On Monday 10/22, leaders in the Queen’s community met for a roundtable discussion with the New York City’s Human Rights Commissioner, Carmelyn P. Malalis. The purpose of the meeting was to meet with various community leaders, activists, faith-based leaders, business owners, and social workers to discuss Human Rights issues in the community and how the Commissioner can respond to those issues or add value to the work that CBO’s are doing.
Commissioner Malalis was gracious enough to personally greet everyone in the room before the meeting commenced. This created a very welcoming and open atmosphere in the room. Opening remarks were made by Rasel K. Rahman, Director of CCHR Queens Community Service Center.
Commissioner Malalis highlighted various initiatives her administration has taken to meet the needs of the community which includes an expanded workforce of around one hundred and sixty-one people who speak over thirty-one languages. With the expanded workforce and the various languages spoken by the workforce, New Yorkers could rest assured that someone would be able to understand and translate that information to the human rights office.
The Commissioner also highlighted that NYC has created a space where people can express what happens to them. In some cases, a person can have up to one year to report an incident and up to three years to report a domestic violence case.
Several topics were raised by those attended. We all shared issues we would like to see eradicated in our community. I expressed my concern about gender discrimination in the work place. Transgender current issues and dilemmas were also heavily discussed. Housing discrimination was also discussed. Commissioner Malalis informed us that NYC does not tolerate landlords reporting illegal tenants to ICE. For such heinous acts, hefty fines are involved which can be $250,000 per discriminatory act.
One attendee highlighted that we should communicate to our communities the importance of making reports to the Commissioner’s office. Because cases are evaluated on an individual basis, and while it may not unfold as fast as you would like, NYC is working around the clock to bring your results.
Domestic violence is prevalent in the Queens community so naturally it was a high topic of discussion. It was suggested by some of the attendees that our communities should have counselors available for kids who live in homes where there are occurrences of domestic violence. For women who are experience abuse, another attendee requested that we have a platform for women to receive assistance and counseling services. Women need to know that it is not their fault that they are victims of abuse.
With grace and compassion, Commissioner Malalis was engaging and attentively listened to every one of us. She reassured us that her office works diligently for humans to coexist in a society for every race and gender.
I can confidently say, without reservations, that Commissioner Malalis was there to listen and engage with us. She made it clear that her office prioritizes human rights and is opened to the suggestion to have other meetings and seminars open to the public. I looked forward to attending many more meetings so I can assist in improving my community.
A special thanks to Mohamed Q. Amin, Executive Director of Caribbean Equality Project, for cohosting this meeting. He did an excellent job.
Photo Credit: Suzanne Mahadeo
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