The South Asian Advisory Forum organized in partnership with the Muslim Entrepreneur Association, New York Grows Together and the Khalsa Community Patrol, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages was a successful event and first of its kind, with the theme “Community Unity: Strengthening South Asian Ties.” The event aimed to promote greater understanding, collaboration, and harmony among the diverse South Asian community in the region.
The event featured several high-profile speakers, including community leaders, religious leaders, and experts from different South Asian countries, who shared their insights and experiences on issues related to community building, cultural diversity, and social cohesion.
Abdul Rahman, who is the co-host of the town hall, founder of the Muslim Entrepreneur Association, and director of New York Grows Together, expressed that the town hall was organized to provide a platform for attendees to discuss openly the matters that they believe should be addressed.
Rahman had addressed the theme of the event which was in regards to unity and ways the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean community can work together in cohesion to provide a voice to the community, which would result in resources, activities and ultimately benefit the entire South Asian diaspora in Nassau County and beyond.
Rahman also stated that issues such as domestic violence and mental health are often avoided and not talked about until they become problematic. He believes that prevention is key and that it is essential to have these conversations before problems arise.
Japneet Singh, the co-host of the event, founder of Khalsa Community Patrol, and director of New York Grows Together, spoke about the importance of addressing hate crimes and being vigilant in the community. Singh stated in the last year alone there were several attacks targeting elderly members of the Sikh community where no possessions were taken, indicating the attack was due solely to the wearing of turbans and a targeted hate attack against the Sikh community. Singh stated, “I created Khalsa Community Patrol in order to provide protection to our community in lieu of these attacks especially the elderly who are most vulnerable.”
The event featured numerous speakers from different ethnic backgrounds, including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indo-Caribbean, who shared their personal experiences and concerns by stepping up to the microphone.
Participants also had the opportunity to attend cultural performances and exhibitions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the South Asian region. The event highlighted the unique contributions and perspectives of different South Asian communities.
One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by the JFK Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program, focused on helping local South Asian businesses obtain government contracts for the JFK airport revitalization project. The presentation provided valuable insights into the procurement process, eligibility requirements, and best practices for MWBEs seeking to participate in the project.
The presentation was well-received by the attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the project and explore potential opportunities for their businesses. Several local South Asian businesses expressed their interest in participating in the project and highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the MWBE program in promoting greater diversity and inclusion in government contracting.
One of the inspiring speakers at the event was Nafiah Ikram, an acid survivor victim and advocate for survivors’ rights. Ikram shared her personal story of surviving a brutal acid attack and how it motivated her to become a champion for other survivors.
During her speech, Ikram highlighted how easy it is to order acid online and why it is crucial to make it harder to obtain such dangerous substances. She spoke about the need for stricter regulations and control measures to prevent acid attacks from happening in the first place.
Ikram’s message was a wake-up call for the audience, who were shocked to learn about the ease with which acid can be obtained online and the devastating consequences of such attacks. Her call for action resonated with many attendees, who expressed their support for increased awareness, advocacy, and policy reforms to address this pressing issue.
Also one of the memorable moments of the event was a moving poetry recitation by Suha Syed, a local South Asian poet and writer. Syed recited a poem she wrote in honor of the victims of the recent Turkish earthquake tragedy, expressing solidarity with the affected communities and offering words of comfort and hope.
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and Legislator Carrié Solages have long been dedicated to serving the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities in their districts. One of their key initiatives has been to increase representation and participation of South Asians and Indo-Caribbeans in local government and community affairs, with this event serving as the first of its kind and setting the foundation for future events.
Another area of focus for the Solages has been to improve access to critical services and resources for the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. They have worked to expand language access, provide more affordable healthcare options, and increase access to education and job training programs. Their efforts to introduce halal food in school meal plans and make Eid al-Adha and Diwali official holidays are just a few examples of how they are working to address the specific needs and cultural traditions of the communities they serve.
Furthermore, the Solages have been vocal advocates for social justice and human rights, speaking out against discrimination, hate crimes, and gender-based violence. They have been strong supporters of initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of society.
Overall, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and Legislator Carrié Solages have demonstrated a deep commitment to serving the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities in their districts. Their dedication and advocacy have been critical in promoting community empowerment, social justice, and positive social change.
The event was supported by several community leaders and organizations such as MEA (Muslim Entrepreneur Association), Khalsa Community Patrol, NYGT (New York Grows Together), JFK MWBE, CAIR NY, Turning Point, and the offices of Michelle Solages and Carrie Solages.
Overall, the event was a great success, demonstrating the potential of the South Asian Advisory Forum in promoting community unity, collaboration, and economic empowerment among the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities.