Council Member Marte on NYPL '1776 and Beyond' exhibition resolution
Council Member Marte presents his resolution recognizing the New York Public Library's '1776 and Beyond' exhibition, highlighting NYC's role as a Revolutionary War battleground and the importance of reflecting on the promises and exclusions of the founding era. He jokes about Nicolas Cage not stealing the documents.
Thank you, Chair.
I'm proud to introduce this resolution recognizing the New York Public Library declaring America.
1776 and beyond exhibition as we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States.
New York City was not just a setting for the American Revolution.
It was one of its battlegrounds, and it's where...
It was a place where the ideas, conflicts, and contradictions of this country were being tested from the very beginning.
This exhibition gives New Yorkers a rare chance to see that history up close, from documents that helped spark the revolution to Jefferson's handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence.
It also gives us the chance to reflect honestly on the promises that were made at the founding of this country, the people who were excluded from them, and the work that remains to build a democracy that lives upon these ideals.
I want to thank the New York Public Library for making these documents accessible to the public, and I want to make sure that no one tells Nicolas Cage because we don't want them stolen.
And I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Next up, Councilmember Joseph.