The event, emceed by Broadway performer Joanna Carpenter, featured musical performances by K-Pop musical star Min, Filipino-American rapper and singer Slayrizz, Chinese and Colombian violinist Yut Chia and Indian-American comedian Pratima Mani.
Randy Peers, BCC president and CEO, pointed out that for the Chamber, this is a very special and historic day.
“It’s the first time we are doing this, and we are definitely going to be doing it every year,” Peers said, adding, “The goal is to make it a signature event like our Black History Month celebration. This Asian-American Night Market will be the first of many.
“If you think about it, it’s not just from a commerce perspective — it’s about the cultural influence that Asian Americans have had in Brooklyn, New York City and in the United States,” Peers added. “There’s such a strong Chinese-American community, a vibrant Korean-American community, an amazing Filipino-American community — but there is also a Southeastern Asian presence as well. It’s all here, and it’s all represented in Brooklyn. Where else in the world can you find something like this?”
Kathie Lee, executive vice president and chief legal officer at the BCC, explained that it’s all about getting the community together to showcase Asian heritage “and to celebrate different cultural jewels and gems.”
“It’s a big help to small businesses in the area as well,” Lee said, “and a great kick-off to Memorial Day weekend here in Industry City.”
Lee noted that with more of a growing Asian population in the area, this Night Market event is even more significant.
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