Transcript: Mayor Adams Hosts Reception Celebrating Puerto Rican Heritage

June 5, 2025

Watch video here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6kFqpo3tG0

Mayor Eric Adams: Summer starts when we celebrate the Puerto Rican community here. We celebrate the Puerto Rican community here at Gracie Mansion. You grace us with our presence. But I want to acknowledge our amazing team that's behind me every day. 

These are real, committed, dedicated public servants. Of course, our chancellor, Melissa, Lorraine, Our Department of Aging commissioner, Louis from DCAS. Commissioner Vilda from DCWP. 

[Crosstalk.] 

First Latina to head the Department of Parks in the history of this city. Just an amazing, amazing leader. Just really was a special moment to appoint her to this position. After 40 years of being in the Department of Parks, now to run the largest parks in our city, says a lot. 

First Deputy Commissioner Paula in CAU, Ivette Davila [as] the Latino senior advisor, Jasmine Ray, Director of Sports and Wellness, and Marjorie Velázquez. 

Our entire team that's here, we are looking forward to marching down Fifth Avenue on Sunday and showing the city the strength and the power of the Puerto Rican community [for] what you have represented. 

For so many years, you've got to be there or be square. It's going to be one heck of a moment when you come out and show your love and commitment to Puerto Rico and your homeland here. It just means so much to all of us. 

We have so much we have to do and so much we have accomplished. But we've got to do it with you. We've got so much more that we want to do. And I cannot thank this community enough throughout the years for my days as a state senator, my days as the borough president, and now my days as the mayor of the City of New York. 

We want to honor you like you've honored this city in so many ways. And so today, we want to say thank you. When you're here, “Mi casa es su casa.” What's mine is yours. You are [family]. Let's always stay together as one. Happy Puerto Rican Day Parade coming up. 

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