Baldeo To Mayor Mamdani: Queens Community Apologizes For Your Disrespectful Treatment At Funeral Of Staff Sergeant Rampersad Killed During Iranian Missile Attack

By Albert Baldeo Photos: YouTube|Video|Screenshots The following letter, to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, was written by Albert Baldeo, the president of United Communities Alliance, on the disrespectful treatment Mayor Mamdani received recently when he attended the funeral of Staff Sergeant Angel Sarah Rampersad—who was killed, on July 17, during an Iranian missile attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. Dear Mayor Mamdani: On behalf of fair-minded, patriotic residents of Ozone Park, Richmond Hill and Queens, we apologize for the disrespect you endured at the funeral of Staff Sergeant Angel Sarah Rampersad, a courageous daughter of our community, who was born in the Caribbean, like many of us, and who died for ALL of us, while serving OUR country. Her funeral should have united us in grief, gratitude and respect. Yet while state, borough, local officials and unelected individuals hijacked her solemn proceedings, you—the duly elected Mayor of New York City—was seated several rows back and worse yet, not invited to deliver the tribute you had prepared. Other local leaders, including myself, were similarly ostracized. This apology is not directed against the bereaved family, but condemns the presumptive political or civic gatekeepers who, from past history, influenced your callous exclusion. Political hostility, racial prejudice, religious intolerance or resentment of your similar immigrant heritage was shameful. No small group owns Ozone Park or should control our community boards, precinct councils, block associations and civic organizations as private political clubs, with no basic democratic guidance or regular elections, concerned only with preserving the status quo. Governor Hochul, yourself, our US Senators, Congress members and everyone, must address that injustice and bigotry IMMEDIATELY. Whatever our political differences, you are the Mayor of every New Yorker. You attended to honor a fallen soldier and deserved basic courtesy and respect. Those responsible for this indignity do not speak for all of us, nor consult with us. We reject exclusion, bigotry and political pettiness. We apologize to you, honor Staff Sergeant Rampersad’s sacrifice, and call for community leadership that is inclusive, accountable and worthy of the people it serves. Collectively, we must make our country more respectful and inclusive! Respectfully, Hon. Albert Baldeo, UNITED COMMUNITIES ALLIANCE Community Advocate, Leader & Judicial Delegate Ozone Park, Queens (718) 529-2300