Racism and discrimination will not be tolerated in New York
As a first-generation Bronx born Puerto Rican girl, my day-to-day childhood was steeped in my culture. From the food, the music, the customs, and the language, I was always proud of my Puerto Rican heritage. A product of two New York City public school educators, I witnessed firsthand the value of education and perseverance. I knew from a young age that I looked different from many of my elementary and middle school classmates. I will always recall the bite of having racial epithets hurled my way. I was young enough for it to “sting” but old enough to know that it was a defining moment. I have dedicated nearly all of my career to social justice; it is in my bones. Imagine the shock and utter disgust I felt when I heard the island where my parents were born being referred to as a “floating island of garbage.” As Governor Hochul herself noted: “I reject, with every fiber of my being, the sentiment, the words, the hatred that was spewed at that event. And I’m shocked and sad that it happened in the great State of New York.”
Like many New Yorkers, Puerto Ricans hold the homeland of our ancestors in high esteem. These words were uttered, live, in front of a cheering crowd, right here in New York. Once again, I felt that “sting”. It’s been over 40 years since the first time, but the response remains visceral. However now, I was not a 12-year-old girl. Today, I am the Acting Commissioner of the New York State Division of Human Rights, appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul.
The Division is the first state agency in the nation dedicated to civil rights and fighting discrimination. Next year we will celebrate our 80th anniversary. New York leads the country with the most expansive set of human rights laws. We are also home to the NYS Hate and Bias Unit: a team specifically created to prevent hate and bias incidents and support those who experience such. If you need our support, we encourage you to report hate and bias incidents by calling 844-NO2-HATE or visiting the Division website at dhr.ny.gov.
A proud Puerto Rican is leading the state agency dedicated to fighting against vile, racist rhetoric. Like the vile, racist rhetoric spewed at Madison Square Garden this past Sunday. This Puerto Rican wants to remind everyone that racism and discrimination will not be tolerated in New York; that everyone has a right to respect and dignity. And this Puerto Rican along with the committed staff of the Division of Human Rights will fight tirelessly on your behalf. Because Puerto Ricans are not garbage. We are American Citizens. We are New Yorkers. And sometimes we are state commissioners charged with fighting discrimination, hate and bias. And this Puerto Rican knows that we all belong here.
Denise M. Miranda, Esq. was nominated by Governor Hochul to serve as the Acting Commissioner of the Division of Human Rights (DHR). The Division is dedicated to eliminating discrimination, remedying injustice and promoting equal opportunity, access, and dignity.
