(Bronx, NY) - State Senator Gustavo Rivera issued the following statement ahead of this weekend’s Yemeni American Day and in light of community organizing around his colleague Senator Fernandez’s bill, S6487A, to designate Little Yemen as a cultural district.

“I’m looking forward to joining my neighbors to celebrate Yemen Revolution Day at the Yemeni American Day Parade. Our City prides itself on the abundance of ethnic enclaves representing every single nation in the world that make us a culturally abundant destination.

Little Yemen is a thriving and beloved part of the East Bronx and a vibrant neighborhood in my district. Our Yemeni community has grown and enriched our borough with its culture, entrepreneurship, faith, and deep commitment to making The Bronx a better place for all of us. Yet our neighbors are facing racist attacks, targeting, and blatant Islamophobia.

We must be unequivocal: there is no place for hate in our streets. Everyone who remembers takes pride in the heritage of their ancestors who immigrated here might remember that those immigrants also experienced the challenges of being a newcomer to our City. We must reject attempts to divide our communities, scapegoat our neighbors, or discriminate based on ethnicity or religion.

I am proud to support Senator Fernandez’s bill to establish Little Yemen as a cultural district. It is my hope that Governor Hochul signs this bill into law to send a strong message about New York’s values: our diversity should be celebrated, not feared.

As neighbors, it is our responsibility to ensure that every community can celebrate their heritage without fear, worship in peace, and work with dignity. As always, my team and I are available to discuss the issues that challenge every New Yorker and unite us all: making sure our City is safe and affordable for the people that call it home."