Assemblymember McMahon Presents Resolution Declaring February 21 as ‘Mother Language Day’ in NYS
Assemblymember Karen McMahon (D-Amherst) presented the Bangladeshi American Social & Cultural Organization of WNY (BASCO) with a New York State Assembly resolution on Monday, declaring February 21 as “Mother Language Day” in the State of New York.
Mother Language Day celebrates both cultural and linguistic diversity and honors all languages of the world. The resolution, which was introduced by Assemblymember McMahon, establishes the day in New York State, in conjunction with International Mother Language Day which was officially proclaimed in 1999 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).1
“I was honored to introduce this resolution in the Assembly, establishing Mother Language Day in the State of New York,” said Assemblymember McMahon. “Western New York, and the state as a whole, is a melting pot of cultures, and with them, come hundreds of different languages. As we welcome immigrant and refugee communities, multilingualism will become more and more common. This day celebrates those who speak Bangla and all other languages from around the globe.”
"This Legislative resolution for 21st February is a statement of the linguistic cultural diversity that we enjoy in New York State,” said Farook Ahmed, Director of BASCO WNY. “[The] BASCO team is proud to be involved with this process and we dedicate this resolution to all the Bangla speaking population of New York and worldwide.”
The appreciation for the contributions and cultural significance of multi-language people in New York State is evidenced by the overwhelming support McMahon’s resolution received in the Legislature.
“I’m proud that this resolution was sponsored by 17 of my colleagues from around the state,” said McMahon. “From downstate to Western New York, the importance of this recognition was clear.”
Assemblymember McMahon presented the resolution in a ceremony in Williamsville on Monday afternoon. She was joined by Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa, Erie County Legislator Jeanne Vinal, Amherst Town Councilmember Deborah Bucki, and members of BASCO WNY and the Bangladeshi community.