NYC Mayor Eric Adams hosts Lunar New Year celebration

What happened: The reception was supposed to be held at Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City’s mayor, but had to be moved to the New York County Surrogate’s Courthouse in Manhattan on Thursday evening due to inclement weather.

Among the attendees were New Yorkers, AAPI elected officials, including commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services Kevin D. Kim, who delivered the opening speech at the event, and Asian international dignitaries from Vietnam, Korea, China and India.

Greeting the attendees: Celebrating the Lunar New Year, Adams said the “Year of the Dragon is about action, innovation and prosperity. Or as we say in City Hall, it’s about getting stuff done,” echoing the same message he shared when he extended his greetings in a video last week.

Mayor’s speech: In his speech, Adams said he is proud to be the mayor of a city “with one of the largest Chinese, Asian and Pacific constituencies.” About 1.2 million Asians, or 14.47% of the city’s 8 million population, are currently living in New York City in 2024.

He also praised the city’s “amazing Asian advisory council,” who “brought it all together,” adding, “I look forward to the great things the advisory council is going to do this coming year.”

Adams also recalled his administration’s vision when he came into office two years ago in his Thursday evening speech, including improving public safety, revitalizing communities and building the city’s economic strength.

His projects: Adams also noted how he is proud of his office’s work in helping expand the AAPI community’s rich tradition and history. He highlighted the $55 million makeover of the historic Kimlau Plaza in Chinatown, an area named to honor Lt. Benjamin Kimlau, a Chinese American pilot who died in World War II.

“We are looking forward to build an arch there and building an arch in Brooklyn,” he said. “This is a real symbol of strength for our city and for your community.”