BLOOD DRIVE AT JACOBI
Wednesday, February 27 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, February 28 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Atrium (Building 8)
Jacobi Medical Center
1400 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, NY, 10461Call - - 718.918.4055, for more information.
Monday, February 25, 2013
2nd Annual African-American Abrazo
By Team Diaz,
State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr., Assemblyman Marcos Crespo 85th A.D., and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda 87th A.D.
Friday night February 22nd was the 2nd Annual African-American Abrazo held by Team Diaz.
The event opened up with a welcome by Senator Diaz Sr. , and an invocation by Rev. Felecia Smith. The U. S. National Anthem was sung by the New York City Housing Authority Choir, and the Negro National Anthem was sung by the Parkchester Baptist Church Voices of Praise.
Ms. Beverly Roberts the Chair of the Advisory Committee said a few words, and introduced the elected officials in attendance. After performances by the Mount Zion Sisters in the Spirit Praise Dancers, and New Tabernacle Praise Dancers the Presentation of proclamations to the Honorees began. the Honorees were Police officer Cleneth A, Davis, Ms. Linda M. Jordan, Ms. Viola Doswell, Master Michael Dean, and Deacon Emeritus Douglas B. Williams.
Left - The NYCHA Choir.
Right - The Parkchester Baptist Church Voices of Praise.
Left - Apostle Leeds Jern.
Right the elected officials stand behind the five Honorees for a group photo.
Left - Mayoral candidate Rev. Eric Salgado speaks to the crowd.
Right - Councilwoman Letitia James (candidate for Public Advocate) addresses the crowd.
Left - Senator Diaz with City Compotroller and candidate for mayor John
Liu with Honoree Police officer Cleneth A. Davis and Rev. Joel Bauza
candidate in the 15th council district.
Right - Comptroller Liu and Assemblyman Sepulveda with Community Board 9 member and candidate for the 15th council district William Rivera. Mr. Rivera was key to Assemblyman Sepulveda's victory last year.
Statement from Assemblyman Camara regarding Assemblyman Hikind's Blackface Costume
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Jervonne Singletary
Office of New York State Assemblyman Karim Camara
1216 Union Street Brooklyn, NY
718-771-3105 (o)
718-344-2023 (c)
jervonnes@gmail.com
Statement from Caucus Chair Regarding Assemblyman Hikind’s ‘Blackface’ Costume
I
am deeply shocked and outraged by the insensitive actions of
Assemblyman Hikind, to dress as a black basketball player complete with
tanned skin and an afro wig. We, as leaders have to be extremely careful
that we foster understanding amongst our different cultural groups and
not use the images of one as a tool for humor. In speaking with many
African Americans both leaders and average citizens, the outrage is
widespread.
The history of the blackface minstrel show is something deeply painful in the African American community. It brings back the memories of African Americans being reduced to “buffoonery” just to gain access to the entertainment industry. The stereotypes embodied in blackface minstrels have played a significant role in cementing and proliferating racist images, attitudes and perceptions, which are still painful and offensive today.
I find the actions of the Assemblyman to be callous and repugnant. At the very least, an apology should be issued to those who found his portrayal objectionable.
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This response is on Assemblyman Dov Hikind's blog.
It's Purim. People Dress Up.
Yes, I wore a costume on Purim and hosted a party. Most of the people who attended also wore costumes. Everywhere that Purim was being celebrated, people wore costumes. It was Purim. People dress up.
I am intrigued that anyone who understands Purim—or for
that matter understands me—would have a problem with this. This is political correctness
to the absurd. There is not a prejudiced bone in my body.
NYLCV To Mayoral Candidates: Don't Backtrack On Solid Waste Management Plan
The New York League of Conservation Voters, which works to make
environmental sustainability a top political priority in New York, today
called on all mayoral candidates to support the New York City Solid
Waste Management Plan in its entirety.
Several
mayoral candidates discussed the Solid Waste Management Plan last
Friday night at a forum in Manhattan, where it appeared that some
candidates have changed their views.
Passed
in 2006 with strong support from New Yorkers, city leaders and
environmental organizations, the Solid Waste Management Plan
revolutionized the way New York handles its garbage. Prior to the plan’s
implementation, the overwhelming majority of the city’s garbage was
trucked into low-income and minority neighborhoods outside of Manhattan.
For decades, those communities faced disproportionate environmental
burdens including noise, reduced air quality and odors.
The
Solid Waste Management Plan addressed this environmental injustice by
requiring each borough to handle its own share of waste. The plan also
helped clean the air and reduce quality-of-life complaints by
establishing a system of marine transfer stations to reduce truck
traffic and transport waste more efficiently. The locations of the
marine transfer stations were carefully selected after exhaustive
studies and community input.
After many years of debate, the City Council approved the Solid Waste Management Plan in 2006 by a vote of 44 to five.
“It
is understandable that no one wants a garbage facility in their
neighborhood. But New York cannot go back to the old, inefficient and
unfair ways of the past,” said NYLCV President Marcia Bystryn. “The
marine transfer stations can be made resilient to higher sea levels
without abandoning the Solid Waste Management Plan. We strongly
encourage all mayoral candidates to stand their ground and affirm their
commitment to this smart, sustainable and equitable system.”
NYLCV
was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, policy making and political
action organization that works to make environmental protection a top
priority with elected officials, decision makers, and voters by
evaluating incumbent performance and endorsing and electing
environmental leaders to office in New York State.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Bronx Parks Speak Out - The Photos.
Here are many photos of the 19th annual Bronx Parks Speak Out held on Saturday at Lehman College.
Left - Margot Perron of Van Cortlandt Park.
Right - The Con Edison table on green energy.
Left - The Friends of Ferry Point Park.
Right - Transportation Alternatives.
Left - Mr. I.C. Levenberg at the BCEQ table.
Right - I.C. with some friends in the dinning room.
Left - Musicians King Ktakei & Shaka Shabazz. Enlarge the photo to see their sculpture on the table.
Right - Mr. Dart Westphal speaking out about Bronx parks.
Left - Mayoral candidates Democrat Sal Abanese (left), No Party candidate Adolfo Carrion Jr (center), Green Party candidate Dr,. Anthony Gronowicz (right).
Right - Current Councilman G. Oliver Koppell 11th district with his staffer Andrew Sandler.
The candidates running for the term limited seat of Councilman G. Oliver Koppell.
Left - Community Board 8 Aging Committee Chairman Andrew Cohen sitting with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.
Right - KRVDC treasurer Cliff Stanton (middle) with two attendees.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
What You Should Know
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
I Am Glad I Voted Against It
You should know that a Manhattan
Supreme Court Justice blocked Governor Andrew Cuomo’s attempt to harm
New York City’s public schools poor students by cutting $260 Million in
education aid.
The Governor’s decision came after the City of New York and the teacher’s union failed to meet a deadline on a deal for a new teacher evaluation system, prompting the Governor to take his vengeance upon the innocent students of those poor, in need and in really bad shape public schools in New York City.
According to the New York Post, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez issued the ruling stopping Governor Cuomo from denying New York City the $260 million in school aid by stating “Innocent students that have no influence over the legislative process or negotiations were potentially placed at risk academically.” The judge also stated that “there are alternative means of achieving the goal while preserving federal grant funds without the long term affect of financial sanctions on the students.”
You should know that after this ruling, by a Hispanic Supreme Court Judge, and the setback that it means to Governor Cuomo’s administration, I wonder if this is why Governor Cuomo wants his friends to be appointed to the court system, even if they are not qualified.
Immediately after the ruling, a spokesperson for Governor Cuomo stated that the Governor intends to appeal the ruling of Justice Mendez. Deputy Mayor Howard Wolfson, speaking on behalf of the City of New York, according to the Post, stated that: “We have said all along that students should not be penalized for the UFT’s failure to negotiate and our goal has been and continues to be a fair and effective evaluation system.”
You should know that this is a great victory for the New York City Department of Education and the children that it serves. Mr. Michael Rebell who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the city parents stated that “There’s no point to this penalty anymore. I hope the fact the Governor knows it is going to be solved….would get him and the legislature to reconsider and not impose this penalty.”
Finally, you should know that since the beginning, Governor Cuomo wanted to punish the children of the City of New York and the school system by imposing this penalty. He found a way to include this damage and ill-conceived idea by including it in the budget and forcing legislators to vote for it. I saw it coming, I spoke to my colleagues and asked them not to vote for it, I spoke against it on the Senate floor, nobody listened because it was the Governor’s idea and the Governor was pressuring them.
Praise the Lord because there is justice and someone like Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez, who saw the damage that this cut of funds would have done to the poor and needy children of our communities. Now, I can rejoice and say I am glad that I voted against it.
I am Senator Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
The Governor’s decision came after the City of New York and the teacher’s union failed to meet a deadline on a deal for a new teacher evaluation system, prompting the Governor to take his vengeance upon the innocent students of those poor, in need and in really bad shape public schools in New York City.
According to the New York Post, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez issued the ruling stopping Governor Cuomo from denying New York City the $260 million in school aid by stating “Innocent students that have no influence over the legislative process or negotiations were potentially placed at risk academically.” The judge also stated that “there are alternative means of achieving the goal while preserving federal grant funds without the long term affect of financial sanctions on the students.”
You should know that after this ruling, by a Hispanic Supreme Court Judge, and the setback that it means to Governor Cuomo’s administration, I wonder if this is why Governor Cuomo wants his friends to be appointed to the court system, even if they are not qualified.
Immediately after the ruling, a spokesperson for Governor Cuomo stated that the Governor intends to appeal the ruling of Justice Mendez. Deputy Mayor Howard Wolfson, speaking on behalf of the City of New York, according to the Post, stated that: “We have said all along that students should not be penalized for the UFT’s failure to negotiate and our goal has been and continues to be a fair and effective evaluation system.”
You should know that this is a great victory for the New York City Department of Education and the children that it serves. Mr. Michael Rebell who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the city parents stated that “There’s no point to this penalty anymore. I hope the fact the Governor knows it is going to be solved….would get him and the legislature to reconsider and not impose this penalty.”
Finally, you should know that since the beginning, Governor Cuomo wanted to punish the children of the City of New York and the school system by imposing this penalty. He found a way to include this damage and ill-conceived idea by including it in the budget and forcing legislators to vote for it. I saw it coming, I spoke to my colleagues and asked them not to vote for it, I spoke against it on the Senate floor, nobody listened because it was the Governor’s idea and the Governor was pressuring them.
Praise the Lord because there is justice and someone like Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez, who saw the damage that this cut of funds would have done to the poor and needy children of our communities. Now, I can rejoice and say I am glad that I voted against it.
I am Senator Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.
SEN. JEFF KLEIN HOSTS ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH BREAKFAST
State Senator Jeff Klein joined Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, former New York City Comptroller, Bill Thompson, African-American Community leaders and nearly 300
constituents in celebrating Black History Month at his annual breakfast at Villa
Barone Manor today. At the breakfast, the program included a keynote address
from former New York City Comptroller, Bill Thompson, musical performances from
the Reverend Nathaniel Tyler Lloyd Legacy Choir of Trinity Baptist Church and
the presentation of awards to African-American community leaders for their work
in the district and beyond.
Senator Klein stated that the event “recognizes the
incredible contributions of African-Americans in our community. The
contributions of those honored today help shape our communities for the better
and I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize them for their incredible
efforts. Whether it is working hand in hand with community leaders to empower
minority candidates running for office or working to ensure that African-Americans
have access to quality health care, schools and employment, I feel privileged
to have the opportunity to work with and work for African-Americans in the
Bronx and across New York to uplift all of our communities. I look forward to
meeting, working and honoring future leaders in the African-American community
for years to come.”
Event honorees included the Hon.
Richard Thomas, Council Member, The City of Mount Vernon, Mr. Lamont Parker, Youth Committee
Chair, Bronx Community Board No. 8, Ms. Herma
Williams, President, Pelham Parkway Houses Residents Council and Ms. Monique Johnson, President, Throggs
Neck Houses Residents Council.
Senator
Klein stands with honorees at the Black History Month Breakfast. (From L to R):
Assemblyman Crespo, Ms. Herma Williams, Ms. Monique Johnson, Senator Klein,
Honorable Richard Thomas and Mr. Lamont Parker.
Senator Klein, Assemblyman Crespo, and former Comptroller Thompson speak with Honoree Ms. Herma Williams.
Senator Klein and former Comptroller Thompson give some tips to Candidate for comptroller and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.
KOPPELL OPPOSES CO-LOCATION OF TWO NEW HIGH SCHOOLS IN DEWITT CLINTON BUILDING
A Rose by Any Other Name is Still a Rose
At
a public meeting on February 26, 2013 on DeWitt Clinton’s Future,
Council Member Oliver Koppell, a member of the Education Committee,
strongly
opposed the proposal of the Department of Education to downsize Clinton
and co-locate two new high schools in the building.
Initially heartened by the DOE’s decision not to close the school, he soon learned that
a rose by any other name is still a rose. “Placing two new high schools in the building is tantamount to ensuring Clinton’s demise,” he said.
“There is no doubt in my mind.” Koppell continued, “that
the new high schools will
drain Clinton of the more well prepared and motivated students. Clinton
will become the “school of last resort” for English Language Learners,
“Over the Counter” students and those who are underprepared. Without the
resources necessary to help these students,
the school’s academic record will plummet, leading to a renewed call
for its closure.”
Koppell
expressed the opinion that this need not happen. He indicated that
funding, support and new leadership could reinvigorate the school.
“Improvement can come about,” he stated, “by allocating more
teaching and counseling resources, increasing staff development,
revising the curricula and enlisting the help of the alumni and
neighboring institutions of higher learning,”
Koppell
defended the role of the large comprehensive high schools saying that
that they offered students a wide choice of courses, extracurricular
activities and sports teams.
“The
success Clinton has had in the past in its 100 year-old tradition of
educating students is predictive of the future success it can have
if it is given the necessary support. I urge the DOE not to give up on
Clinton by reallocating its resources and space to other schools, but
to bolster it by providing the necessary assistance it needs to become a
school of excellence once again,”
Koppell concluded.