By- Farooq Mirza
VALLEY STREAM, NY — The Pakistani-American community in Nassau County has established a proud new cultural tradition following the resounding success of a recent community festival (Mela) held in Valley Stream. Organized by South Asian American Small Business Association. Chaudhry Akram , Special Assistant to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, alongside his team played kee role . The event brought together local residents, law enforcement, political leaders, and diverse communities to celebrate solidarity, culture, and civic pride.
However, the gathering has recently drawn online criticism from a local resident identified as Mike Steinke , who published multiple social media posts targeting the ethnic event and county leadership. Representatives of the Pakistani-American community have strongly condemned the posts, describing them as reflective of a prejudiced and isolated mindset aimed at dividing local residents.
The Pakistani American Community ‘s response to this post is that it is involved in
* Economic and Civic Contributions: The Pakistani-American population across Long Island and Nassau County has experienced steady growth, directly contributing to local market development, small business expansion, and job creation. Known for a strong work ethic, many community members hold multiple jobs, invest in local commercial and residential real estate, and actively maintain neighborhood safety and discipline.
The Valley Stream Pakistan Day festival emphasized deep respect for both the United States and Pakistan. Attendees stood in honor of the American National Anthem and flag, affirming their commitment to peace, discipline, and the stability of the United States as their home, while also respecting women, youth, and local values.
Community parades and Melas serve as open, multi-cultural platforms where local Americans, youth, law enforcement, and civic leaders gather to experience Pakistani cuisine, traditional attire, and artistic heritage. The core objective remains building strong inter-community bonds rather than isolated gatherings.
The Community rejects this of prejudiced rhetoric While noting that Steinke ‘s posts received negligible online engagement reflecting his isolated position community leaders emphasized that discriminatory remarks targeting cultural heritage and local leadership cannot go unanswered.
In response to the criticism, 4thpillar Media Watchdog on behalf of community organizers extended a constructive olive branch to Steinke and other skeptics, advising against divisive rhetoric on social media.
> “We condemn prejudice and hatred, but we also believe in engagement. If local residents wish to see events centered on other cultural traditions, we encourage them to obtain permits and organize them—the Pakistani-American community will gladly support, finance, and participate in those gatherings as well.”
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We formally invite Mike Steinke, his family, and neighbors to attend the next cultural festival to experience traditional hospitality, food, and cultural exchange firsthand, reiterating that unity, open dialogue, and mutual respect remain the community’s highest priorities.
