T HE C OUNCIL

ROBERT JACKSON 7th District Manhattan Co-Chair

JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS 45TH District Brooklyn Co-Vice Chair SARA GONZALEZ 38TH District Brooklyn Co-Vice Chair MARGARET CHIN 1ST District - Manhattan Secretary RUBEN WILLS 28TH District Queens Treasurer MARIA DEL CARMEN ARROYO 17th District Bronx Ex-officio Past Chair HELEN DIANE FOSTER 16TH District Bronx Ex-officio Past Chair CHARLES BARRON 42ND District Brooklyn LEROY COMRIE 27TH District Queens INEZ E. DICKENS 9TH District - Manhattan MATHIEU EUGENE 40TH District Brooklyn JULISSA FERRERAS 21TH District - Queens LETITIA JAMES 35TH District Brooklyn ANDY KING 12th District Bronx PETER KOO 20TH District - Queens MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO 8TH District Manhattan ERIK MARTIN-DILAN 37TH District Brooklyn DARLENE MEALY 41ST District - Brooklyn ROSIE MENDEZ 2ND District Manhattan ANNABEL PALMA 18TH District Bronx DIANA REYNA 34TH District Brooklyn JOEL RIVERA 15TH District Bronx YDANIS RODRIGUEZ 10TH District Manhattan DEBORAH ROSE 49TH District Staten Island ALBERT VANN 36TH District Brooklyn ALEXANDER RIAS Director of BLAC Affairs

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FERNANDO CABRERA 14th District Bronx Co-Chair

B LACK , L ATINO AND A SIAN C AUCUS

Assembly Member Dov Hikind 1310 48th Street Brooklyn, NY 11219 Dear Assembly Member Hikind; We write, as the Black, Latino & Asian Caucus of the New York City Council, to directly address the incident involving your donning of blackface at a party, and your sentiments suggesting that no offense should be taken. We find it deeply disturbing that, not only did you make the conscious decision to wear the offensive costume, but your comments following the media blowback suggest that you have no consideration for the history of blackface and the trivialization of the black experience in this country. This situation forces us to think: what would be your reaction had the shoe been on the other foot? Earlier this month, when former Christian Dior fashion executive, John Galliano, wore an outfit closely resembling traditional Chasidic clothing at a New York Fashion Week event, you were irate. Who is he mocking? you said. My question is, who is he laughing at? We ask the same question of you, Assemblyman. Who are you mocking? Who are you laughing at? Not only have your actions called into question your understanding of African American culture in this country, and in this city, but your statements that have a smack of hypocrisy. It is well-known that the celebration of Purim has a deep and rich history and tradition, and that costumes and elaborate dress are a part of that celebration. There is no reason, justification, rationalization nor excuse however, that can explain away your choice of costume and suggestion that this is political correctness to the absurd. It is also well-known that blackface is a polarizing symbol of the minstrel shows of the past that manipulated, perpetuated and highlighted stereotypes of black Americans for callus entertainment. It was offensive back then, and it is offensive now. In some parts of New York City, there was a history of tension between members of the African American community and the Jewish community. We have moved beyond those days, and substantial bridges have been built, reuniting communities around tolerance and understanding. Your actions and your comments fly in the face of all of the work that has been done to bring communities together in this city. For these reasons, we believe that a true and real public apology is a necessary first step. We are also asking that you meet with community leaders in order to further improve cross-cultural respect and understanding. Sincerely, February 25, 2013

Robert Jackson BLA Caucus Co-Chair

Fernando Cabrera BLA Caucus Co-Chair

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