“Four centuries ago, an interwoven network of Europeans, Africans and Native Americans began something on the island of Manhattan. Appreciating what they did as fully as we can, might help us to understand ourselves better. And that would be cause for celebration.”  Russell Shorto, New York Times 4.28.2024

An exhibit at the New York Historical Society “New York Before New York,” curated by Russell Shorto, reminds us that this spring marks the 400th anniversary of the founding of New York City as a Dutch colony. This preeminent historian argues that this birthday should be a cause for celebration, but like so many people and events these days, is fraught with peril as we contemplate our less than glorious actions from the past, weigh them against all that we have accomplished and look forward to a challenging future.

Shorto’s editorial in the New York Times was accompanied by another piece that day that seemed a companion idea for our city, even if not intentionally so. Margaret Renkl reminded us to focus on how our human stories intersect with the environment — and that there is nothing that couldn’t be improved by sitting under a 150-year-old tree. Shade, cool green, sweet, airy. She rightly points out that trees will outlast us and provide for the next generation if we protect them.  

As we plant seeds for the next 400 years, I want to share a few birthday wishes for our city’s future. Let us celebrate what is positive and unique about our glorious city: a place that always feels new, emergent and experimental. Let us celebrate our willfulness to persist in the face of difficult challenges and enduring inequities. Let us celebrate the mixing of the many cultures that enrich and inspire our city every day. 

As I reach the end of my tenure as Board president, I want to celebrate you all too. Our talented members don’t duck from history that might give us discomfort. You have taken on meaningful challenges: climate action, housing access, belonging in public space, healthy neighborhoods, trash and more. Each of you — in your work, your projects across the five boroughs and in our debates — are making important contributions to the future of the city.

I hope you will join me in making a birthday wish at our annual Action Dinner on July 17. And even after my tenure ends, don’t expect me to go anywhere! Find me around the Forum and let’s think together about how we can create a better city for the next generation. 

With my heartfelt thanks,

Margaret Newman