Transcript: Mayor Adams Delivers Remarks at Flag-Raising Ceremony for Kenya

June 29, 2023

Mayor Eric Adams: Happy Madaraka, and much to you. When you think about it, don't be disconnected from the importance of the moment when you see that right here on this spot was where African ancestors were sold into slavery. When you see some of the impact of what has happened to the continent of Africa, it shows the resiliency of the people. And do not remove yourself from the success that New York is one of the most important cities in America. And so, to my people of Kenya, just as you fought for your independence 50 years ago, you have to acknowledge the success. When I went to Africa, one of my seven visits, I saw that our ancestors left in slavery, but I returned with the mayoralty, there's an African that is the mayor of the City of New York. You should never remove yourself from that reality.

Today, we are raising the flag of Kenya. The first time in the history of this city that this flag is going to be raised. It is going to be raised because I believe that this city is representative from all the groups, the number of countries that have had their flag raised here for the first time. As mayor, I must not only be substantive to deal with public safety, to deal with education and housing, to deal with homelessness, I also must be symbolic. I must send a signal that no matter where you come from on the globe, if it's from South America, Central America, from Europe, from any place, you are part of the New York experience. And so today, when we raise this flag, we raise the energy and spirit of the people of Kenya that you are part of the New York experience. Your contribution, your commitment, your song, your dance, your food, your culture, your energy is united with the greatness of this great city. So, I thank you.

Let's continue to lift each other up with song, with encouragement, with the spirit and energy of our ancestors as we continue to bring our city and country to where we want it to be. Greatest city on the globe, have the greatest people on the globe. Let's celebrate the independence of Kenya today. Thank you very much.

###