Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announces $140 million community center during Juneteenth remarks

Donovan Richards, Queens Borough President, said he is the first Black man to hold the borough presidency in 122 years and used Juneteenth remarks to announce a plan to build a $140 million community center in the park where Jayden Pierre was killed.

Richards said the center "will start construction this year" and that it will be dedicated "in remembrance of that young man who was killed right here, Jayden Pierre." He framed the announcement as part of broader efforts to protect civil rights and support local businesses, saying Juneteenth is "more important than ever" amid what he called "attacks on our community, civil rights, diversity, equity, inclusion, human rights, immigrant rights, women rights."

Richards acknowledged predecessors and local history, saying he "stands on the shoulders of great leaders like Helen Marshall," whom he identified as the first Black woman to lead in the role. He urged support for Black-owned businesses and the broader Black community during his remarks and closed by identifying himself to attendees: "I'm your Queens Borough President, Donovan Richards. Happy Juneteenth."

The announcement gave a concrete dollar amount and a timeline for construction but did not specify funding sources, project partners, or an exact construction start date. More details on financing, procurement and schedule were not provided in the remarks.