NYC Gazette

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. is set to deliver his 2024 State of the Borough address on Friday, April 12 at 10am at the Queens Theatre within Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, NY. The focus of his address will be on highlighting successes in promoting equity and justice in the borough.

In anticipation of the event, Borough President Richards expressed his commitment to combating systemic injustice, stating, “Queens is seeing so much growth across all facets of our society. But unless that growth is rooted in equity for all our families, the historic injustices that have plagued our communities for generations will only worsen.”

Richards further shared his pride in the progress made over the past year, saying, “I couldn’t be prouder of the work we’ve done together to build a borough based on justice and equity for all.” He also expressed excitement about outlining future plans to address remaining challenges in his upcoming address.

The event will feature performances by various artists, including the NYPD Guardians Association Gospel Choir, saxophonist Steven Salcedo, Joe’s Academy of Music, and the Queensboro Dance Festival. Deputy Queens Borough President Ebony Young will serve as the program’s emcee, with remarks expected from notable figures like New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and retired NASA astronaut Ellen Baker.

Sponsored by organizations such as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines, and BRP Companies, the State of the Borough address will be open to the public and the press. Those interested in attending are required to RSVP in advance.

The speech will also be broadcast live on Queens Public Television’s website, as well as on www.queensbp.org and the Borough President’s YouTube channel for public viewing.

The address is part of Borough President Richards’ ongoing efforts to create a more just and equitable Queens, with a particular focus on expanding affordable housing, fostering economic opportunities in marginalized communities, and addressing environmental and social issues within the borough.