Parker Holds 13th HarvestFest Back-To-School Giveaway
State Senator Kevin Parker (D-East Flatbush, Flatbush, Midwood, Kensington, Park Slope) held his 13th Annual HarvestFest Back-To-School Giveaway recently where he and community partners furnished students and families with over 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hand sanitizers.
“We’re dealing with a global pandemic and a high level of uncertainty in our everyday goings,” stated Parker. “People have lost their jobs. Some are facing food insecurity, and for some, school is starting very shortly. As I help my constituents through all of these issues, we must continue to ensure that our students are taken care of as well. While I do not support the rushed reopening of our public schools, I still remain steadfast in my duty to make sure that our students are as prepared as they can be no matter what form their education takes this school year.”
The free school supplies event, usually held annually at Paedegat Park in Flatbush, was split into a two-day event at smaller locations in the 21st District to properly observe social distancing rules. On Thursday, Parker distributed backpacks at his District Office, and at the Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church. The following day, he took the backpack giveaway to the Flatbush YMCA and Madison Square Boys & Girls Club.
Parker concluded, “As always, I am appreciative of the support from our event sponsors. Every year they take the time to make sure our kids have what they need to be successful on their journeys to their careers, and their partnership with my office to this end is invaluable.”
Louis on Death of Chadwick Boseman
City Council Member Farah Louis (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, Kensington) released the following statement after Chadwick Boseman, star of Marvel Studios’ groundbreaking film Black Panther, died on Saturday after battling stage IV colon cancer. He was 43 years old.
“As the world and fans of Chadwick Boseman learned about his tragic death last Saturday, I shared their sentiments. I was heartbroken and devastated by the loss of a man with extraordinary talent who helped bridge the gap between racial justice in the entertainment industry and the African diaspora through his body of work. Chadwick pushed and advocated for diversity amongst Black actors in the film industry and inspired a new generation of young people to see themselves as kings and queens, celebrating their skills, talents, blackness, and overall culture.
“Chadwick brought enormous dignity and depth to his trailblazing role of Black Panther, shattering myths and stereotypes, becoming a long-awaited Black hero to millions around the world, and inspiring us all to dream bigger and demand more than the status quo. We mourn the loss of Chadwick because we know everything he was destined to become.
“While diagnosed with colon cancer, Chadwick, a real fighter, persevered. He is also known for his acclaimed performances as Jackie Robinson (2013), as James Brown in Get On Up (2014), and as Thurgood Marshall in Marshall (2017)—first appeared on screen in what would become his most iconic role in Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Civil War. The highly anticipated Black Panther was released in 2018. The film—and the nation of Wakanda in which the movie is set—quickly became a global cultural phenomenon, inspiring millions of fans worldwide. All were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.
“As a Marvel fan, I am very grateful to have witnessed in my lifetime what I consider as one of his best films ever, the Black Panther. I will always remember Chadwick for inspiring me with his amazing character, “T’Challa,” the smart, strategic, and disciplined superhero that became a Black leader responsible for an entire nation and handled it humbly with style and grace.
“All of us in District 45 send our prayers and heartfelt condolences to Chadwick’s, fans, family, and friends.”
Colton Offering Signage to Keep Streets Clean
Assemblyman William Colton (D Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights) is offering signage to post at tree pits to keep city streets clean.
“Today when I was conducting a daily neighborhood walkthrough, I found several pieces of clothing, broken glass, several broken plastic frames and small bags dumped in a tree pit at the side of my house. I placed a small sign “please do not leave garbage in tree pits” after I cleaned the tree pit with protective cleaning tools. Inconsiderate persons who dump such garbage should be aware that they are subjecting themselves to huge fines for such dumping. If anyone has this problem and catches someone on their surveillance tape, save the tape and call my office so we can demand the city enforce the law and not simply fine the innocent homeowner. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, we must act together to keep our neighborhood clean, since it is all too clear city government will not enforce its laws,” Colton Stated.
“One month ago, I started the block watcher project. Many of our friends, family and neighbors have joined us in fighting the decline of cleanliness of the street. We have made great progress. We have teamed up with volunteers to conduct street clean up events and inspired pedestrians to do their part and not litter on the street. We have demanded and made the Department of Sanitation remove a large amount of hazardous material that was dumped on a sidewalk. Thanks to our block watcher for reporting locations of these discrepancies to my district office in a timely manner, so that we could take actions right away,” Colton said.
“I know we still have more to do. My office is printing out signage that can be placed at tree pits to promote street cleanliness. Signage will be available for pick up at our district office at155 Kings Highway, Brooklyn, NY 11223,” Colton added.
