SEQ Prosperity Project

12/24/2025

Serving as your Borough President is the privilege of a lifetime. The progress we’ve made together over the last five years to build a stronger, fairer borough has been tremendous.

I’m honored to have been sworn in today for a second term and I’m deeply grateful for your trust, Queens.

Now let’s get back to work.

12/24/2025

We've just reached 500 followers! Thank you for continuing support. We could never have made it without each one of you. 🙏🤗🎉

04/25/2025

If you have a small business this is something for you to check out.

04/25/2025

10/19/2023

FYI

04/21/2023

04/13/2023

Why Speed Cameras in NYC are Hurting Middle-Class African American Communities

Speed cameras have been a topic of debate in New York City, with many people believing that they are necessary to ensure safety on the roads. However, it's important to challenge our assumptions about the effectiveness and fairness of these cameras. In fact, many of these cameras are concentrated in middle-class African American communities, like South East Queens, and are hurting the very people they are intended to protect.

When it comes to traffic safety in New York City, there's no denying that speed cameras have become a common sight. These cameras are intended to catch drivers who exceed the speed limit and issue them a ticket, with the aim of deterring unsafe driving behaviors and reducing the risk of accidents.

However, there are several reasons why speed cameras may not be the best solution for promoting road safety in New York City. For one thing, many of these cameras are concentrated in certain neighborhoods, particularly in the South East Queens area, which is predominantly middle-class African American. This has led to concerns that these communities are being unfairly targeted by law enforcement.

Furthermore, studies have shown that speed cameras may not be as effective at reducing accidents as we might think. While they can help to catch drivers who are speeding, they don't necessarily address the root causes of unsafe driving, such as driver distraction or impairment. In fact, some studies have found that drivers who receive a speed camera ticket are not significantly less likely to be involved in an accident in the future.

Another concern with speed cameras is that they can be financially burdensome for low-income families. In New York City, a speed camera ticket can cost up to $50, which can be a significant expense for families who are already struggling to make ends meet. This can create a cycle of debt and financial hardship that can be difficult to break out of.

In conclusion, while speed cameras may seem like a simple and effective solution for promoting road safety in New York City, it's important to challenge our assumptions about their effectiveness and fairness. By concentrating these cameras in middle-class African American communities like South East Queens, we may be doing more harm than good. Instead, we need to work together to find more equitable and effective solutions for promoting road safety and reducing the risk of accidents for all New Yorkers.

04/12/2023

Community Boards

Why should you care

Community boards in Queens County are essential for fostering civic engagement, empowering local voices, and promoting community-driven decision-making. They play a critical role in representing the interests and needs of the diverse neighborhoods in Queens, providing a forum for community members to voice their concerns and ideas, and collaborating with local government agencies to address local issues.
Community boards serve as a conduit between the community and government, advocating for equitable policies and services, and ensuring that community input is considered in planning and development processes. They also facilitate communication and collaboration among various stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and elected officials, to promote the well-being and development of the community.
In a county as diverse as Queens, community boards play a vital role in promoting inclusivity, diversity, and representation, making sure that all voices are heard and taken into account. Their importance cannot be overstated in building stronger, more vibrant, and resilient communities in Queens County.

04/11/2023

Adrienne Whaley: Shaping Black Stories Through Art and Film in Queens

Meet Adrienne Whaley, a creative force dedicated to showcasing Black stories through art and film. From growing up surrounded by the arts in Jamaica, Queens, to owning a video store and opening an art studio, Whaley's passion for storytelling has always been at the forefront. As the executive director of Queens Center of the Arts Incorporated (Queens Underground 718) and the International Black History Month Film Festival, Whaley continues to empower the Black youth and promote diversity in the arts. Learn more about her inspiring journey and current creative endeavors.

Adrienne Whaley's childhood in Jamaica, Queens, was filled with artistic influences. Her father was a black-and-white illustrator, and she had uncles who were a tailor and a sculptor. As a result, Whaley was immersed in the world of art and creativity from a young age, which shaped her into the woman she is today. Her love for movies blossomed from her father's routine of taking her and her siblings to the movies every week, and her personal favorite was "The River Niger," a film that left a lasting impact on her.

Whaley's entrepreneurial spirit led her to open a video store 28 years ago, which became a popular hotspot for new movies. However, the video store had to close down due to financial constraints and competition. But Whaley didn't let that deter her. She went on to open an art studio that hosted various one-night events, such as jazz performances, sip-and-paint sessions, and poetry readings, even holding events at the Nassau Coliseum. Her determination and drive to pursue her passions and accomplish her goals remained unwavering, a trait she inherited from her father's advice: "If you want something, you better learn how to make it.”

One of Whaley's core beliefs is the importance of telling Black stories through art and film. She recognizes the enduring power of Black narratives, especially in mediums like the arts, where representation and diversity are crucial. "We are creative beings. When you look at all of the innovations and inventions, it is Black. A lot of our history was not put into textbooks. The same three pages: Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, and Rosa Parks, but there are so many more great leaders," Whaley emphasized. Through her work as the executive director of Queens Center of the Arts Incorporated (Queens Underground 718) and the International Black History Month Film Festival, she is committed to promoting and celebrating Black stories and providing opportunities for the Black youth to explore different career paths in the arts. "We are well known for basketball and hip hop, but if you don't know other jobs exist, you don't know to look for it. We want to expose our youth to these opportunities," Whaley explained.

Whaley's passion for storytelling and promoting diversity in the arts goes beyond her professional work. She is also a multi-faceted artist who expresses herself creatively through painting on silk, making soaps, and gardening. She believes in continuously pushing herself to explore new creative outlets and never falling into the trap of comfort, even in moments of success.

In conclusion, Adrienne Whaley's journey has been one of resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of her passions. From her childhood in Jamaica, Queens, surrounded by the arts, to her endeavors as an entrepreneur, executive director, and artist, Whaley has significantly promoted diversity in the arts and empowered the Black youth. Her unwavering belief in the power of Black stories and her dedication to showcasing them through various mediums is a testament to her commitment to creating a more inclusive and vibrant artistic community. Adrienne Whaley

04/09/2023

Happy Easter! Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and blessed holiday filled with hope, love, and renewal.

02/03/2023

Guard your identity!