New York, NY – On Wednesday, June 27th, Assemblymember Grace Lee and District Leader Daisy Paez co-hosted "Rhythms of LES" at Henry M. Jackson Park. The event, attended by

elected officials, community leaders, and hundreds of local residents, celebrated the vibrant Puerto Rican community of the Lower East Side. Attendees enjoyed live music by La Charanga Pacha and DJ Tony Bonilla, along with cuisine catered by Mia’s Cocina.

Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, Councilmember Christopher Marte, and representatives from Congressman Dan Goldman's office were also in attendance.

The Assemblymember also recognized several community organizations with proclamations for their dedicated service to the Latino community on the Lower East Side: Boyz 4 Life, Vision Urbana, Friends of 12 Park and The Literacy Academy Collective.

“I am incredibly proud of this event’s success,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee. “Rhythms of LES was a wonderful opportunity to bring hundreds of community members together to celebrate Puerto Rican culture and engage in its vibrant dance, culinary, and

musical traditions. I thank District Leader Daisy Paez for co-hosting the event and our amazing partners Mia’s Cocina, La Charanga Pacha, and DJ Tony Bonilla for helping to make this event a reality. I look forward to making this an annual tradition on the Lower East Side.”

“Rhythms of LES was a fantastic event,” said District Leader Daisy Paez. “It was held in Assembly District 65, and it was incredibly well-received by the residents. I was thrilled to see so many people enjoying themselves and dancing to salsa music! A big thank you to

Assemblymember Grace Lee for making this vision come to life—she's been a tremendous supporter of our community.”

"Vision Urbana has been able to continue its mission which includes providing food security to thousands of Lower East Side residents, thanks to the support of New York State Assemblymember Grace Lee,” said Eric Diaz. “The Assembly proclamation serves as a statement to continue honoring and funding community-based organizations founded by residents of the Lower East Side such as Vision Urbana Inc, whose leadership are also residents of this wonderful diverse community. Vision Urbana is proud to have Puerto Rican leadership on its board and for their efforts to have been honored with this proclamation."

"I had a wonderful time at Rhythms of LES," said The Literacy Academy Collective Director of Community and Family Engagement Naomi Peña. "It was heartening to have our work on the Lower East Side recognized by Assemblymember Lee and to see the Puerto Rican community celebrated at a vibrant local event."