SACSS Joins NYC Council’s “We The City: Poetry in the Park” to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

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SACSS Joins NYC Council’s “We The City: Poetry in the Park” to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

SACSS Joins NYC Council’s “We The City: Poetry in the Park” to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

On June 25, SACSS participated in We The City: Poetry in the Park, a special New York City Council event held at City Hall Park to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. In partnership with The Public Theater, the program celebrated New York City’s extraordinary cultural and linguistic diversity through a multilingual public reading of Emma Lazarus’s iconic poem, The New Colossus, famously inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty.

The event brought together artists, performers, authors, civic leaders, athletes, and community representatives from across New York City to read the poem in 12 languages connected to their heritage. The poem was recited in 12 different languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Yiddish, Haitian Creole, Russian, Urdu, and many others spoken by communities throughout the five boroughs.

SACSS Joins NYC Council's We The City Poetry in the Park to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary

Council Member Shekar Krishnan

“SACSS was especially proud to be represented by Rehan Mehmood, Director of Health Services, who delivered a moving recitation of The New Colossus in Urdu. SACSS is grateful to Council Member Shekar Krishnan for warmly introducing Rehan and for his commitment to celebrating the diversity of Queens.

SACSS Joins NYC Council's We The City Poetry in the Park to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary

Rehan Mehmood, Director of Health Services at SACSS

For SACSS, this event carried a special meaning. Every day, our staff serves New Yorkers in more than 20 languages, helping individuals and families access healthcare, social services, mental health support, and community resources in the language they understand best. We know that language is more than communication. It builds trust, provides comfort, and allows people to navigate essential services with dignity and confidence.

SACSS Joins NYC Council's We The City Poetry in the Park to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary

Participants and attendees of Poetry in the Park with Speaker Julie Menin

SACSS extends its sincere gratitude to Speaker Julie Menin and the New York City Council, The Public Theater, and all of the organizers and participants who made this meaningful celebration possible. We are proud to stand alongside partners who recognize that linguistic and cultural diversity is one of our city’s greatest strengths and remain committed to ensuring every member of our community has access to compassionate, culturally responsive services.