New York City Council held a Lunar New Year celebration on the evening of February 9th in the City Council Chamber to welcome the “Year of the Fire Horse,” symbolizing strength, resilience, and change. The event was hosted by City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Susan Zhuang, with the participation of several Asian-American council members, community leaders, representatives from nonprofit organizations, and performance groups, making the City Council Chamber packed with attendees.
In her address, City Council Speaker Julie Menin highlighted that the “Year of the Fire Horse” occurs once every 60 years, symbolizing rapid change and breakthroughs. She emphasized that the City Council will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Asian community on issues such as affordable housing, public safety, education, and immigrant community protection. She stated, “New York City is an immigrant city, and the doors of the City Council will always be open to the community.”
The event kicked off by City Council Member Susan Zhuang, who reflected on the growth and visibility of the Asian community in New York. She mentioned that the Lunar New Year is not just a cultural celebration but also sends an important message of “we belong to this city.” City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung pointed out that the Asian American Federation (TAAF), established in 2021 in response to anti-Asian hate, is committed to public safety, historical education, and community investments. The City Council specially awarded commendations to recognize its impact.
This year’s Lunar New Year event honored several key figures and organizations in the Asian community, including Jeannie Park, Chair of the Korean American Community Foundation (KACF). In her speech, she shared her immigrant family’s story and emphasized that “community and mutual assistance” are core values passed down through generations in Asian families. Ansen Tang, Executive Director of the United Chinese Association of Brooklyn, which received a commendation, expressed gratitude for the City Council’s continued attention to minority ethnic communities. The organization has been serving the elderly, families, and youth in Brooklyn to promote community cohesion.
City Council Members Phil Wong, Julie Won, and Linda Lee also extended Lunar New Year greetings to the Asian community at the City Council’s Lunar New Year event, wishing citizens a safe and healthy new year, and acknowledging the Asian community’s longstanding contributions to the economy, culture, and public affairs of New York City.