Bichotte Celebrates MLK JR Day At Two Events
Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte (Midwood, Ditmas Park) put out the following statement in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
“Today, we face challenges like those that fueled Dr. King’s dream for the future of America. As we strive for criminal justice and education reforms in New York State, as well as solutions to the widening opportunity gap between the wealthy and everyone else, it’s important that we embrace his values and remember his legacy.
“Dr. King believed in providing all people with equal opportunities to succeed, and here in New York we know that begins with a quality education.That’s why I’ve been working hard to invest in our schools and give educators the support they need to help our children learn and grow. With an eye toward the future, I’ll keep fighting so that all New Yorkers have equal access to quality health care, good-paying jobs and a livable wage, because Brooklyn families deserve a chance to achieve a higher quality of life.”
Bichotte is slated to attend two events today. The first is the 30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 30 Lafayette Avenue in Fort Greene. Mayor Bill de Blasio and a long list of Brooklyn elected officials will be on hand. BAM, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, and Medgar Evers College of CUNY (The City University of New York) present New York City’s largest public celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The event is FREE and tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the event. The BAM Peter Jay Sharp Building lobby opens at 8 a.m.
The second event, which Flatbush State Sen. Kevin Parker puts on, is the Dr. Martin Luther King Tribute Concert from 5-9 p.m. at the Brooklyn College, Walt Whitman Theatre, 2900 Campus Road. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the event is free.
Richardson Thoughts On MLK Day
Crown Heights/Lefferts Gardens Assemblywoman Diana Richardson put out the following abridged statement in Honor of Martin Luther Kings Jr. Day.
“The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. We honor the values he taught us through his example , the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King’s character and empowered his leadership. On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is not only for celebration and remembrance, education and tribute, but above all a day of service. All across America on the Holiday, his followers perform service in hospitals and shelters and prisons and wherever people need some help. It is a day of volunteering to feed the hungry, rehabilitate housing, tutoring those who can’t read, mentoring at-risk youth, and a myriad of projects for building the beloved community of his dream.
Today, we face challenges like those that fueled Dr. King’s dream for the future of America. As we strive for criminal justice and education reforms in New York State, as well as solutions to the widening opportunity gap between the wealthy and everyone else, it’s important that we embrace his values and remember his legacy. Dr. King believed in providing all people with equal opportunities to succeed, and here in New York we know that begins with a quality education.That’s why I’ve been working hard to invest in our schools and give educators the support they need to help our children learn and grow. With an eye toward the future, I’ll keep fighting so that all New Yorkers have equal access to quality health care, good-paying jobs and a livable wage, because 43rd A.D families deserve a chance to achieve a higher quality of life.
“As always, my door is open. Please free to contact me if you have questions about any state or community issue by calling 718-771-3105 or by emailingRichardsonD@assembly.state.ny.us.
Lander Celebrates MLK Jr. Day In Park Slope
Park Slope City Council Member Brad Lander is inviting constituents to celebrate Martin Luther KIng Jr. Day with him tonight at Old First Reformed Church, where Rev. Dr. Daniel Meeter is hosting an interfaith service with many clergy from the neighborhood religious organizations, and help from two inspiring young women from Kensington (Shahana Haneef and Hasiba Haq).
The event is slated for 7 p.m. at the Old First Reformed Church, 729 Carroll St (at 7th Avenue), Brooklyn.
Donovan Weary of Iranian Sanctions Relief
Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island Congressman Dan Donovan noted with a warning this weekend that Iran will now have access to tens of billions in frozen assets and to international trade markets as per the Iranian Nuclear accord.
“We don’t need to guess how the rogue regime will use these resources — they have supported international terror operations, including hostile activities against the United States, for decades. Adding insult to injury, Iran still owes $40 billion in judgments to the families of Americans who died as a result of Iranian-sponsored terrorism.
“For the sake of innocent civilians in the region and around the world, I truly hope the President’s huge gamble is successful. But Iran’s behavior belies any semblance of good faith or trustworthiness, and I cannot support a deal that gives more than $100 billion to such a dangerous and belligerent nation.”
Harris Gets Four Assembly Committee Assignments
Assemblymember Pamela Harris (Coney Island, Bay Ridge) announced she has been appointed to four Assembly standing committees including Aging, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Children and Families and Higher Education.
“Our community deserves a representative who will fight for a better quality of life for all,” said Harris. “Working on these committees will allow me to help bring solutions to issues that our families are concerned about – from getting rid of crime, drugs and alcohol, to ensuring opportunities for our youth and providing our elders with a safe environment and access to services that keep them strong and healthy.”
Harris noted that her membership on the Children and Families committee will enable her to address challenges like the high cost of child care. On the Higher Education committee, she will strive to make college education more affordable and accessible so young adults can transition successfully into the working world and secure good-paying jobs.
As part of the Aging committee, she will fight to make sure our loved ones are well cared for, comfortable in their homes and able to afford their rent. Her membership in the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse committee will help her examine and discuss current policies related to alcohol and drug use and help develop awareness and solutions to better help individuals struggling with dependency/substance abuse.
Williams Holds Workshop For Non-Profits
Flatlands City Council Member Jumaane Williams office will hold a workshop for non-profot organizations seeking funding from the City Council as any application for such monies closes on February 22.
“There have been important changes in the application process, along with new grant sources that you should be aware of,” said Williams. “To keep you up-to-date, I’m hosting a Budget Application Workshop, featuring experts who will fill you in on everything you need to know, including Robin Redmond, Executive Director of the Flatbush Development Corporation, and Morgan Lindsey Tachco, Grants and Services Director at the Brooklyn Arts Council.”
The workshop is slated for 6-8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 25 at the Brooklyn College Students Center on the second Floor. RSVP attendance is required. To RSVP send an email with RSVP on the subject line to nsmith@council.nyc.gov (Nick E. Smith), and flouis@council.nyc.gov (Farah Louis-Drayton). Include your full name, organization name, address, and phone number. You can also call 718-629-2900.
