Van Bramer Launches Initiative For New NYC Historic & Cultural Markers Program
City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Astoria, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Long Island City, Maspeth, Sunnyside, Woodside) is pushing to establish a new NYC Historic & Cultural Markers Program, to commemorate a more inclusive set of histories, communities, struggles and sites that shaped the city.
The initiative, in partnership with Brooklyn City Council Members Brad Lander and Laurie Cumbo, builds on the work of the Mayor’s “Monuments Commission,” which looked at the city’s monuments and developed guidelines on how the City should address monuments seen as oppressive and inconsistent with the values of New York City.
The initiative both launches an AllOurHistoriesNYC.com website and includes legislation creating a new Historic and Cultural Marker Program that builds on the Commission’s recommendations.
“Recognizing and celebrating our history is more important than ever,” said Van Bramer, Chair of the Committee of Cultural Affairs and Libraries. “New Yorkers should know who lived and worked here, who fought for justice here, and we should all do what we can to make sure all voices are heard.”
Meeks Condemns Trump’s Offensive “Sh*thole” Comment
U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Jamaica, Laurelton, Rosedale, Cambria Heights, Saint Albans, Springfield Gardens, Far Rockaway, JFK Airport) last week strongly condemned President Donald Trump’s reported remarks disparging Haiti and other peoples in a bipartisan immograntion meeting and asking, “Why do we want all these people from sh*thole countries coming here?”
“I am bitterly ashamed by our President’s heaving ignorant comments about Africa, El Salvador, and Haiti without any regard for history or fact. I am not alone; people around the world awoke to another episode of Donald Trump diminishing the United States’ world standing with repulsive and blatantly racist comments. In the days leading up to the eighth anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti, when the President should have offered inspiring messages of rebuilding and Haitian resilience, he showed his true bigotry once again,” said Meeks.
“Lest we forget, Haitians shed blood on American soil in the Revolutionary War, fighting for our nation’s independence. It’s clear that President Trump lacks basic world knowledge and an appreciation for that history.
“The President insulted African countries and African people, demonstrating his cluelessness about the strength, prosperity, and stability that exist across Africa today. He seems woefully and dangerously unaware that many African nations partner with us to further our shared security and prosperity.
“My deep concern is that President Trump’s obvious racism and obliviousness will continue to be embedded in his policies. One must wonder whether it was the basis for his recent decisions to expire Temporary Protected Status. One must question whether his evident prejudice is the reason he has failed to acknowledge the tremendous contributions of certain immigrant communities.
“As we honor the great Martin Luther King, Jr. this weekend, I am reminded of his prescient words, ‘History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.’”
Crowley Condems Trump Administration’s Medicaid Work Requirements
U.S. Rep. and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-Sunnyside, Astoria, College Point, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, Woodside, parts of the Bronx) on Friday condemned the Trump Administration’s new policy guidance that would allow states to impose work requirements on Medicaid beneficiaries:
“President Trump is reneging on the promise of America’s social safety net. These work requirements will create new barriers that severely impact the lives of low-income Americans who are trying to get and stay healthy. This an absurd decision from the Trump administration that proves its ongoing contempt for working Americans and the middle-class,” said Crowley.
Adams Inauguration Draws Top NYC Elected Officials
Newly elected City Council Member Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park) on Sunday was sworn in and gave her inaugural address in front of the city’s top elected officials at the York College Performing Arts Center, 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamiaca.
Among those in attendance was U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, Mayor Bill de Blasio, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Brooklyn Borough President Melinda Katz, City Comptroller Scott Stringer and a number of city council and state lawmakers.
Adams, the former chair of Community Board 12, was elected in November, following the arrest and conviction of former Councilman Ruben Wills, who was found guilty of felony corruption charges.
Thank you for all who attended my inaugural ceremony last night. I am honored to serve #District28,” Adams said via Facebook.
