Jeffries, Williams Remember Rev. Dr. Gardner C. Taylor
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and City Councilman Jumaane Williams both released statements yesterday on the passing of the Rev. Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, 96, who was a close friend and mentor to Martin Luther Kings Jr. Tayor served as the Senior Pastor of the Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Bedford Stuyvesant for 42 years.
“The Rev. Dr. Gardner C. Taylor was an iconic preacher for the ages. His sharp intellect, legendary oratory and unmatched understanding of the gospel led to a well-earned reputation among many as the greatest preacher of the 20th century,” said Jeffries. “For decades, he served as the beloved Senior Pastor of the Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Bedford Stuyvesant. In doing so, Dr. Taylor emerged as a spiritual force and transformational civic leader. While he has left us, Dr. Taylor’s powerful life and legacy will never be forgotten.”
“I am saddened to hear about the transition of the ‘Dean of American preaching’ and civil rights leader Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, and extend my prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time,” said Williams. “Dr. Taylor was a legendary figure and close friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. whose work during the Civil Rights Movement made him one of the strongest leaders and preachers in our country. For more than 42 years, he served as the pastor of Concord Baptist Church of Christ right here in Brooklyn before he retired in 1990. Also while in Brooklyn, he helped found the Progressive National Baptist Convention, which became an important base of support for King’s civil rights work.”
Rally For School Crossing Guards
Park Slope City Councilman Brad Lander will be among several elected officials on the steps of City Hall tomorrow to rally for the hiring of more and better conditions for school crossing guards.
Advocates will argue the current City budget proposal funds an insufficient number of crossing guard positions, and at current there is no clear process to determine where crossing guards will be located.
Funds would expand the number of crossing guard positions at dangerous intersections across the city as part of an effort to improve Vision Zero efforts and ensure a safer Pre-K expansion.
The rally will also call for improved working conditions for school crossing guards including better compensation and year-round health care. Currently crossing guard jobs pay poorly, are part-time, and only last 10 months per year, with workers laid off in the summer months and forced to pay to continue their health care.
WHEN: 2 p.m., tomorrow, Wednesday, April 8
WHERE: City Hall steps
Golden Holds Shredding Days To Protect Against Identity Theft
Bay Ridge State Senator Martin Golden announced that he will host two free shredding events, at both of his district offices during the month of April, to assist residents in protecting themselves against identity theft.
The shredding truck will be parked outside Golden’s office at 7408 5th Avenue on Saturday, April 25th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will be outside his satellite office located at 3604 Quentin Road the following day, Sunday, April 26th, also from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents are invited to bring as many personal documents as they wish to shred.
“We all have a pile of papers in our home that we hope to one day get a chance to shred. This is a great opportunity to stop by my office and get rid of those forms, bank statements, receipts and more in a safe way. Shred those papers to make sure you have taken every precaution against the crime of identity theft,” Golden said.
Recent reports indicate that identity theft affected over 13 million Americans in 2014, and is the fastest growing crime in America. Additionally, identity theft is the most reported consumer fraud complaint.
Golden has published a brochure that provides useful information to prevent identity theft. Copies may be obtained by calling his district office at (718) 238-6044 or email golden@nysenate.gov.
