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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Walid Salama, Street Vendor
6:29:40
·
68 sec
Walid Salama, a street vendor and member of the Street Vendor Project, provided testimony on the challenges faced by street vendors in New York City. He emphasized the importance of hearing voices from the sidewalks and those who contribute to the city's economy while struggling to survive.
- Salama introduced himself as Ahmad Murad, a journalist and Brooklyn resident
- He mentioned documenting real stories of street vendors over the years, highlighting the harsh realities faced by immigrants and working-class families
- His testimony was cut short by Council Member Julie Menin, who asked him to submit the rest in writing
Walid Salama
6:29:40
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity and your patience and listening to voices that often go unheard, voices from sidewalks, from those who power the city, the city and former economy, and fight every day just to survive.
6:30:01
My name is Ahmad Murad.
6:30:02
I'm a journalist, a resident of Brooklyn, and proud member of the Street Vendor Project.
6:30:08
What bring me today is not for a report or a press release.
6:30:14
It comes from a real story I have documented over the years, the stories that I reflected, the harsh and often unjust reality faced by thousands of street vendors in New York City, immigrants and working class families.
6:30:36
Number one, when help is needed, silence follows.
6:30:41
Times and again, I have seen loads
6:30:48
Alright, sure.
Julie Menin
6:30:44
of Okay, just gonna ask you to wrap that up, please.