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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Gillabuhilong Karayane, Street Vendor and Community Gardener
4:14:49
·
150 sec
Gillabuhilong Karayane, a street vendor and community gardener, testifies in support of street vendors, emphasizing their contributions to the city and their desire to comply with laws. She refutes negative characterizations of vendors and calls for council members' support.
- Expresses frustration with opposition to street vendors, stating that vendors are not thieves and want to comply with city laws
- Highlights that vendors are small business owners who contribute taxes and are partners with BIDs and other businesses in making the city thrive
- Emphasizes the importance of street vendors as part of New York City's history and immigrant communities, calling for recognition of workers' rights and women's rights
UKNOWN
4:14:49
Good afternoon, council members.
4:14:52
My name is Gillabuhilong Karayane.
4:14:54
I'm a street vendor, a community chef, a community gardener, and I'm here to share that street vendors need your support.
4:15:09
I wrote something, but it has been difficult listening to people that oppose street vendors.
4:15:19
We're not thieves.
4:15:21
We're trying to take jobs away.
4:15:23
We want to comply with the laws that the city has.
4:15:28
We are smallest of the smallest business owners in New York City.
4:15:33
We contribute our taxes.
4:15:36
We love the city, and we need your support.
4:15:39
Department of Health is aware of the failed system that has caused harm to vendors.
4:15:48
They are aware of how many permits they've given, how many vendors are on the streets, how many licenses they have, and the bids and small business owners, they know we are partners.
4:16:06
We are trying to make the city a well loved city that everyone loves.
4:16:12
Nobody wants to stop the garment industry bid from making money.
4:16:19
We just want to work aside with them.
4:16:24
I felt very insulted by some of the people who were not telling the truth because as a vendor, I respect myself, I respect other business owners, and there's no reason why people want people to support their cause without understanding that we are a team that want to support New York City to thrive.
4:16:48
I hope that the council members will take all sides and understand that vendors are here to stay.
4:16:55
We are part of history of New Yorkers.
4:16:58
We are part of the immigrant communities that make this city thrive.
4:17:05
Everyone comes from a culture that value family, that value hard work.
4:17:12
Workers' rights are human rights.
4:17:14
Women's rights are workers' rights, and we are here to get your support.
4:17:18
Thank you.