Diversity Plaza
May 17, 2016 By Michael Florio
A Jackson Heights street will be officially dubbed Diversity Plaza this Saturday.
Councilman Daniel Dromm is hosting a street co-naming ceremony where 37th Road– between 73rd and 74th Streets–will be designated Diversity Plaza.
A Diversity Plaza street sign will go up where 37th Road, 73rd Street and Broadway all intersect, according to Dromm.
The ceremony will take place this Saturday at 12 pm.
Diversity Plaza came to being in October 2011, Dromm said, when the street was closed off to traffic, and tables and chairs were set up for residents. Many cultural events and gatherings are hosted at the plaza.
“This will be the official naming of Diversity Plaza,” Dromm said.
The plaza holds a special meaning to residents, according to Dromm.
“It’s the crossroads of the world in many ways,” he said. “There are so many different cultures here.”
The space embraces diversity and acceptance, Dromm said, both of which need to be celebrated. He said the Plaza stands against the divisiveness displayed by Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump.
“We are sending a message of acceptance and tolerance,” he added. “That is what Jackson Heights is all about.”
A number of organizations that have helped with the beautification and maintenance of the Plaza will join Dromm at the ceremony, including Friends of Diversity Plaza; Association for Community Employment Program for the Homeless; Sukhi; Vita Coco; and Congressman Joseph Crowley.
A performance by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company will also take place.
