Heastie, Peoples-Stokes announce 'Aspire to Inspire' initiative

New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes on Wednesday announced the “Aspire to Inspire” initiative, an invitation for New Yorkers to pass along their favorite quotes to inspire others. A selected entry will be read at the beginning of each Assembly legislative session day.

“The Assembly majority prides itself on making sure the voice of every New Yorker is heard,” Heastie said. “Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes' initiative will allow us to amplify positive and inspirational messages straight from the hearts and minds of our fellow New Yorkers, and I look forward to hearing them.”

“Everyone has something valuable to say – whether you’re an elementary school student brimming with ‘kid-spirational’ insight or a parent doing everything you can to support your child,” Peoples-Stokes said. “Here in the people’s house, we take that simple kernel of truth to heart. I encourage New Yorkers to share quotes that make us smile broadly, feel more deeply or challenge our assumptions.”

Heastie is the first African-American speaker of the New York State Assembly. Peoples-Stokes was sworn in on Jan. 9 as the first female and first African-American majority leader in state history. That day, she ended her introductory remarks with a quote from Brooklyn native and hip-hop legend Christopher Wallace, aka “Biggie Smalls,” which was suggested by her daughter: “We can’t change the world unless we change.”

Submitted quotes may be from notable figures or everyday people of all ages and backgrounds, whether they’re original or simply meaningful to your life, Peoples-Stokes said. To submit an entry or to learn more about “Aspire to Inspire,” email [email protected] or visit http://bit.ly/aspireny.