Phillip D’Costa :
In a ceremony filled with pride, culture, and community, Donovan Richards Jr. was ceremonially sworn in for his second term as Queens Borough President on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the Goldstein Theater on the campus of Queens College. The event, which drew elected officials, faith leaders, performers, and hundreds of local residents, served as both a celebration and a call to continued service.
The evening’s program reflected both the vibrancy and diversity of Queens. Music set the tone, with DJ Tam Jams opening the event before Rachelle Antoine welcomed guests. The Frank Sinatra School of the Arts Chorus gave stirring performances of The Star-Spangled Banner and Lift Every Voice and Sing, blending patriotism with cultural pride. Queens College President Dr. Frank Wu then offered thoughtful opening remarks.
The ceremony also featured an interfaith invocation, representing the borough’s rich religious landscape. Among the spiritual leaders, Imam Muhammad Shahidullah offered a powerful prayer in Arabic and English, invoking the values of justice and compassion. “O Allah, grant him wisdom in leadership, integrity in action, and humility in success,” he prayed, referencing Richards’ new term. “Make his leadership a source of justice, unity, and compassion.”
Adding to the evening’s cultural depth were performances from the Edge School of the Arts and Joe’s Academy of Music, showcasing the talents of local youth. Between segments, elected officials shared their reflections, including New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, New York City Comptroller Mark Levine, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, and New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who also administered the oath of office.
The highlight of the evening came when Mrs. Tameeka Richards introduced her husband for the official swearing-in. Following the oath, Borough President Richards delivered a passionate inaugural address outlining his priorities for the next four years—emphasizing equity, affordable housing, youth investment, and infrastructure development across Queens’ diverse neighborhoods.
To conclude, the Elite Marching Band of Queens led a jubilant procession to a community reception held at the Aaron Copland School of Music, capping off an evening that embodied unity, hope, and determination.
As Queens embarks on this new chapter, Borough President Richards’ inauguration set the tone for a term rooted in inclusion, accountability, and progress. The event was not only a personal milestone, but a borough-wide reaffirmation of shared purpose and forward momentum.
For more blogs, visit nyn.press
