De Blasio Launches Voter Registration Forms In Six Languages
Mayor Bill de Blasio yesterday announced the launch of voter registration forms in six new languages: Albanian, Greek, Italian, Polish, Tagalog, and Yiddish.
“New York is a city of immigrants. Now this November, the diverse communities that make New York City great will be empowered to make their voices heard,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This announcement marks our ongoing commitment to ensure that every eligible New Yorker can go to the polls and participate in a hallmark of American democracy.”
Hailing de Blasio in the release announcing the new registration reforms were several Brooklyn lawmakers.
“I applaud Mayor de Blasio for prioritizing improved access to, and participation in, the democratic process by increasing the number of languages available on voter registration forms in New York City. Our residents make up the most diverse city in our nation, and this is especially true in Brooklyn where 47 percent of households in Brooklyn speak a language other than English at home. Improved participation in our electoral process is integral if we are to realize an inclusive city for all,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams.
“The ability to influence government through voting is a basic principle our great country was founded upon. Many immigrants who come to New York arrive from countries that deprive them of their right to vote by setting up barriers and obstacles. Luckily here in New York we try to make the voting process as easy as possible. With the addition of new voter registration forms in six different languages we have truly improved the voting process. The new languages will do wonders in my district, as many of these languages are spoken throughout North Brooklyn. I applaud Mayor de Blasio for making the voting process more inclusive,” said Assembly Member Joseph R. Lentol.
Other Brooklyn lawmakers hailing the move included Assembly Member N. Nick Perry, and City Council Members Stephen Leving, Carlos Menchaca and Alan Maisel.
The new language registartion forms will be available on the Campaign Finance Board website, which can also be found on NYC.gov under “Register to Vote.” Starting this month, the Campaign Finance Board will provide these voter registration forms to public libraries and elected officials’ offices so they are easily accessible.
Central Brooklyn Lawmakers Featured In Black Institute Town Hall
A who’s who of Central Brooklyn lawmakers will take part in a Town Hall tomorrow night with the subject being: Access to Credit and Capital for Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE).
Among the lawmakers billed to attend and speak at the Town Hall are City Council members Robert Cornegy Jr., Laurie Cumbo, Inez Barron, Jumaane Williams, Antonio Reynoso and Mathieu Eugene; and Assembly Members Walter Mosley, Rodneyse Bichotte, Nick Perry and Latrice Walker.
The Black Institute and the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus are sponsoring the event.
It is slated for 6 p.m., Tomorrow, Sept. 22, at the First Baptist Church Of Crown Heights, 450 Eastern Parkway. For more information or to RSVP contact Jason Jeter at Info@TheBlackInstitute.org or call (212) 871-6899.
Gentile To Co-name Street & Host Family Night On Saturday
Bay Ridge City Councilman Gentile, elected officials and family and friends of Salvatore “Sal” D’Amato will gather Saturday to officially co-name the corner of 95th Street and 5th Avenue as “Salvatore D’Amato Place.”
D’Amato, an Army veteran of the Korean War, was a patriot and champion of his community. He drove a free van shuttle service called “Bay Ridge On the Move” and routinely gave free rides to servicemen and servicewomen from the Fort Hamilton Army Base as well as senior citizens from the Bay Ridge Center out of the kindness of his heart. He was also an active member of the Bay Ridge American Legion Post, the Korean War Veterans Association, and the Kiwanis Club of West End Brooklyn.
The co-naming is slated for 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept 24 at the corner of 95th Street and 5th Avenue.
Then Gentile will venture over to Owl’s Head Park where he will partner with the NIA Community Services Network for the fourth installment of Family Fun Movie Night at Owl’s Head Park!
The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with fun activities including face painting, games, and much more; and from 8-10 p.m. the movie The Good Dinosaur will have a showing. It will take place at Owl’s Head Park (Colonial Road and 67th Street).
Clarke, Williams Statemnet On Passing Of Grenadian Diplomat
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (Flatbush, Crown Heights, Sheepshead Bay) and City Council Member Jumaane Williams (Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) released statements of condolences following the death of Dr. Lamuel Stanislaus, a former Grenada Ambassador to the United Nations, who died Sunday evening at 95 years old.
“On behalf of myself, the Clarke Family and the people of the Ninth Congressional District of New York, I wish to respectfully offer my deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Excellency Dr. Lamuel A. Stanislaus to his family, friends and to the people of Grenada, Caricou, and Petit Martinique,” said Clarke.
“As a highly-respected diplomat, Dr. Stanislaus was renowned for his work as ambassador of Grenada to the United Nations, where he formed partnerships with individuals such as New York State Governor Mario Cuomo and my esteemed predecessor, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, to support the people of Grenada both at home and around the world. The contributions of Dr. Stanislaus, a native of Petite Martinique, Grenada, were also critical to establishing the West Indian Labor Day Parade, a beautiful celebration of culture that draws millions of people to central Brooklyn every year. Known for his eloquent oratory, Dr. Stanislaus was not only an advocate for Grenadians, but he used his voice to advocate for all people of Caribbean decent and the Caribbean region from whence they have come,” she added.
Williams said Dr. Stanislaus lived a long and accomplished life, and that he was an inspiration to both family and friends, and others who were touched through his work.
“Although he represented Grenada on the international front, as Grenada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, he was best known for his work as a dentist and community advocate. Politicians and community leaders in New York turned to him for advice in social issues affecting the larger Caribbean community. Dr. Stanislaus supported his community politically and financially, wielding his influence and connections to help others succeed. I myself sought his guidance during my inaugural run for City Council,” said Williams.
“”He was a role model for Grenadians, and all people of more color, irrespective of where they come from. Generations of people will undoubtedly be inspired by his life and contributions to the West Indian community,” he added.
Hamilton To Host Presidential Debate Watch Party
Central Brooklyn State Sen. Jesse Hamilton will host a free presidential debate watch party between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump.
Assemblywoman Diana Richardson (Crown Heights, Lefferts Gardens) and Democratic District Leaders Olanike Alabi, Shirley Patterson and Geoffrey Davis will co-host the evnt.
The watch party is slated for between 6-10 p.m., Monday, Sept. 26 at Island CZ Cafe, 743 Franklin Avenue between Sterling Place and Park Place in Crown Heights.
