Saturday, February 27, 2021

#africansforericadams Will Endorse Eric Adams For Mayor Sunday Feb. 28th

 

On Sunday, February 28, 2021, 2-3 pm in front of the Harlem State Office Building, over 20 African leaders representing various African nationalities in New York City and on the continent will be formally endorsing Eric Adams for mayor.  Africans in New York deem public safety as their number one constituent concern and will be launching “Eric Adams, The Public Safety Mayor” campaign tomorrow after the endorsement. 

They believe that all the socioeconomic challenges the city is facing now can best be addressed when its deteriorating public safety concerns are addressed first.  This is why they are supporting Eric Adams whom they deemed is uniquely positioned to provide the most effective police-community public safety policies that would address both the rising crimes and the deteriorated relationships between law enforcement and the residents they serve.  We look forward to seeing you there, rain, snow or shine.  Thank you! 

#africansforericadams

Contact: Sheikh Musa Drammeh, 718-822-5555



Permits Filed For 2074 Walton Avenue In Fordham Heights, The Bronx

 

2074 Walton Avenue in Fordham Heights, The Bronx via Google Maps

Permits have been filed for an eight-story residential building at 2074 Walton Avenue in Fordham Heights, The Bronx. Located between East Burnside Avenue and East 181st Street, the lot is one block from the Burnside Avenue subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Michael Hunt under the 2074 Walton Realty LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 74-foot-tall development will yield 45,083 square feet, with 40,508 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 67 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 604 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar and a 30-foot-long rear yard.

Max Disla Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - FEBRUARY 27, 2021

 

5,445 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide - Lowest Since December 12

1,121 Patients in the ICU; 753 Intubated

Statewide Daily Positivity Rate is 2.85%

Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity Rate is 3.18% - Lowest Since November 26

85 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitalizations dropped to 5,445, the lowest since December 12. The 7-day average positivity rate dropped to 3.18 percent, the lowest since November 26.

"New Yorkers have shown strength and resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we're going to need more of it as we work to get everyone vaccinated across the state," Governor Cuomo said. "The footrace between the positivity rate and the vaccination rate is progressing in our favor and we've been able to reopen different sectors of our economy, but we still need more vaccines to propel us over the finish line. We have continuously opened more vaccination sites as our supply allows, and we're ready to get shots in arms as quickly and fairly as possible as our allocations increase. We can get to the light at the end of the tunnel, but we're going to need to stay safe and vigilant and care for our fellow New Yorkers."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

  • Test Results Reported - 285,307
  • Total Positive - 8,141
  • Percent Positive - 2.85%
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.18%
  • Patient Hospitalization - 5,445 (-181)
  • Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -532
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 615
  • Hospital Counties - 53
  • Number ICU - 1,121 (-11)
  • Number ICU with Intubation - 753 (-18)
  • Total Discharges - 145,672 (+681)
  • Deaths - 85
  • Total Deaths - 38,407

Councilman Mark Gjonaj's NYC Moving Forward Week in Review - 2/26/2021

 

Dear Friends,

I hope you and you and your families are doing well while we are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s new variants and the economic devastation that has impacted our communities.

As we are intensifying our efforts for more vaccines, a simpler system and expand the eligibility categories, I am proud that two bills that I co-sponsored to require the City develop and implement a COVID-19 vaccine plan for homebound seniors who have limited mobility and access to this life saving vaccine, was voted in NYC Council. As a community we have an obligation to our most vulnerable, a commitment the Council and I affirmed by introducing and passing this bill.

I am proud that my office has been helping so many constituents in the eligible categories to get appointments to get the vaccine at Jacobi Hospital, Yankee Stadium and the NYCHA developments in the District.

Today we are glad to announce the winners of our Black History Month Poster Contest. Congratulations to PS 108 students Jackqueline Allinger (4th Grade) and Tuana Sadikaj (5th Grade), PS/MS 71 students Sophia Petrides (7th Grade) Sadica Anjum (8th Grade), St. Francis Xavier School student Andrew Ranieri (5th Grade), Icahn Charter School 4 Students Gabriella Almanzar (4th Grade) and Avan Cruz (Grade K).

We are humbled to be serving those in need in our communities and this week we gave away over 7,300 food boxes to families and seniors in need in our District, we conducted two rapid testing sites to help stop the spread, as well as in partnership with Urband Upbound we continued In-Person Free Tax Preparation in Morris Park and City Island by appointment only.

We have been with you throughout this pandemic and will continue to be with you. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any issues or concerns at 718-931-1721 or email at MGjonaj@council.nyc.gov.

Sincerely,

NYC Councilman Mark Gjonaj
District 13, Bronx






Governor Cuomo Announces a Record High Over 175K Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine Administered in 24 Hours

 

Over 4 Million Total Shots Administered To-date

Hotel Workers Can Be Added to Eligible Population Under 1B Prioritization Group; Local Health Departments Determine How, Where, When to Schedule Appointments in Their Jurisdictions

Following a Letter from Legislators Regarding Bronx Vaccination Disparities, the State Department of Health Will Work with the New York City Department of Health to Ensure this Inequity is Immediately Addressed

As of 1PM today, New York's Health Care Distribution Sites Have Administered 91% of First Doses

Vaccine Dashboard Will Update Daily to Provide Updates on the State's Vaccine Program; Go to ny.gov/vaccinetracker; Dashboard Now Includes Demographic Data

 Governor Cuomo announced 179,038 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in 24 hours, a new record for the state. As of 1:00 PM today, New York's health care distribution sites have administered 91 percent of first doses so far delivered. The week 11 allocation from the federal government is in the process of being delivered to providers for administration.

In addition, the Governor announced expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to hotel workers. Hotels in many parts of the state serve as quarantine areas for COVID positive persons to isolate from their families. In turn, the staff at these facilities are being exposed to COVID regularly. Given the overall increase to the State's supply and the essential health care service that these hotel workers provide, the Governor is granting localities the flexibility to add hotel workers to the 1B vaccine prioritization group.

"Nearly 180,000 vaccinations in a single day is a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to ensure eligible New Yorkers, especially those in communities that were hit the hardest by COVID, have direct access to the vaccine," Governor Cuomo said. "However, we're still in a footrace to keep the infection rate down and drive vaccinations way up. While the infection rate is a function of our behavior, the rate of vaccination is tied directly to supply and right now demand for the vaccine is still far outpacing our supply. We will keep working with our federal partners and vast vaccine distribution network to dispatch doses as soon as we get them - with a focus on vulnerable and underserved communities - and get shots in arms as quickly and fairly as possible."

The Governor received a letter signed by Speaker Heastie, Senator Jamaal Bailey and other elected officials in the Bronx stating that the Bronx is not receiving an equitable share of vaccine compared to other boroughs in the City. Equity in vaccination is a priority for New York State and the Governor agrees that the allocation to the Bronx is low. The Governor believes this is especially inequitable as the Bronx has the highest COVID positivity rate in New York City. The Yankee Stadium allocation (which is a joint state and city site) should be increased and a second site in the northern Bronx should be added. The Department of Health will work with the New York City Department of Health to ensure this inequity is immediately addressed.

Approximately 10 million New Yorkers are currently eligible to receive the vaccine. New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.

The 'Am I Eligible' screening tool has been updated for individuals with comorbidities and underlying conditions with new appointments released on a rolling basis over the next weeks. New Yorkers can use the following to show they are eligible:

  • Doctor's letter, or
  • Medical information evidencing comorbidity, or
  • Signed certification

Vaccination program numbers below are for doses distributed and delivered to New York for the state's vaccination program, and do not include those reserved for the federal government's Long Term Care Facility program. A breakdown of the data based on numbers reported to New York State as of 1:00 PM today is as follows. Beginning week 9, allocation totals are inclusive of some excess vaccine doses that have been reallocated from the federal Long Term Care Facility program. The allocation totals below include 33 percent of the week 11 allocation which will finish being distributed to New York provider sites on Sunday.

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN

First Doses Received - 2,942,765

First Doses Administered - 2,674,839; 91%

Total Doses Received - 4,761,410

Second Doses Administered - 4,170,422

Join Bronx Progressives and Concerned Citizens for Change for a "Tax the Rich" Informational Session Sat. March 6th 2 PM



Greetings Bronx Progressives Members!

Governor Cuomo is convinced that the only way to solve the economic troubles facing New York State is by implementing harsh austerity measures, which entail cutting funding to our health care system, education, public programs, and other resources. But is this our only option to generate revenue? 

While the wealthiest continue to amass more wealth, the working class fall deeper into economic hardship and disparity. Governor Cuomo must stop giving tax breaks to the very wealthy, and pass the "Invest in Our New York Act."

Join us for an informational session on the "Tax the Rich" campaign. Learn more about the six bills comprised in the Invest in Our New York Act, which will end tax breaks to the super rich, and generate much needed revenue for education, healthcare, housing, improving our environment.  
 

Join Us And Concerned Citizens for Change

On Saturday, March 6 at 2pm Via Zoom To Learn More

 

HERE'S THE ZOOM INFO

YOU NEED TO JOIN THE MEETING


Topic: Progressive Taxation In NY 
Time: Mar 6, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting 

Meeting ID: 894 1535 2545 
Passcode: 678745 
One tap mobile 
+16468769923,,89415352545#,,,,*678745# US (New York)

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli - Covid-19 Causes Financial Hit to NYC Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Industry

 

New York City’s world-renowned arts, entertainment and recreation sector saw the largest decline among all sectors in the city’s economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as employment declined by 66 percent over a one-year period ending in December 2020, according to a report released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.



This week, Comptroller DiNapoli hosted a discussion with Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer and others to discuss the financial hit to the industry. They were joined by Sade Lythcott, Chief Executive Director of the National Black Theatre; Voza Rivers, Executive Producer of the New Heritage Theatre Group and Chairman for the Harlem Arts Alliance; Aimee Todoroff, Managing Director for the League of Independent Theater; James Claffey, President of IATSE Local One; and Rebecca Damon, Executive Vice President and NY President at SAG-AFTRA. Watch a replay of the event on the Comptroller's Facebook page.

Bronx Parks Speak Up Bronx Borough President Forum

 



Going on right now, Bronx Borough President forum.

Only Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, and Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson participated. 

Where were Councilman Fernando Cabrera, State Senator Luis Sepulveda, Sammy Ravelo, and Victor Guterriez? 

Don't any of you care about Bronx Parks??? 


27th Bronx Parks Speak Up! Conference and Candidate Forums


Saturday February 27th, 2021


Live Virtual Tabling 10 AM - 11 AM Workshops 11 AM - NOON

Live Bronx Borough President Candidate Forum 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM


Bronx, NY - The Bronx Coalition for Parks and Green Spaces (BCPGS) is inviting the public to

their first virtual Bronx Parks Speak Up. Parks and other groups will host virtual online tabling

and workshops. BCPGS will hold a non-partisan candidate forum on parks issues for candidates

for Bronx Borough President.

308 DAYS and Counting

 


It may have taken me over seven years to find an educator from the Bronx, but my new chancellor will have 293 days to bring up Bronx student performance to the level of the other four boroughs. 




Friday, February 26, 2021

NYC Council Member Farah N. Louis With Co-Host Councilman Kevin Riley - Join Us for a Celebration of Black History

 

Council Member Farah N. Louis represents Brooklyn's 45th Council District. Since assuming office in 2019, Council Member Louis has fought for the affordability and livability of New York City as a champion for affordable housing, small business sustainability, and equitable healthcare. She continues to tackle challenging social issues as Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino/a, and Asian Caucus while taking a stand for gender equity as the Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus. During her tenure, she has prioritized critical legislation to protect survivors of domestic violence, close the food insecurity gap, expand access to nonprofit services, education, reproductive rights, and healthcare. As the newly-appointed Chair of the Council Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addictions, Council Member Louis will fight tirelessly to expand access to equitable services for all New Yorkers seeking supportive services. 

Governor Cuomo Announces COVID-19 Hospitalizations Drop to Lowest Level since December 12 - FEBRUARY 26, 2021

 

5,626 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

Statewide Daily Positivity Rate is 2.82% - Lowest Since November 21

Statewide 7-Day Positivity Rate is 3.22% - Lowest Since November 26

1,132 Patients in the ICU; 771 Intubated

95 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that COVID-19 hospitalizations in New York State dropped to 5,626, the lowest since December 12. The single-day positivity rate dropped to 2.82 percent, the lowest since November 21, and the 7-day average positivity rate dropped to 3.22 percent, the lowest since November 26.

"Defeating COVID-19 is front and center in New York State, and declining positivity rates and hospitalizations are aiding our efforts to vaccinate more New Yorkers, reopen the economy and get to the light at the end of the tunnel," Governor Cuomo said. "New Yorkers' resilience and willingness to follow the rules got us through the Spring and the holiday surge, and it is getting us through the winter. We're vaccinating New Yorkers at a fast clip and expanding our network of distribution sites as fast as we can, but we're going to need more vaccines to address a large enough portion of the population to defeat this pandemic once and for all. I'm confident that we will get there, but in the meantime New Yorkers need to continue social distancing, wearing masks and washing their hands. We wear masks not just to protect ourselves, but to protect each other, and that spirit will get us through the coming months as we work to beat the COVID beast."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

  • Test Results Reported - 291,189
  • Total Positive - 8,204
  • Percent Positive - 2.82%
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.22%
  • Patient Hospitalization - 5,626 (-77)
  • Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -529
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 697
  • Hospital Counties - 53
  • Number ICU - 1,132 (+8)
  • Number ICU with Intubation - 771 (-3)
  • Total Discharges - 144,991 (+669)
  • Deaths - 95
  • Total Deaths - 38,321

TRANSCRIPT: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES CHANCELLOR CARRANZA LEAVING AND NEW CHANCELLOR MEISHA ROSS PORTER

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio: Good morning, everyone. Every day, I'm going to be talking to you about what we need to do to move this city forward. Every day, I'm going to be talking to you about a recovery for all of us, how we reach every part of this city and keep moving forward. And we all know nothing is more important in our recovery than our public schools. We know that as our public schools come back, our city comes back. We had a great day yesterday, reopening our middle schools. Amazing day, just filled with spirit and hope and a sign of things to come in New York City. Today, 1,200 New York City schools opened. A sign of our rebirth. So, we know how important it is to move our school system forward. And for the last three years, we've had extraordinary leadership of the New York City public schools by our Chancellor, Richard Carranza. For three years, he's given his heart and soul to the kids of this city, and it's been a labor of love. I've worked shoulder to shoulder with him. I've seen it. And a lot has happened in these three years to move us forward. This is a school system today with the highest graduation rate in the history of New York City. This is a school system today where academic achievement keeps moving forward, but not just in some places all across our school system. This is a New York City today where we're closing what has been called previously, the achievement gap. We're bringing more fairness and equality. We're helping uplift students of color and helping them move forward like never before. And that was our challenge before COVID. We now face a deeper challenge with a COVID achievement gap. This is going to be all of our business going forward. Bringing back our schools, bringing back our kids, helping them catch up, and then move forward academically, but also addressing and supporting them emotionally.  

I'm going to turn to the Chancellor for his announcement. He is turning the page and going on to a new chapter in his life and we're going to miss him. But I’m also going to be introducing to you in a few moments a new leader from our school system, someone who has worked her way up and is ready to lead this school system, and someone with an extraordinary story of her own. And when I introduce to you Meisha Ross Porter, I'm going to tell you a true New York City story of success. And this is going to be a story also of continuity because it's important to know that Meisha Ross Porter in her journey was elevated from principal to superintendent by our first Chancellor, Carmen Farina, and then from superintendent to executive superintendent by Chancellor Richard Carranza. So, this is a story of people who share values, who believe in the same things, who do the same work supporting each other, and the torch being passed from one to the next. With that – and it's a bittersweet moment and someone I admire so much, our Chancellor. And we have been through it all together. I think that's a fair statement. 

 

Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza: Yes, sir.  

 

Mayor: I admire everything that you've done for our city. I admire your heart and your passion for justice and equality. And it has been a very tough year and I know you have felt it deeply. And somehow you found a way to keep providing leadership for our families and our kids. But I also know it took a toll, and I admire you for everything you've done. And we thank you and we're going to miss you, but we're going to be feeling the effects of what you've done for the kids in New York City for many years to come. And now introduce our Chancellor, Richard Carranza. 

 

Chancellor Carranza: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This is a very bittersweet moment for me. I came to New York City three years ago with a mission to help the Department of Education reach its full potential and, of course, to serve and to lift up all, not just some, but all of our public school children. And while the work is never done, we have created a lot of important change together. New York City public schools are the strongest schools I've ever seen. They are home to the most powerful teaching I have seen in my over 30 years as an educator. Our teachers and school staff take an equity-centered belief and approach so that our students can feel seen and heard, but most importantly, believed in.  

 

Just yesterday I visited the South Bronx Academy for Applied Media to see public service announcements that middle school students had created about issues that were important to them. And in our discussion, I didn't just hear their research and their citations, I witnessed their strong, critical thinking skills and how they were making sense of the world, a world that's changing before their very eyes. I heard all the wisdom and passion of children who know their voices’ value. Students who are getting a great education and who believe in all the things that they can do with that great education, students who are already connecting what happens in the classroom with their lives outside of school. Our children are where children can – our schools are where children can develop their dreams and then chase those dreams regardless of the language they speak or the neighborhood they live in. I'm proud of what we've accomplished over the last three years.  

 

Our seniors have continued to break their own records with rising graduation rates and college enrollment rates. We have capped the length of suspensions and implemented restorative practices in the largest school system in America. We make true progress in dismantling structures and policies that are products of decades of entrenched racism like suspending school screens. And we finally brought mental health into the spotlight and made it a major priority, which has been tremendously crucial during this pandemic. The change we've created together will help lift up generations of children to come. And I want to be really clear that this is because of the incredible work of the entire Department of Education family.  

 

To all my colleagues at the Department of Education. It is incredibly hard to say goodbye to you. And in my culture, we don't say goodbye. We say, hasta luego, until we see you again. You are the most dedicated, hardworking colleagues I have ever had the privilege of working with. And it's been my privilege to be your colleague. I know the pandemic has not been easy for you or for any New Yorker. And make no mistake, I am a New Yorker. While not by birth by choice. A New Yorker who has lost – a New Yorker who has lost 11 family and close childhood friends to this pandemic and a New Yorker who, quite frankly, needs to take time to grieve. I feel that I can take that time now because of the place that we are in and the work that we have done together. We have created safe learning environments for the children of essential workers. We've delivered over half-a-million devices for remote learning. We've served 80 million meals to New Yorkers and reopened nearly all of our schools ahead of every other school system in America. We have stabilized the system in a way that no one thought possible. The light, my fellow New Yorkers, is truly at the end of the tunnel.  

 

And I can't think of anyone who would be better to lead this work and take up this mantle and serve New York City's – serve New York City's children as the next New York City Schools Chancellor, than Meisha Ross Porter. She's a born and bred New Yorker. She eats drinks, sleeps, and thinks at all times about New York and the children of New York. She's dedicated her lifetime to serving the children in New York. And I am so proud that this mayor has chosen the first African-American Black Chancellor to take the baton. It's been an honor of a lifetime to serve as your Chancellor, and from the bottom of my heart I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve your and my children. 

 

Mayor: Well, we pass the torch now. And again, this is a story of New York City and the greatness of New York City. Because when you hear the story of Meisha Ross Porter, you hear about someone who cares, someone from this city who wanted to really do something for children who she understood because she lived their lives too. Born and raised in Southeast Queens, moved to the Bronx, fell in love with the Bronx, and became a fighter for the Bronx. Meisha is someone who understands what it is to go through everyday life without privilege and to have to earn and then fight for every single step. Meisha’s heart always told her to go where the need was greatest. And so, as she kept elevating in her career, she didn't say, ‘send me someplace easy.’ She always wanted to be where she could do the most good, particularly for kids who looked like her. And she made that choice throughout her career. But very early on, those around her noticed that she was not just a typical educator. She had something special. From her first experiences as a teacher, leaders took notice and they kept indicating her, singling her out as one of the leaders of tomorrow. When it was time to choose the prestigious fellowships and the opportunities for further advancement, one after another after another turned to Meisha. A lot of great leaders and educators saw in her someone singularly able not only to lead academically, but to bring her heart and soul to the mission in a way that everyone could feel, that all the teachers around her, everyone who worked in school buildings could feel, that kids could feel, parents could feel. It's something – this work, this precious work of educating our children, it's work of the mind, but it's also a work of the heart. 

 

And Meisha has both in such extraordinary measure. She became a renowned principal in the Bronx. And as I said, Chancellor Carmen Farina, when looking for new leadership, saw what Meisha brought and made her a superintendent. When Richard Carranza became our Chancellor and he looked to restructure our system and create a stronger leadership structure, he elevated Meisha Ross Porter to executive superintendent for all of the Bronx. And the Bronx alone, the number of schools, number of students in the Bronx would be one of the largest school districts in the nation if it stood alone. And over these last three years, Meisha has led it with incredible ability. Someone who really listens to the community, helps people have a sense of common direction, brings people together. She is someone who has fought for those who have not gotten their fair share, and she believes in excellence and education, but also fairness and equality in education. And she's lived that. She's made it come alive.  

 

And yes, she will make history as the first African-American woman to lead the New York City public schools in the entire history of New York City. And as we all know, this is by far the largest school system in America. So, this is a moment of national importance that an African-American woman will take the helm of the nation's greatest public school system. I am so proud as a New Yorker of this great New York City success story. I'm so proud that once upon a time, a young woman believed she could do something great and uplift folks who've been left behind. And then she proceeded to do just that. And at this crucial moment, we need continuity, and we need strength. We need a leader who understands what's going on, on the ground and is going to see us through to the next step, opening up our high schools and then bringing back our whole school system strong in September. And I am absolutely certain of her leadership. And it is my honor to introduce to you the next Chancellor of the New York City public schools, Meisha Ross Porter. 

 

Incoming Schools Chancellor Meisha Ross Porter: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I am so honored for this opportunity. Thank you, Chancellor Carranza. It has been a great joy and privilege to lead and to learn from you as a leader. And I want to thank the Mayor and the Chancellor for seeing me. And what I want to promise to all of the New York City families, students, educators, that I will see you in the same way that folks have seen me. I want to thank my husband and my family for being here to support me in this moment. And I want to also thank my New York City Department of Education family, because this moment isn't about me. It's about the story of us and what we're going to do together to move this system forward. I grew up in South Jamaica, Queens. My mom is a teacher and what I learned first from my favorite teacher, my mommy, is the importance that one teacher makes in the life of every young person. And I learned that from my mom. I learned that from my aunt, Brenda, who was my pre-K teacher. I learned that from my first grade teacher, Miss Perlman. And I learned it from Ms. [inaudible] the English teacher who saw me when I was having my own personal struggles as a 10th grade student in high school.  

 

And because of all of that, I know with certainty, it's my duty and responsibility that I've carried with me my whole life to lead forward and lean in and see every student and create opportunities for them in every moment that I possibly can. And the Bronx, well you know me. I've dedicated my life to service in the Bronx. I've dedicated my life to education in the Bronx. I started as a youth organizer with a youth group called Take Charge, Be Somebody in Highbridge with Omar Ortiz, RobinMarie Dessereau, Cindy Bautista and Michelle [inaudible] and we created the first public youth council, elected youth council in Highbridge in the Bronx. And then we had an opportunity to move and become a part of the Bronx Center Plan. And as young people, 18, 19 and 20 years old, envision a school. We got to do that. And then the greatest thing that happened was that school opened, and thanks to my friends at the Urban Assembly, the organization that started the school, New Visions, who we were part of round two of New Visions schools, we opened the Bronx School for Law, Government, and Justice. The school that uniquely sits on a court campus, creating an opportunity for young people. And this was our vision from the beginning, to create the opportunity for young people to learn the inner workings of the court system by being a part of it, but not going through it. And I can tell you that's what we talked about is young people. And so, I look forward to doing that.  

 

And then I just had the opportunity to be a school founder, a teacher and assistant principal, and a principal, and then Chancellor Farina tapped me to become superintendent, and then my dear, great friend and colleague, Chancellor Carranza tapped me to be executive superintendent. And now our Mayor has tapped me to be Chancellor. And so, I am so honored, and this is the great privilege of my life in this – at this moment. You know, as I transitioned as a leader in District 11, the greatest honor that was bestowed upon me was when one of my principals, Principal Erica Tobia, who is now Superintendent Tobia, looked at me and said, ‘what I appreciate about you is that you remember what it was to be a principal.’ And that's what I promise to do to never forget what it meant to be in a classroom with students and planning lessons and thinking about what was important for them. And especially in this moment for teachers who are grappling with remote classes and in-person classes. I promise to never forget that. For school leaders who are managing so many multiple asks, but centering children first. I'll never forget that. And to our district leaders who are ensuring that supports and resources are being poured to schools every day, I will never forget. And that's what this moment is about. And at the end of that day – at the end of the day, it's about the tireless dedication we have to every student, every step of the way, it's about early mornings and late nights doing all the work, you'll never see – that no one will ever see you do so that we can show up so that we can create opportunities at school for students to learn each and every day. 

 

But more than anything, it's the endless joy that we saw yesterday in the Bronx when we greeted students at Principal Joe Biernat's school, Leaders of Tomorrow. And they told the Mayor and the Chancellor and I, how excited they were to be back to school, not just because they were in school, but because they wanted to connect with their teachers, they wanted to connect with each other. And that was what – that's what makes this moment so important to me. Primarily, as Chancellor, my job will be to remove the barriers, to direct resources where they're needed most, and communicate clearly around our shared goals and commitments at every school, in every neighborhood, in every single borough. I'm ready to hit the ground running and leave New York City schools to full recovery. It won't be easy, but clearly, I've never done anything easy. But we've come so far since March and Chancellor Carranza and the Mayor have laid an incredible foundation. And the cabinet, at the central office, are ready and raring to go. 

 

I pledge to our students, to young people, I'm indebted to you as a leader, as a teacher, as a principal. And I promise we'll do everything to reopen schools, starting with high schools, we're ready to go. We'll expand the learning opportunities and do more to address trauma and academic needs, because we know that that is very real. And we just heard the heart of our Chancellor as he grapples with his own trauma, because we know it's a real and important thing for us to address. To our families, we'll improve communication and build up trust. I've heard you, I've been in town halls and conferences and Zooms and Zooms and Teams. We will continue to build on investments we've made in your children, our children, because every child deserves a rigorous, high-quality education where they see themselves in the curriculum every single day. And to our staff, to our teachers, our principals, our school aides, our paraprofessionals, our guidance counselors, our kitchen staff, our custodians who've made our buildings shine, our school safety officers who've been at the front lines greeting folks every single day, to every single person who works at the New York City Department of Education, we will listen closely so that we can do the work where we need to do. And that's in our school buildings, in our classrooms with our students. We’re going to build-up communities together. And we're going to bring people together to serve students. And to our many, many advocates and community leaders, because what I've said over and over again, this moment is not about what the school system will do alone, but it's about what New York City we'll do together to invest in our children. And so, to our many advocates and community leaders we will partner with you to keep making New York City a better place for all children. I'm ready to get to work. I am so honored, so honored, to serve in this role, and I understand greatly what it means for it to be me. And to all the little girls out there, I'm saving a seat for you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Chancellor Carranza. Chancellor, hasta luego. We are joined at the heart and at the hip. Mr. Mayor, let's go. Let's do this. I'm ready. 

 

Mayor: Amen. Amen. Thank you so much, Meisha. And congratulations to you and congratulations to your whole family, including – I didn't know that it was your aunt who was your teacher, too, and your mom, obviously, was your teacher. And they should be very proud of this moment of what they nurtured and fostered in you. But again, this is a New York City success story. New York City public schools have produced our new Chancellor. The people of the Bronx, I know there's particular pride in the Bronx when one of their own moves up to the highest level. So, it is a great day for the Bronx as well. But thank you. I can hear the energy you're ready to bring to this right now, right now. And we're going to need every ounce of it as we continue to bring back our schools.  

 

I'm going to say it, and I keep saying it – supply, supply, supply. This is what we need. I'm talking to folks in the White House regularly. Our team is constantly talking at the federal level, state level. We're working with colleagues in the Congress to get us more supply. And look, again, even though we have not had the supply we deserve and need, we keep making progress. As of today, from day one, 1,675,556 vaccinations in New York City. That is a very good thing, but we can be doing so much more. Yesterday we set a record, and this is encouraging because it's a sign of what could be, if we were given the supply – 61,971 vaccinations just yesterday. Do the math. I keep saying we could be at half-a-million or more than half-a-million per week if we had the supply. Here's further evidence. We keep building up and building up, let's get the supply we deserve so we can really move this forward and bring this city back strong. Five million people, five million New Yorkers need to be fully vaccinated by June. That's our goal and we can make that goal happen.  

 

One of the things that we're seeing, which is particularly troubling, is as we're finally starting to turn the corner, we're seeing an uptick in hatred directed at Asian-American New Yorkers, and this is thoroughly unacceptable, and we will not stand for it. We will fight it. A few days ago, I gathered some leaders of the Asian communities of this city, including Congressmember Grace Meng, and the head of the Asian American Federation, Jo-Ann Yoo. And we spoke about hate crimes. We spoke about discrimination, how to fight it in this city. We need everyone to be a part of this, and I know the vast majority of New Yorkers will join us. But even as we're sounding the alarm and calling for people to band together to stop hate, we had a horrible incident yesterday, a horrible act of violence against an Asian-American man out of nowhere, just pure hatred. The suspect has been apprehended, but we're hoping and praying for this man as he fights for his life. What an injustice on every level. This community has been through so much and suffered so much discrimination during the COVID era, continue to see these acts of justice. So, we need to stand up together. We have to stop Asian hate. Tomorrow at one o'clock a Federal Plaza, there's a rally. I'll be there. And I'm encouraging all New Yorkers who can, to support this effort in any and every way, because we have to stop Asian hate. We have to stop these attacks on a community that is part of the heart and soul of New York City. So, please everyone let's stand together. That's what will move us forward.  

 

Okay, let me do the indicators for the day. Number one, daily number of people admitted to New York City hospitals for suspected COVID-19, today's report 280 patients. 63 percent confirmed positivity level, hospitalization rate 4.14 per 100,000. Number two, new reported cases on a seven-day average, today’s report 3,183 cases. Number three, percentage of people testing positive citywide for COVID-19, today's report seven-day rolling average, 6.86 percent.