It was an event that should not have to happen in the 21st century. The most diverse borough in the city should be beyond the religious bigotry and racism that has surfaced in recent weeks. But ignorance is still a powerful force in Queens, and for that reason we applaud the gathering of 30 religious and political leaders at Flushing Town Hall. Comment.

Government and religious leaders from across the borough gathered at Flushing Town Hall last week to sign a pledge against hate in the wake of anti-Semitic crimes in Queens. Comment.

Native American culture was showcased at the Inter-Tribal Native American Indian Festival/Pow Wow at Baisley Pond Park. The event was presented by Friends of Roy Wilkins Park, Inc. Comment.

Even by conservative estimates, volunteers from a Flushing Greek Orthodox church had prepared well over 50,000 fried dough balls during the four-day St. Nicholas festival that culminated Sunday night. Comment.

When Woodsider Rocky Sanabria wrote to City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) about his wish to become a motivational speaker and share his experiences as a transgender teen, Van Bramer invited him to speak at the Council so he could get started on that dream. Comment.

When I worked for a large corporation in Manhattan, one of the executive secretaries became a good friend of mine. Ann was of Italian-American background, bright, witty and a delight. She had to be all those things — the company expected excellence from its employees. Comment.

Alabama Rides Again Comment.

The Diversity Dilemma Comment.