Golden Hosts 14th Annual Asian Pacific Heritage Festival
State Senator Marty Golden (Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend) is hosting his 14th Annual Asian Pacific
Heritage Festival at McKinley Park on Sunday, which is held in conjunction with our Nation’s celebration of Asian American Heritage
The program will feature a volleyball tournament and cultural activities, as well as Korean martial arts, a performance of the lion dance, Burmese and Chinese traditional dances and more. The event will also feature a wide range of ethnic food, arts and crafts, and community information.
“Every year, I host this special event in our community during the month of May which is designated as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. We celebrate the achievements and success of those who trace their roots and culture to these Pacific countries,” said Golden.
“Millions of people originally from the Asian Pacific region, now enrich our borough, city, state and nation, and their contributions are to be recognized. I am looking forward to this annual event that is always a great afternoon where entertainment and customs are on display for all to enjoy.”
The Event is slated from 12 noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, May 22 at the corner of Bay Ridge Parkway and Fort Hamilton Parkway in McKinley Park, For more information on the event, please contact Senator Golden‘s office at (718) 238-6044.
Lawmakers Hold Community Meeting On Utica Avenue Bus Lanes
Assembly Members Diana Richardson, Nick Perry, Helene Weinstein and Latrice Walker; and State Senators Kevin Parker and Jesse Hamilton, Friday, will hold a community meeting concerning the bus lanes on Utica Avenue.
New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg will be on hand to answer any questions. Among the topics open for discussion include how the bus lanes affect businesses, churches and commutes; and solutions that can alleviate problems stemming from the bus lanes.
The Community Meeting is from 3;30 – 5 p.m., Friday, May 20, at the TOP Civic Center, 1098 Utica Avenue between Beverly and Clarendon Roads. For more information call (718) 385-3336.
Parker Honors DC 37 Assistant Associate Director
State Senator Kevin Parker (Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Windsor Terrace, and Park Slope) honored Jahmilla Joseph, Assistant Associate Director of District Council 37, at this year’s 18th Annual New York State Senate Women of Distinction Celebration.
Each year, State Senators nominate a woman from their district who through their hard work and public service renders them worthy to be honored as a Woman of Distinction.
“I am proud to recognize Ms. Joseph as she is a true leader and advocate for marginalized communities and the working families that call these same communities home,” said Parker. “I appreciate the Senate for providing Members a platform where we can acknowledge special women from our districts. It is important that we highlight their contributions to our community and celebrate them not just today, but every day.”
District Council 37 is New York City’s largest municipal labor union, representing more than 125,000 city workers and 50,000 retirees.
Mosley On Assembly Vote To Extend Mayoral Control
Assemblyman Walter T. Mosley (Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights) issued the following statement of measured support of the Assembly vote to extend mayoral control of the City’s schools for another three years.
His statement comes as the senate will hold another hearing on the issue today.
“The focus of our children’s education should always be ensuring schools and teachers have the resources they need to help all students succeed. Although mayoral control provides greater accountability, transparency and community involvement and gives parents a more direct say in their children’s learning experience, I have my reservations in light of recent matters surrounding Mayor de Blasio. As a former public school student, teacher, and current parent of a public school child we must reaffirm our commitment to community input in education, and yesterday the Assembly once again took an important step toward that goal.
“Contrary to the original request for seven years of mayoral control, I truly believe by the Assembly passing legislation to extend mayoral control for three more years, through 2019, New York City public schools will be in a better position to ensure that students are prepared for future success (A.7508-A). As such, I urge the Senate to join us so that our education system continues moving in the right direction.”
Gillibrand & Clarke Cheer Inclusion Of Chisholm’s Residence In Fed Historic Register
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Flatbush Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke yesterday announced that the Crown Heights North Historic District was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Most notably, the Crown Heights North Historic District includes the site of the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm‘s residence. Chisholm- the First African-American Woman Elected to Congress, First African-American Woman to seek the Democratic Nomination for President & 2015 Posthumous Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
“Shirley Chisholm is a true inspiration, especially to young women in New York City; her advocacy on behalf of families left an indelible mark on the community,” said Gillibrand. “This designation to the National Register is a fitting tribute to her legacy and the community she proudly represented. I pushed for this designation because of the deep passion and affection the late Congresswoman felt for the community she fought for every day of her life.”
“The inclusion of the Crown Heights North Historic Designation on the National Register of Historic Places is welcome news,” said Clarke. This neighborhood’s rich cultural tradition and historical significance truly deserves national recognition. As the home for the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm, this designation has even greater importance due to her prominent role as a public servant and as a fighter for greater justice, equity and fairness on behalf of minority and marginalized communities not only in our city, but also in our nation.”
Savino Traffic Measure Passes Senate
The New York State Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation sponsored by State Senator Diane Savino (Coney Island/Staten Island) that would amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law by defining the new crime of intrusion into an active work zone as a class B misdemeanor.
This piece of legislation, first introduced in 2009, will subject offenders to a $250 to $500 fine and/or a maximum sentence of three months imprisonment. It also amended the Penal Law by creating a new crime of vehicular manslaughter in an active work zone in the first degree (a class B felony offense), vehicular manslaughter in an active work zone in the second degree (a class C felony offense), vehicular assault in an active work zone in the first degree (a class D felony) and vehicular assault in an active work zone in the second degree (a class E felony).
In the last two decades, New York City has lost 7 NYC DOT workers in work zone incidents and over 20 NYC DOT workers have been injured since 2009.
“Men and women working to improve our streets and highways are fathers and mothers and sisters and brothers, they have a right to feel safe at work and go home every night without constant fear of death by reckless drivers,” said Savino.
Williams Celebrates Haitian Flag Day
City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood), whose district includes a very large Caribbean-American constituency, released the following statement regarding yesterday’s Haitian Flag Day.
Williams yesterday also hosted a celebration of the holiday at a Park Slope nightclub that featured excellent live Haitian music and dancing.
“I’m proud to represent District 45, which is home to a vibrant Haitian community. New York boasts the second largest population of Haitians outside of Haiti and Miami. For decades Haitian Americans have called Brooklyn home and have made significant cultural and economic contributions to the borough.
“This legislative session I have been committed to providing resources to immigrants, including a bill I sponsored that requires all city websites to have a feature that allows text to be translated into seven of the most common languages spoken in the City – including Haitian Creole. Their national slogan proudly proclaims ‘L’Union Fait La Force,’ which means in unity there is strength. Let their message of unity serve as a reminder for us all to work together towards a common goal.”
