Senator Stavisky honors Queens with resolution for Queen's Day in New York

Queens Day was the highlight of the New York State Senate session on May 6, 2025, as lawmakers united to celebrate the borough's rich diversity and cultural significance. Senator Toby Stavisky introduced a resolution urging Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim May 6 as Queens Day, a move that was met with enthusiastic support from fellow senators.

Senator Stavisky, representing a borough known for its neighborhoods and vibrant communities, emphasized Queens as a melting pot of cultures, stating, "More than half the residents of Queens were born outside the United States." This diversity, he argued, is what makes Queens unique, fostering a sense of inclusiveness and community spirit.

Senator Leroy Comrie echoed these sentiments, highlighting the borough's economic vitality, which includes major airports and thriving businesses. He quoted Cyndi Lauper, a Queens native, to illustrate the borough's cultural impact, saying, "If Cyndi Lauper was to speak the language of Queens, she'd speak over 40 different languages."

Senator Jessica Ramos passionately described Queens as "the world's borough," celebrating its linguistic diversity and the contributions of its immigrant communities. "In Queens, being different isn't a challenge. It's a superpower," she declared, urging her colleagues to recognize the borough's role as a beacon of hope and humanity.

The session also featured discussions on other resolutions, including the recognition of May as Muslim History Month and the celebration of New York State Constitution Day. Senator Jackson's resolution for Muslim History Month aimed to honor the contributions of Muslim Americans, while Senator Gennardis reflected on the importance of free speech protections in the state constitution.

As the session concluded, the senators reaffirmed their commitment to celebrating the cultural tapestry of New York, with Queens Day serving as a reminder of the borough's significance in shaping the state's identity. The festivities continued later in the day at the Heart Lounge, where local businesses showcased the culinary delights of Queens, further highlighting the borough's vibrant community spirit.