The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce recently held its first-ever Asian-American Night Market at Industry City in Sunset Park. The event drew thousands of attendees to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month in May. Over 60 vendors showcased food, drinks, and crafts representing a diverse range of Asian cultures, including Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Malaysian, Taiwanese, Thai, and Vietnamese.
Randy Peers, the Brooklyn Chamber’s president and CEO, emphasized the cultural significance of the event. He highlighted the impact of Asian Americans on Brooklyn, New York City and the United States as a whole. He pointed out the strong presence of Chinese-American, Korean-American Filipino-American and Southeast Asian communities in Brooklyn. Peers noted that the diversity represented at the Night Market is a reflection of the borough’s unique cultural tapestry.
Assemblymember Lester Chang commended the resurgence of vibrancy at Industry City following the pandemic-induced slowdown. He credited the Brooklyn Chamber for revitalizing the area and creating a space where communities can come together to celebrate and support local businesses. Chang emphasized that Sunset Park’s Chinatown is even larger than Manhattan’s Chinatown and is an essential part of New York City’s cultural heritage.
Kathie Lee, the Brooklyn Chamber’s executive vice president and chief legal officer emphasized the size and importance of Sunset Park’s Chinatown during her speech at Night Market event . She pointed out that it serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and economic contributions of the Asian American community in Brooklyn . Lee highlighted how diverse and creative those who call this borough home are through their showcasing their culture through various foods , drinks ,and crafts at this night market .