We are proud to be Astorians. While we see chaos and turmoil around us, the peaceful Astoria Park and Steinway St demonstrations are an oasis of real deeply felt desire for change in a desert of hate and fearmongering. Changes needed for America to realize its full potential as a just inclusive society that we have always aspired to. Our younger generation is leading the way.
We have always been a village within a city and have always welcomed people from throughout the country and the world as they begin their journey through life. This energy has always been positive, looking towards the future.
No doubt we have a ways to go. And we have varied paths towards that future. But this multiethnic and multiracial “village” is just the incubator that can help create that future we all strive for.
These vigils are a great example of the power of our community, especially our young people’s desire to facilitate change.
Mr. Khuzami has been a member of Community Board 1 in Astoria, NY for the last 20 years. He sits on the Zoning and parks Committees and is on the Executive Board. Previously, he served as Parks and Culture chair of Community Board 1 for eleven years and also chaired Capital and Expense priority Committee. He is a member of the Queens General Assembly and had been a panelist for grant submissions for the Queens Council on the Arts (QCA). Richard also is an officer of The Eastern Mediterranean Business Culture Alliance (EMBCA) and President of OANA.