “This is not just a celebration, but also a platform that emphasizes inclusivity and cultural heritage.”