Harris Gets Muslim Democratic Club Endorsement
Assemblymember Pamela Harris (Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) D-Brooklyn) this week received the endorsement from the Muslim Democratic Club of New York (MDCNY) in the Sept. 13 Primary Election.
The MDCNY, based in New York City, is an organization dedicated to helping Democrats get elected and increasing the political participation of American Muslims.
“Since she took office, Assemblywoman Harris has hit the ground running in Albany and delivered for our district,” said MDCNY president Murad Awawdeh. “We’ll be activating the Muslim community across the 46th Assembly District to come out on September 13 and vote for our champion, Pamela Harris.”
“I’m extremely honored to receive the unanimous endorsement of the Muslim Democratic Club of New York,” said Harris. “My priority has always been to represent all residents of our district so we have a unified voice in Albany.”
Schumer, Gillibrand Get Fed Money To Fight Domestic Violence
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand yesterday announced the city will receive $1.8 million in federal Department of Justice (DOJ) funding for domestic abuse support programs.
The funding was allocated through the DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women and is authorized through the Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program.
Specifically, the NYC Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, Incorporated will receive $600,000 in federal funding to provide quality representation to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. Additionally, the New York Legal Assistance group will receive $600,000 to provide quality representation for Latina and Asian immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Lastly, the Shalom Task Force, Incorporated will receive $600,000 to provide quality representation to Chassidic and Orthodox Jewish victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking.
“Domestic and dating violence is never acceptable and we must do all we can to both prevent it in the first place, and to take care of those who are victimized by it. Fortunately, there are organizations like the NYC Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, NY Legal Assistance Group and the Shalom Task Force dedicated to providing legal help so we can help stop these terrible attacks, said Schumer. “I will continue doing everything I can to ensure organizations like these have the resources they need to combat these horrible crimes.”
“This critical federal funding through the Department of Justice will help facilitate a wide range of programs to better assist domestic violence survivors,” said Gillibrand. “Domestic violence is a serious problem and we need to work towards creating a safe environment for individuals and families. By increasing accessibility to legal services for survivors we can help provide the support and resources they need to be protected and put their lives back together.”
The goal of the grant programs through the Office on Violence Against Women is to create sustainable change within and between organizations that results in accessible, safe and effective services for individuals who are victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking and accountability for perpetrators of such crimes.
The Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program is designed to strengthen civil and criminal legal assistance programs for adult and youth victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are seeking relief in legal matters arising as a consequence of that abuse or violence.
Cuomo Warns New Yorkers About Tropical Storm Hermine
Governor Andrew Cuomo last night directed state agencies to activate state preparedness efforts to combat Tropical Storm Hermine possibly hitting New York City this weekend.
“As Tropical Storm Hermine continues to gain strength in the Gulf of Mexico, I have directed the State Office of Emergency Management to closely monitor its path and for state agencies to be prepared. The MTA, Port Authority, Department of Transportation, National Guard, State Police, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, State Parks and Public Service Commission are on alert and ready to respond in the event this storm impacts our region,” said Cuomo.
“Current projections show the storm growing into a Category 1 Hurricane in the next 24 hours before it makes its way up the East Coast. If the storm continues far enough up the coast, there is a possibility downstate New York may experience high rip currents, heavy rain and strong winds this Labor Day weekend.
“While we continue to monitor this storm, I urge all New Yorkers, especially those in the downstate region, to be prepared, check local weather reports, and use NY Alert to stay updated on the storm’s progress throughout the weekend.”
De Blasio Wishes City A Happy Labor Day
The following is Mayor Bill de Blasio‘s statement on Labor Day weekend, which includes the West Indian Day Parade down Eastern Parkway that draws nearly a million revelers every year:
“Brothers and Sisters,
“Every Labor Day weekend in Brooklyn, New York City proudly hosts J’Ouvert and the West Indian Day Parade, two powerful expressions of culture. Both celebrations honor all that people from the Caribbean do to uplift our city and make it strong.
“This year, we’ve created an extraordinary partnership with elected officials, led by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, the NYPD, clergy leaders, advocates, and the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, to deepen our commitment to making these celebrations safe for all.
“We have:
- Issued an official parade permit to J’Ouvert City International
- Added over 200 light towers to the parade route
- And significantly increased the number of police officers assigned to Crown Heights, East Flatbush, and Flatbush.
“My family looks forward to celebrating our shared heritage and taking in the culture, music, art, and food that define the Caribbean-American spirit of our great city.
“I invite you to join the #WeAreJOuvert campaign and share your Caribbean pride.”
Additionally, State Senator Jesse Hamilton, Assembly Member Diana Richardson and City Council Member Robert Cornegy Jr., all invited local constituents to march with them in the parade. Click on their names to call their offices for more information on meet-up times.
Williams On Trinidad & Tobago’s 54th Anniversary
City Council Member Jumaane Williams this week released the following statement in regards to the 54th anniversary of Trinidad & Tobago’s independence from the United Kingdom.
“I would like to congratulate my brothers and sisters from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on the 54th anniversary of their independence. This monumental day for the twin island nations comes at a perfect time, as we witnessed proud Trinidadian and Tobagonians making their 17th appearance at the summer Olympics in Rio.
“As an elected official representing one of the most vibrant Caribbean communities in New York City, I look forward to returning to the Eastern Parkway to mark this holiday and to put our Caribbean heritage on display for the entire world. I look forward to the many celebrations that are ahead of us, from the parades, to the music, as well as delighting in the achievements of the people of the dual island nation.
“Trinidad and Tobago and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, and it pleasures me to witness the collaborative efforts of both nations, working together to strengthen the migrated communities. So in support of this celebratory occasion, I want to say Happy Independence Day!”
