Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani: ¡Yo soy Boricua, pa que tu lo sepas! How we doing today? It is an honor to be here today to celebrate the one, the only, the legendary Toñita. For 52 years, Toñita has been an icon for this city. She has helped to show what makes so many of us so proud to be New Yorkers. Every single day she helps to build a sense of community here and a recognition for Nuyorican's across the five boroughs. And I know that so many of us are here today to celebrate Toñita Fest. I want to take a moment to share a quote from Toñita that I came back to often. She said, "I'm staying here with my people as long as I can. This isn't for me to make money or a fortune. It's to maintain a space for all of us to be together."
And we know that that's so important for our city, and we also know that's important for Puerto Rico. Because at a time when Puerto Rico is dealing with a water crisis, at a time when they're having to deal with the legacies of colonialism, it is so critical that we here in New York City say, "Puerto Rico no se vende" (Translation: Puerto Rico is not for sale). And we know that that solidarity that Toñita has shown this city is not specific to anyone - it's for all.
And so even now, as we look and see the horrific tragedy that just befell Venezuela, we want to acknowledge that right here with us today is Angelo Colina stepping up to support Venezuela affected by that horrible disaster. [With] that being said, I am also so proud to be here alongside the incredible artist from the Bronx, Edwin Reyes. And to present Toñita with Bandera Viva, a special gift that draws inspiration from the Puerto Rican flag.
Thank you so much, New York City. And I want to acknowledge all of the leaders that have been here. We have the Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who's here with us. And we also want to celebrate and acknowledge our congresswoman, Nydia Velázquez, as well. Really, it's an honor to be your mayor; it is an honor to be yet another New Yorker in all of the inspiration that is Toñita. Thank you so much!
