Governor Kathy Hochul attended the 48th annual Three Kings Day celebration at El Museo del Barrio in East Harlem, where she delivered remarks to attendees. The event highlighted the importance of cultural traditions and community within New York.
During her speech, Governor Hochul shared a personal story about her granddaughter’s curiosity regarding the gifts brought by the three kings in a Nativity scene. She stated, “Because Jesus gave us a gift. Jesus gave us His only son.” She went on to reflect on broader themes, saying, “But it also reminds us of the gifts we have every single day. The gifts of community, the gifts of places like El Museo del Barrio. Places where we have people that are so focused on continuing the traditions and the culture of the countries where they, and their parents and grandparents, came from.”
The Governor emphasized New York’s diversity as one of its strengths: “What makes us so fascinating as New Yorkers — it is our diversity, it is our acceptance and welcoming of so many people from all around the world.”
She also mentioned recent travels with Congressman Adriano Espaillat to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Hochul noted how these experiences reinforced her appreciation for cultural warmth found both abroad and within local communities.
Addressing current challenges faced by immigrant communities, Hochul said: “Don’t give that up, especially during these tough, tough days when we feel like we are under attack, that so many in our communities are afraid to go to church on a Sunday, afraid to go to schools, afraid to go to their court appearance because they may not go home again.”
She called for unity: “This is when we stand united as a community — stronger than ever before — because this is a community that matters, that has earned its right here as a New Yorker, as part of our family. So we’ll continue to stand up and be your voice and the voice of your friends and family because that’s who we are.”
Hochul concluded by reaffirming her commitment as governor: “So let’s take this moment to celebrate the great gifts we have in each other, this beautiful day, but also send forth with that same commitment to stand together through the good times and the bad. And that’s what I commit to do as your Governor of the great State of New York. Thank you very much, everyone. Muchas gracias.”
