AGENCY TESTIMONY
Introduction and acknowledgment of Juneteenth
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140 sec
Sideya Sherman, Chief Equity Officer and Commissioner of the New York City Mayor's Office of Equity and Racial Justice, opens the testimony by acknowledging Juneteenth and the historical context of the racial justice work. She reads a passage from the new preamble to the city charter, emphasizing the commitment to building a just and equitable city for all.
- Recognizes the efforts of past and present New Yorkers who fought for racial equity and social justice
- Honors those who suffered for freedom and fought for a better city
- Emphasizes the collective responsibility to speak up and fight for justice
Sideya Sherman
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Thank you.
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Chair William's member of the committee on civil and human rights, distinguished members of the city council and the public.
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Good morning.
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I'm City of Sherman, New York City's chief equity officer and commissioner of the New York City, mayor's office of Equity and racial justice.
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I am pleased to be joined today by Devash Nagash, Deputy Commissioner and other members of the MOERJ team.
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Thank you for the opportunity to provide an update on our efforts to implement the historic racial justice ballot measures New Yorkers passed in late 2022.
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Our team has been hard at work uplifting these mandates with an eye towards transforming government towards racial equity injustice.
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I want to begin by acknowledging that this hearing is taking place on the heels of Juneteenth.
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We are all here today discussing the implementation of racial justice charter amendments because of those who came before us.
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Many whose names we don't know.
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People who suffered import for freedom demanded their humanity be recognized, organized, and for many traditions that endure today.
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Their legacy is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to speak up and fight for justice.
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That spirit lives on and so many who laid the groundwork for today's discussion, including the former staff of the racial justice commission and the commissioners who, with input from communities, examine structural racism in our city and put forward ballot measures aimed at dismantling these barriers and promoting racial equity.
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And my fellow New Yorkers who overwhelmingly voted to center racial equity and city governance and empowered us to carry this work forward.
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At the lifelong New Yorker, I was proud to witness this important moment for our city.
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In recognition of the history in the people who have brought us to this day, I wish to read a patches passage from the preamble of our city charter.
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We, the people of New York City, United in our resolve to build, adjust an equitable city for all, recognize the efforts of those New Yorkers, past and present, who fought for racial equity and social justice, honor the contributions of those in New Yorkers who suffered in the name of freedom and acknowledge all who fought, struggled, and dreamed for a better life a better city.
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Together, we stand on their shoulders as we move boldly towards a brighter tomorrow for ourselves, our children, and future generations.
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Thank you for your attention.