Clinton In Brooklyn To Address Conference
Democratic Party Presidential Frontrunner Hillary Clinton will be in Brooklyn Monday, Dec. 14 to address the National Immigrant Integration Conference (NIIC).
The eighth annual conference – “New American Dreams: Advancing Opportunity, Equality & Justice” – runs from December 13-15, is being held at the New York Marriott at Brooklyn Bridge in Downtown Brooklyn.
Conference organizers, who include leaders from the largest regional immigrant rights organizations in over 30 states, have invited 2016 presidential candidates to discuss and respond to the New American Dreams Platform. The Platform aims to broaden and deepen the current political discourse about immigration and, in the long run, ensure that all candidates be genuinely, robustly pro-immigrant.
The New American Dreams Platform will be launched at the conference which offers an opportunity for elected officials, policymakers, academics, community organizers, and national partners to engage in robust discussion and strategic planning.
The Platform is comprised of six planks – citizenship, English language learning, education, the economy, health, and an inclusive society – and meet the needs of various New American constituencies, including naturalized citizens, legal permanent residents, undocumented immigrants, children of immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, and people of various countries of origin, skill, and education levels.
“We are delighted to have Secretary Hillary Clinton join us at NIIC to address over a thousand attendees from across the country who are eager to find solutions to some of the key integration issues facing America’s immigrant communities today,” said Steven Choi, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition, one of the co-hosting organizations of the Conference. “This year’s NIIC in New York will help influence major policy decisions heading into 2016 and we look forward to discussing the future of immigrant integration with Secretary Clinton, Governor O’Malley, and all the Presidential candidates for our nation’s highest office.”
Clarke Sharply Critical of Scalia Comments On Affirmative Action
Flatbush Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke yesterday sharply criticized remarks from Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia during the oral argument for Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, which could result in a decision invalidating programs intended to increase diversity at college and universities.
The case being argued involves the University’s affirmative action policy, which supplements the automatic admission of top-ranking students from all high schools across the state with the use of race as one factor in a “holistic” approach to admissions.
Justice Scalia said: “There are those who contend that it does not benefit African Americans to get them into the University of Texas where they do not do well, as opposed to having them go to a less-advanced school, a less — a slower-track school where they do well.”
“I am deeply troubled by Justice Scalia’s false assumption that African American are less deserving of the opportunity to attend a prestigious college or university,” said Clarke. “This categorization of millions of people – millions of individuals – based on a stereotype that African American students are less qualified defies logic and does not represent reality.
“The ideas expressed by Justice Scalia are reprehensible. He has attempted not only to diminish the intellect of African American students, but also the value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominately Black Institutions such as Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. These universities continue to provide excellent educational opportunities to millions of Americans of every race. I urge Justice Scalia to apologize for his remarks. Racism, and these assumptions are racist, has no place in this country or its courts.”
Greenfield Unveils Street Co-Naming For Rabbi Chaim Weissmandl
City Councilman David G. Greenfield (Midwood, Boro Park) Sunday will unveil the street co-naming of 50th Street between 10th Avenue and 20th Avenue to Rabbi Weissmandl Way.
Rabbi Weissmandl was a heroic resistance fighter whose efforts saved thousands of Jews during World War II. Thanks to the creation of his “Europa Plan,” he convinced German and Slovakian authorities to delay the mass deportation of Jews for two years. Rabbi Weissmandl was one of the leaders of the underground Working Group who helped thousands of Polish refugees and Slovakian Jews. He dedicated himself to saving Jews and raising awareness of the mass extermination camps including Auschwitz.
“Rabbi Weissmandl was a genuine hero, a great Talmid Chochom and leader for countless Jews throughout the world. Renaming a stretch of 50th Street between 10th and 20th Avenue, the location of the Nitra shuls, is the least we can do in tribute to this great Rabbi to ensure his legacy and heroism lives on in our community for generations to come,” said Greenfield.
“The time has come to recognize and remember Rabbi Weissmandl,zt”l, who was a real hero of our generation, whose only goal during the Holocaust was to save as many Jewish lives as possible,” said Ruth Lichtenstein, Publisher of Hamodia and Director of Project Witness.
The street renaming ceremony is slated for 11 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 13 at the southwest corner of 50th Street and 16th Avenue.
Donovan Says Congress Ready to Pass Zadroga Act
Southern Brooklyn Congressman Dan Donovan announced yesterday that House Speaker Paul Ryan informed him that the Zadroga Act, which funds health screenings and treatments for 9/11 first responders, is in the large spending bill that will pass next week.
“We spent months fighting side-by-side with American heroes – with men and women who shouldn’t have to shoulder this burden because they are already fighting for their lives – to make our case. I’ve said all along that on the merits, we will win,” said Donovan, who cosponsored the legislation as his first official action after being sworn into Congress.
“Heroes like Rob Serra, Sal Turturici, John Muller, and George Taylor told their stories of heroism and personal sacrifice. They answered their country’s call and have suffered devastating consequences because of their selflessness. Today, we know that the House of Representatives will now answer their call.”
Eugene Continues Support Of Brooklyn’s Medical Community
Flatbush City Council Member Dr. Mathieu Eugene this week celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Kings County Hospital’s new Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine, for which he allocated the funds to purchase.
LINAC provides radiation therapy for cancer patients by destroying cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue intact.
“Residents can receive top-notch cancer care in Brooklyn. I’m proud to have allocated the necessary funds for the New Linear Accelerator to ensure that all patients in need can receive the most effect treatment and affordable care possible,” said Eugene.
Eugene also hosted a free Heart Health Symposium Dinner with Maimonides Medical Center at the St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 2017 Beverly Road, last Sunday.
The symposium — featuring guest speakers Greg Ribakove, M.D., Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Maimonides Medical Center and Erez Nossek, M.D., Neurosurgeon at Maimonides Medical Center — gave community members a chance to discuss important issues that may impact their health.
“Raising awareness about proper medical procedures and symptoms of health ailments helps the community become attune to early warning signs of illness and this knowledge can help save lives,” said Council Member Mathieu Eugene. “It is a pleasure to partner with Maimonides Medical Center and their talented team of doctors — including our guest speakers — and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Maimonides, Pam Brier, as well as all the staff who were instrumental in making this event possible.
Adams Announces Brooklyn’s Official New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams yesterday announced plans for New Year’s Eve celebrations in both Coney Island and Prospect Park for the second year in a row, giving Brooklynites greater access to family-friendly festivities.
Hosted by Borough President Adams, with lead sponsorship from Coney Island City Council Member Mark Treyger, Airbnb, NYC and Company, and the One Brooklyn Fund, Inc., the second annual New Year’s Eve celebration in Coney Island will be highlighted by a digital “burst” of lights to ring in 2016 from the iconic Parachute Jump.
This year’s Coney Island event at Steeplechase Plaza will once again complement his ongoing support of the 36th annual fireworks and festivities held in Grand Army Plaza, staged in partnership with the Prospect Park Alliance.
“This New Year’s Eve, whether you’re a beachgoer or a landlubber, Brooklyn will be the place to be!” said Adams. “With fireworks in Coney Island and at Grand Army Plaza, and family-friendly activities on both ends of the borough, the best parties for ringing in 2016 will be in the center of the universe: Brooklyn, USA!”
“Brooklynites don’t need to travel across the river to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style anymore, because Coney Island is the place to be for family-friendly, exciting fun, just as it has been throughout its storied history,” said Treyger. “More than 5,000 people gathered at the People’s Playground last year to welcome 2015, and a big crowd is expected again as we say hello to 2016, continuing to prove that Brooklyn is home to some of the most exciting events and cultural attractions in New York City.
The party will begin in Coney Island at 9 p.m. and in Prospect Park at 11 p.m.
