In January 2025, I applied to be a Queens General Assembly (QGA) Delegate , due to disillusionment with the Election in 2024. I needed a sense of belonging and hope.The QGA Assembly brings diverse leaders and activists to the table to engage in discussions, break down silos, and build community. I applied because as a community stakeholder that predominantly serves youth in underserved communities to be civically engaged, I needed a reset. I also felt I needed a space for the community to strategize and gain insight about how to navigate the next four years as a grassroots organization.
Bringing Together Diverse Leaders- March 2025 Installation Ceremony
The installation ceremony for the new cohort of community stakeholders was in March of 2025. Initially this event was in person but needed to be virtual to ensure a diverse space and to honor religious holidays at the time. We were sworn in by Queens Borough President, Donovan Richards. Even though I saw all the leaders via Zoom, it was wonderful to be a part of the beautiful tapestry of intergenerational leaders who are from all over Queens. The installation ceremony also shared the history of the development of the Queens General Assembly being the vision of Helen Marshall, the 1st African American woman to hold the position of Queens Borough President.
Breaking Down Silos & Building Community
Being given the opportunity to engage in conversation about, “What Does It Mean To Be An American”, or “The History of Racism in America” because now more than ever we need safe spaces engage in these conversation and while for me personally I’ve cried a lot in the past six months being part of the QGA has helped me to cry with faith. The majority of these monthly conversations took place via zoom with the exception of three. The QGA Assembly facilitated its first in person meeting in July of 2025 at the Queens Botanical Gardens. I got to serve as a co-facilitator for The Indigenous People Of Queens And Long Island with guest speaker Tecumseh Ceaser. The workshop focused on educating us about the importance of understanding how Native Americans were the founders and innovators of New York City before being colonized . In September, faith leaders came together for an interfaith dialogue at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Jamaica. They spoke of the importance of love and peace in all religions . Lastly, the QGA hosted the Human Rights Dinner with the Queens Service Center of the NYC Commission on Human Rights. The facilitation focused on understanding the city’s human rights law.
The QGA Assembly provides a space for a diverse group of leaders to develop partnerships and engage in meaningful dialogue. Kindness and respect for each other’s cultures and choices is the way we move forward and I am humbled to be able to be part of this.
