Governor Kathy Hochul attended the 48th annual Three Kings Day celebration organized by El Museo del Barrio in East Harlem. During her remarks, she highlighted the importance of community and cultural traditions in New York.
Hochul shared a personal story about her granddaughter’s reaction to a Nativity scene at the Governor’s residence. She explained, “Because Jesus gave us a gift. Jesus gave us His only son.” She added that this time of year is also a reminder of “the gifts we have every single day. The gifts of community, the gifts of places like El Museo del Barrio. Places where we have people that are so focused on continuing the traditions and the culture of the countries where they, and their parents and grandparents, came from.”
The Governor emphasized how New York’s diversity is central to its identity: “What makes us so fascinating as New Yorkers — it is our diversity, it is our acceptance and welcoming of so many people from all around the world.”
She mentioned recent visits to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic with Congressman Adriano Espaillat, saying these experiences helped her appreciate “the warmth of a people that I see where it came from here in my own communities in New York, and that touched my heart.”
Addressing concerns within immigrant communities about safety and belonging, Hochul stated: “Don’t give that up, especially during these tough, tough days when we feel like we are under attack, that so many in our communities are afraid to go to church on a Sunday, afraid to go to schools, afraid to go to their court appearance because they may not go home again.”
She concluded by reaffirming her commitment: “This is when we stand united as a community — stronger than ever before — because this is a community that matters, that has earned its right here as a New Yorker, as part of our family. So we’ll continue to stand up and be your voice and the voice of your friends and family because that’s who we are… And that’s what I commit to do as your Governor of the great State of New York. Thank you very much, everyone. Muchas gracias.”
The event was available for streaming online through YouTube and other platforms.