The President of Queens Melinda Katz honored Polish activists

Queens authorities honored the representatives of the Polish community working for immigrants and the Polish-American social group, as well as those associated with this district. Among the honorees who dedicated their work to Polish community and have been active in the neighborhood were Marta Kustek, current President of of DSNY Foundation who received Citation of Honor in recognition of merits for the Polish-American community, in particular for maintaining the Polish language among emigrants and actions related to bilingualism, such as “We speak Polish in our home” and “Polish Bilingual Day”.

“New York is a city whose multiculturalism is its greatest treasure, which makes it unique” – said Kustek. – “Therefore,  the unique culture and distinctiveness of individual ethnic groups should be maintained and supported, because it all creates the quality of this metropolis. Polish culture is one of those parts, and by cultivating it’s beautiful tradition and history, we have already clearly marked our presence and enriched New York City’s image. Now we must make sure that the next generations of young Polish – American people want to continue that in the future. Therefore, we want support and promote both languages, culture and tradition, these three elements are inextricably linked with each other” – explained Marta Kustek.

The ceremony took place on Thursday, October 26, at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center, located in Queens Borough Hall. About 200 people took part in the event, which was part of the Polish-American Heritage Month, including representatives of Polish organizations and the Polish-American audience.

Citation of Honor are special diploma awarded to outstanding people, institutions and organizations whose activities are of particular importance and contribute to the development of the émigré community, including (in our case) the Polish diaspora. In addition, the winners should have some connection with Queens, either through their place of residence or their socio-economic activity. And so was the case of those awarded with these diplomas during the Thursday ceremony at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center.

Source: Dziennik.com