Clarke, Adams Mourn the Death Of Derrick Griffith
Central Brooklyn Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, yesterday, joined in the mourning of Derrick Griffith, 42, who was tragically killed in the derailment and crash of an Amtrak train Wednesday in Philadelphia.
Griffith was the Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management for Medgar Evers College in Central Brooklyn.
“On behalf of the people of the Ninth Congressional District of New York, I want to share my deepest condolences with the family of Dean Derrick Griffith and the entire community at Medgar Evers College. Derrick Griffith was a leader in this community, a trailblazer in the profession of education, and a man who dedicated himself to the many students for whom he was a teacher, an administrator, and a mentor, as the founder of the CUNY Preparatory Transitional High School and as the Executive Director of Groundwork, Inc., an organization created to support young women and young men living in communities with high rates of poverty,” said Clarke.
“Dean Griffith believed in his students and in their ability to develop their talents if provided with the necessary support. He was committed to providing that very support to a generation of high school and college students. His example of public service will continue to inspire all those people who knew him and will remember his passion for social justice and the future generation of leaders. Let us pray for the family of Dean Derrick Griffith and for the community at Medgar Evers College,” she added.
Adams said Brooklyn mourns the passing of one of its own, Dr. Derrick Griffith, who we tragically lost in Tuesday’s Amtrak train derailment in Philadelphia.
“Our hearts go out to his family and to the entire community at Medgar Evers College, where he served as dean of student affairs and enrollment management. He will be remembered for his commitment to education and his work on behalf of the less fortunate. I encourage all of us, in the spirit of One Brooklyn, to take on the mission he set out on to inspire and assist our young people to achieve their full academic potential,” said Adams.
Adams Tells Cuomo Keep Homeless Shelters Open
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, today, will urge Governor Andrew Cuomo at a press conference to reverse the policy of his Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to withhold funding from a number of New York City’s homeless shelters due to poor conditions.
Adams will note the importance of working in partnership to address issues rather than penalize struggling sites at a time of near-record homelessness in the city.
He will make the announcement at 12:30 p.m. outside the Auburn Family Shelter, 38 Auburn Place in Fort Greene. The shelter is one of 16 homeless shelters affected by this decision, and he will be joined by local elected officials and advocates for the homeless community.
Donovan Votes To Give Congress Oversight On Iran Deal
Newly-elected Congressman Dan Donovan, whose 11th District comprises parts of Southern Brooklyn and Staten Island, yesterday, said he was proud to vote yes on the House’s passage of a bill Thursday giving Congress the power to review and potentially reject a nuclear deal that President Obama is currently negotiating with Iran.
The House overwhelmingly passed the measure, 400-25.
“Today, I was proud to join with my House colleagues who voted overwhelmingly across party lines to give Congressional oversight on a nuclear deal with Iran. As I said throughout my campaign, I have deep concerns with the framework deal presented by this Administration and cannot support a deal that allows Iran to continue the core functions of its nuclear program,” said Donovan.
“This critical legislation rightly gives Congress authorization to review, and potentially block any deal that is not in the best interest of global security. I look forward to the President signing this bill and showing our allies in the Middle East that we are united in stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” he added.
Eugene Commemorates Haitian Flag Day
Flatbush City Councilman Mathieu Eugene is hosting Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito) and other this weekend for his annual celebration of Haitian Flag Day.
“Haitian-Americans from every part of New York City and other areas will come together with friends from other nationalities for this great national holiday of Haiti. This event allows us to pay tribute to our ancestors and to reflect on our monumental historic achievements,” said Eugene, a Haitian-American.
“The contributions of Haitians to America can be traced back to the American Revolution. In this celebration of our vibrant history, there will be a cultural ceremonial presentation with live entertainment, followed by a reception where refreshments will be served,” he added.
The event is slated from 5-9 p.m. this Sunday, May 17 at Erasmus Hall High School, 911 Flatbush Avenue between Church and Snyder Avenues.
Golden Honors Asian-American In His District
Southwest Brooklyn State Sen. Marty Golden, Sunday, will host his 13th Annual Asian Pacific Heritage Festival and is inviting the community to join in celebrating Asian American Heritage Month.
The entertainment will include ethnic dances including the Chinese Lion Dance, a demonstration of Buddhist Monk Kung Fu, Korean Tae Kwon Do, Indian dance, Burmese dance, Chinese dance, and performances of Broadway songs and Cantonese classic songs. A wide array of ethnic food, calligraphy, painting, arts and crafts and prizes will be available as well. The event will also raise funds for Nepal earthquake
relief.
“The number of Asians living in Brooklyn is up. Sixty percent more Asians were counted in the 2010 Census, than a decade ago, to 262,000 Asians. Each year, we celebrate the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and we celebrate the achievements and the success of this culture,” said Golden.
“Millions of Americans trace their origins to nations in the Asian Pacific region and they enrich Brooklyn, New York and our Nation. I look forward to hosting this annual
event that recognizes the many important contributions that Asian Pacific Americans have made to our community,”he added.
The celebration is slated to be held from 12 noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 17, at McKinley Park, located at Bay Ridge Parkway and Fort Hamilton Parkway.
