FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, February 9, 2026
Contact: Soojin Choi |347-556-6335| press@johnliusenate.com

Flushing, NY – The Year of the Horse kicked off with hundreds of celebrants at the historic Flushing High School on Sunday during State Senator John Liu’s Lunar New Year celebration. The Lunar New Year kick-off featured live music, dances, cultural performances, giveaways, and free food from local restaurants. Incidentally, John was born in the year of the horse and therefore will be celebrating his “36th” birthday later in the year.

State Senator John Liu stated, “At a time when it’s more important than ever to remember what truly makes America great, we proudly celebrate this Lunar New Year to honor the traditions, cultures, values, and history that make New York, and America, stronger than ever. As we welcome the Year of the Horse, a symbol of energy, perseverance, and forward momentum, we celebrate the long history and contributions of our Asian American communities and recommit ourselves to educating our children about the great tapestry of cultures that make up America. Grateful to all the families, organizations, performers, and local businesses who joined us to ring in a joyful, healthy, and prosperous Lunar New Year.”

The festivities featured a legislative victory celebration co-hosted by the REACH Coalition (Representing and Empowering AANHPI Community History), a statewide alliance of more than 60 community-based organizations advocating for inclusive AANHPI education, marking the recent passage of the AANHPI Equity Act. Sponsored by Senator John Liu and Assembly Member Grace Lee, the legislation represents an important step forward for New York State by surveying how Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history is being taught in classrooms across the state, and how it is not.

The event was held in conjunction with NYC Public Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Congress Member Grace Meng, State Assembly Member Grace Lee, State Assembly Member Ron Kim, City Council Member Sandra Ung. Also in attendance were U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, Attorney General Leticia James, City Comptroller Mark Levine, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Assembly Member Ed Braunstein, Assembly Member Sam Berger, and Council Member Linda Lee.

Performances included the PS 203Q Lion Dance Troupe, Korean Fever, Inc., Kinding Sindaw Melayu Heritage of the Philippines, Ashley Dance Center & Ashley Liang Dance Company, Inc., Youth Orchestra, CYCNY, Earlssu (Korean traditional instrument group). 

Cuisine was provided by Shanghai You Garden, Royal Queen, Korean Cuisine Globalization Committee, TBAAR, Bell Garden, New York Senior Association, Main Street Taiwanese Gourmet, Qingdao Restaurant, Cane’s Chicken, Ruo Ruo Yang, William Wang, Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, Coco Fresh Tea and Juice, Crispy Burger, Water Lillies Food, LLC, Lee Kum Kee (USA), Inc.