Transcript: Mayor Adams Hosts and Delivers Remarks at Greek Heritage Reception

April 27, 2023

Mayor Eric Adams: Good to be here. Father Pappas and I have just a long relationship. I remember years ago when we would hold this amazing event at the Brooklyn Borough Hall and he stated each year, “You’re getting closer and closer, Eric, to becoming the mayor of the City of New York.” And he understood where we were going. And with the prayers of the archbishop, we arrived. We arrived.

Everyone knows that New York City is the Athens of America. We have one of the largest Greek populations in America, is right here in New York City. We have a very strong population of, not only business people, leaders, elected officials, but when you think about the men and women of the Greek community and how you contribute to what makes our city great. And all of your nominees tonight, I want to say congratulations.

But we have the same thing in common. We believe in family. We believe in education. We believe in small businesses. And most importantly, we believe in public safety. You know that public safety's a prerequisite to our prosperity. And when I move around the cities, I see a community like yours, and you never have to wonder where you stand in the area of supporting the men and women who wear the blue uniform and have the shield on their chest. You support the police, and you support the wellbeing and the safety of our city, so we are aligned together as our city continues to show the country what it's like to live in New York.

We are not coming back, we are back. We are back because of a community like yours.

And Joan, come up here, Joan.

When she — when Joan said she was going look to see if this was going to be in Brooklyn, I said, "No, I'm not Brooklyn borough president now, I’m the mayor. You got to come to Gracie Mansion." This is the people's house. Welcome to the people's house.

Really want to thank you for what you do for the City of New York. And let's continue to bring the city to the level that we all expect. Thank you so much. Enjoy the night. We still have some good food, some great restaurants. Let's enjoy the rest of the evening together. Thank you so much.