As a resident of Queens, New York, who was born in Richmond Hill at Jamaica Hospital I have seen firsthand the impact of redistricting on marginalized communities. In particular, I have been following the efforts to redraw the boundaries of the 28th district to better represent the needs and concerns of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean residents.

For too long, Rochdale Village has been included in the 28th district despite being a predominantly African American community. This has meant that the needs of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean residents, who make up a significant portion of the district, have not been adequately represented.

But that is starting to change. In recent months, there has been a growing movement to remove Rochdale Village from the 28th district and create a new, more inclusive district that better represents the diverse communities of Queens.

As someone who has been advocating for this change, I am excited about the possibilities it presents. By giving South Asian and Indo-Caribbean residents a stronger voice in local government, we can ensure that their concerns are heard and their needs are met. Especially Sikhs as 2022 had a unprecedented year where Sikhs were subjected to a large amount of hate crimes that was largely ignored by our elected officials. 

I believe that redistricting is an important tool for promoting equity and justice in our communities. By ensuring that our political boundaries reflect the diversity of our population, we can create a more just and inclusive society for all.

I am proud to be a part of this movement for redistricting in Queens and will continue to advocate for the rights of all marginalized communities in our city. Together, we can build a better future for everyone.