Brooklyn Lawmakers On The Move Aug. 3, 2018

News Site Brooklyn

Adams Announces Wingate Concert Series Lineup

Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams

Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams yesterday invited Brooklynites to join him for upcoming free shows at the Wingate Concert Series at Wingate Park in East Flatbush.

Adams has also hosted free outdoor entertainment this summer at Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk in Coney Island, Columbus Park in Downtown Brooklyn and Kingsborough Community College in Manhattan Beach.

“Music is a celebration of life, love, and the beauty of our diverse communities; that’s why I’m excited to present the 2018 Wingate Concert Series at Wingate Park,” said Adams. “As one of the millions of New Yorkers who grew up on free summer concerts in the city, I join our communities across Brooklyn in thanking Make Music New York, Globe Star Media-N-Entertainment, and all of the other sponsors and partners for making this great musical event a success, which will entertain and inspire the hearts and minds of thousands of Brooklynites. Bring out your family and friends for these great concerts, which continue the incredible tradition of free summer entertainment in Central Brooklyn!”

The Wingate Concert Series will kick off with “R&B Fest” on Wednesday, August 8, as Radio 103.9 New York WNBM-FM on-air personalities La Loco and Chubb Rock lead the night with live performances from Johnny Gill, After 7, and Vivian Green.

On Thursday, August 9, 107.5 WBLS-FM will co-present “Afro-Caribbean/Reggae Night,” hosted by on-air personality Dahved Levy and featuring live performances from Estelle, Barrington Levy, Alison Hinds, Serani, Ricky Blaze, Alandon, Dovey Magnum, Tifa, Kappa, Sugar Bear, and Flyame, as well as music by Tropical Blendz, DJ Mad Out, and DJ Apache.

On Wednesday, August 15, 1190 WLIB-AM and 107.5 WBLS-FM’s Niecy Tribbett will present “Gospel Explosion,” featuring an evening of praise with live performances by JJ Hairston, Charles Jenkins, VaShawn Mitchell, Jonathan Nelson, William Murphy, Christian Cultural Center Choir, and more surprise guests, as well as music from Stanley Brown.

The series finale will take place on Thursday, August 16, with live performances by Wyclef Jean, Slick Rick, Kool Moe Dee, Mr. Cheeks, and more surprise artists, as well as music from DJ Scratch. The evening will be co-presented by 107.5 WBLS-FM’s Dr. Bob Lee and Fred “Bugsy” Buggs with a very special presentation of “Big Daddy Kane’s Salute to Hip Hop,” celebrating the 45th anniversary of hip-hop music.

All shows are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. with gates to the public opening at 6 p.m. All shows are subject to change. Those interested in more information on the 2018 Wingate Concert Series are encouraged to visit wingateconcertseries.com.


Ortiz Seeks To Regulate 3D “Ghost” Guns

Assembly Member Felix Ortiz

Assemblyman and Assistant Speaker Félix W. Ortiz (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) recently introduced legislation that would require the state police to regulate and monitor  “ghost” guns.

“Ghost guns” are designed and manufactured from 3-dimensional computer graphic models and often made of silicone materials and lack serial numbers. By making the guns themselves, owners may legally bypass background checks and registration regulations. Many ghost guns have become part of the illicit firearms trade.  

Three-dimensional computer graphic applications have been in existence since 2013.  The Obama Administration placed strict regulations on the release of these designs to the public.  The Trump Administration recently overturned those regulations and under current federal law the creation and possession of ghost guns is permitted. In the first weekend after deregulation of these weapons, approximately 1,000 individuals with no background checks applied for designs.

This bill would specify, before the state police provides a unique serial number or other mark, that the individual must present proof that he or she is not prohibited by state or federal law to purchase a firearm, is 18 years of age or older, and  has not been convicted of domestic abuse.

The state police would also be required to maintain electronic records of all persons receiving a unique serial number and vendor license. Within one dayof making or assembling the firearm, the purchaser would have to engrave or permanently affix the unique serial number or other mark to the firearm and notify the state police. The legislation would prohibit the sale or transfer of ownership of a firearm manufactured or assembled to a person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Violation of this illegal transfer would be punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for one year, or a $1,000 fine, or both.

“Our current climate requires us to regulate every type of firearm. It is absurd to permit “ghost gun” manufacturing technology without regulation. As the federal government continues to deregulate common sense rules, states must step in to protect communities from guns,” said Ortiz.


Deutsch, Council’s Jewish Caucus Bid Farewell To Israeli Deputy Consul General 

City Councilman Chaim Deutsch

City Councilman Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest, Midwood) and the New York City Council Jewish Caucus, the Jewish Community Relations Council – New York, and the UJA Federation last week held a farewell ceremony for Israeli Deputy Consul General Amir Sagie, who will be exiting his post this month.

Sagie has served as Deputy Consul General to Ambassador Dani Dayan for nearly four years at the Israeli Consulate in New York City. He has developed a reputation for being extraordinarily knowledgeable about issues relating to foreign relations, anti-BDS efforts, and New York-Israel relations.

In attendance at the farewell ceremony at City Hall were Ambassador Dayan, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, JCRC-NY President Charles Temel, Deutsch (who chairs the Jewish Caucus), and Councilmembers Karen Koslowitz, Mathieu Eugene, Ydanis Rodriguez, community leaders, and consulate staff.

“The world’s highest population of Jews and Holocaust survivors outside of Israel live within the five boroughs of our city. The Israeli consulate here in NYC, home of the UN, plays an important role in international relations. We have been lucky to have Deputy Consul General Amir Sagie as a leader and an advisor in this position,” said Deutsch.


Hamilton, Walker to Host “Re-Imagine Justice” Forum

State Sen. Jesse Hamilton
Assemblywoman Latrice Walker

State Sen. Jesse Hamilton (D-Central Brooklyn) and Assemblywoman Latrice Monique Walker (D-Brownsville) today and tomorrow will host a “Re-Imagine Justice” Forum.

The aim of the forum is to broaden the perspectives and approaches to justice. Hamilton and Walker will host community leaders, activists, educators, and youth for the two-day event. The agenda includes panel discussions, breakout sessions, a resource fair, and film screenings.

Among the participants include Aaron Hinton, Founder, D.U.E.C.E.S. (Do you Enlightenment & Cultural Empowerment Services); Antoine Cassidy, Founder, No Gun Smoke; Derek Perkinson, Chief Community Organizer, The Black Institute; Henseley Nedd, Regional VP, Primerica; Brett A. Scudder, Founder and President, Scudder Intervention Services Foundation, Inc.; Michael Pellew, Recovery Coach Advocate; Mike Tucker, Founder & Chairman, Lay the Guns Down Foundation; Professor Jennifer Radtke, Kingsborough Community College; and Valerie Wattenberg, Consultant Criminal Justice Reform & Strategy.

The forum is slated for between 1-5 p.m., both today, Aug. 3 and Tomorrow Aug. 4 at Brownsville Academy High School, 1150 East New York Avenue in Brownsville.


Clarke To Host Citizenship Education Workshop

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke

U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-Crown Heights, Flatbush, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Midwood, Sheepshead Bay, Brownsville) will host a Citizenship Education Workshop for eligible constituents this Sunday.

Clarke is urging constituents to register for the workshop. It will include a presentation and workshop about the U.S. Citizenship process and benefits of citizenship. Constituents will have the opportunity to learn more about the cost, processing time etc.

New York Legal Assistance Group will be on site for a deeper dive and to answer tough questions.

The event is slated from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, August 5 at Shiloh SDA Church, 449 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights. RSVP at the District Office – 718-287-0741.