CM James Comments on Gun Control In The Wake of Sandy Hook Elementary School Tragedy

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
DECEMBER 20, 2012

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Comments on Gun Control In The Wake of Sandy Hook Elementary School Tragedy

(New York, NY)— “In the wake of the tragic school shooting that took place at Connecticut’s Sandy Hook Elementary School, claiming the lives of 27 innocents, the time has come to engage in a serious dialogue on gun control both on a local and national level.

I applaud Mayor Michael Bloomberg and other leaders who have called on President Obama to take bold action on gun control. Mayor Bloomberg, founder of “Mayors Against Illegal Guns” recently called on the President to re-introduce the assault-weapons ban bill, and order the Department of Justice to aggressively pursue those who lie on weapons background check forms.

I echo Mayor Bloomberg, and further urge the New York State Legislature to tighten restrictions on assault weapons, and pass legislation requiring gun manufacturers to use bullet microstamping technology. This technology inscribes a gun’s make and model numbers on the firing pin, imprinting those numbers on the shell casings. This would allow shell casings picked up at crime scenes to be tracked to the gun that fired it. The utilization of this technology would offer the NYPD a new tool in fighting gun crime.

I recognize the work that the NYPD has done to seize and remove illegal guns from the streets of New York. For instance, in October 2012, the NYPD seized 100 illegal guns from weapons trafficking rings, including AK-47 assault rifles. The rings were believed to be selling illegal weapons brought into New York from pawn shops in South Carolina. However, it is equally important that the NYPD re-evaluate the sale of weapon’s materials (such as shell casings) to other states and municipalities with far more lax gun laws.

In 2012, New York City sold more than 28,000 pounds of the NYPD’s spent gun shell casings to a Georgia ammunition store. As per the laws in the state of Georgia, no identification or registration is required to purchase these materials. This is a practice that needs to be re-evaluated if New York is to continue to be seen as one of the most regulated gun-control states in the nation.

I again offer my deepest condolences to the families of those who were affected by this national tragedy.”

Council Member Letitia James introduced Int. 955-2012 into the Council, which would require the administration to report on the disposal of ammunition shell casings.

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ATTENTION: Making Home Affordable Program Hosts Mortgage Assistance Event; 6/25; BK Marriott

The Obama Administration's Making Home Affordable Program, HOPE NOW and several local, non-profit partners and government agencies are hosting this event that will afford homeowners the unique opportunity to meet directly with their mortgage servicer and/or a HUD-approved housing counselor to find alternatives to foreclosure.

Several local, HUD-approved non-profit counseling organizations will be on-site as well to advise homeowners, including:

- American Debt Resources
- Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica, Inc.
- Bridge Street Development
- Brooklyn Housing and Family Services
- Neighbors Helping Neighbors
- Legal Services NYC
- Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation
- Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City, Inc.
- NID-HCA Greater New Jersey

WHEN: Monday, June 25, 2012
10AM- 8PM


WHERE: NY Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge
333 Adams Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

For more information, contact 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).

ATTENTION: Federal Disaster Aid Available in BK (NYC)

Some Brooklyn organizations are eligible to receive disaster aid related to Hurricane Irene damages.

Government and some nonprofits. Some nonprofits in Brooklyn (as well as Bronx, Nassau, New York, Queens, Rockland, Suffolk, Westchester) counties can receive partial reimbursement for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Irene.
The federal assistance is for the reimbursement (up to 75%) of covered and documented expenses. You don't have to wait to begin your repairs, just keep a careful record of your outlays.

If you think that you, your business or your organization are eligible, begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362).

Updated Information from NYT's Cityroom here.

CMs James, Lander, and Van Bramer Award NYC Cultural Institutions, Joined By Actor/Activist Ed Norton

New York City Councilmembers Letitia James, Brad Lander, and Jimmy Van Bramer were joined at today's Stated Council meeting by two-time Academy Award-nominated actor Edward Norton to recognize this year’s NYC-based National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award winners.

Heart of Brooklyn and Global Action Project, are two of just fifteen organizations nationwide to receive this prestigious annual award from the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities (PCAH). This award is the nation’s highest honor for outstanding after-school arts and humanities programs, particularly those that reach underserved children and youth. The awards were presented by First Lady and Honorary Chairperson Michelle Obama on October 20th at the White House, and Committee Member Ed Norton joined the New York City Council in recognizing these two outstanding organizations.

Photo Credit: William Alatriste, New York City Council

Watch FL Michelle Obama Award BCAP on Behalf of President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities

Watch Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program (BCAP) get awarded by First Lady Michelle Obama as one of the best youth arts programs in the country. The National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award is the highest honor out-of-school youth arts programs can receive in the United States. Read more here.

BCAP Awarded by President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities; Honored by First Lady

First Lady Michelle Obama Honors Heart of Brooklyn’s BCAP Initiative; One of 15 Youth Programs Awarded Nationwide

First Lady Michelle Obama will recognize Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program (BCAP), the youth education program that gave rise to the award-winning Heart of Brooklyn cultural partnership, with a prestigious National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award at a White House ceremony on Wednesday, October 20. Heart of Brooklyn Director Ellen F. Salpeter and BCAP Summer Camp Adventurer Jamell Allen-Thomas will accept the award on behalf of the thousands of children served by BCAP since 1998.

Selected from a pool of more than 400 nominations, BCAP is one of 15 after-school and out-of-school programs across the country to be presented with a 2010 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award (formerly, the Coming Up Taller Award- BCAP also was named a 2009 semi-finalist for the Coming Up Taller Award) from Mrs. Obama. The award is the highest honor such programs can receive in the United States. BCAP is one of two New York City-based organizations to be recognized at the ceremony, along with youth media organization Global Action Project.

The National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards are administered by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH), in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). With the award, Heart of Brooklyn will also receive $10,000 to support its engaging programming that weaves connections between art, world culture, literature, history, nature and science.

The Awards Ceremony will be streamed live at www.whitehouse.gov/live at 11am, EST.

Learn more about BCAP’s innovative programming and the Heart of Brooklyn cultural partnership by visiting www.heartofbrooklyn.org/bcap.

NYS Wins Race To The Top Funding!

New York State is among the winners in the Obama administration's Race to the Top Phase II program, awarding $696,646,000 in new education grants for the state. In the midst of these harsh economic times, this funding will ensure that New York's children are provided a better opportunity and improved access to quality education.

The Race to the Top state competition is funded by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and is designed to reward states that are leading the way in comprehensive, coherent, statewide education reform across four key areas:

- Adopting standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace;
- Building data systems that measure student growth and success, and inform teachers and principals how to improve instruction;
- Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals, especially where they are needed most; and
- Turning around their lowest-performing schools.

This victory can be credited in part to the major education reforms recently enacted by the New York State legislators. Yet, without the commitment of President Barack Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan in recognizing that New York State is worthy of these vital dollars, we would be without this essential investment for our children's future. This is truly great news for families across the state!

Happy Birthday Mr. President!

Dear President Barack Obama:

Happy 49th Birthday to you Leo! It is a pleasure to send you birthday wishes on behalf of the New York City Council and the 35th Council District in Brooklyn, New York.

Congratulations on another successful trip around the sun. The community appreciates your outstanding service as President during these past 18 months. Thanks for always doing your best, for saving our economy, and for remembering the common man. It is miraculous that your work with Congress has helped to pass positive bills (including the healthcare law, and student loan reform).

And, I’m sure you’ve been told that the new grays in your hair make you look even more distinguished. May God continue to keep and bless you now and forever Mr. President!

Warmest regards,

Letitia James
Member of City Council

CM James and Peace Advocates Call On Military Cuts To Fund Citywide Budget Deficit, Human Needs

On April 15, 2010, Council Member Letitia James joined peace and hunger advocates from Brooklyn for Peace, Westside Campaign Against Hunger, and the Hunger Action Network of New York State to call for military cuts to fund the Citywide budget deficit and human needs.

Council Member Letitia James joined advocacy groups on the steps of City Hall on Thursday, April 15, 2010 to announce the upcoming introduction of a Council resolution urging the United State Congress to cut the military budget to help solve the City budget deficit and other urgent human needs such as affordable housing (including Section 8 vouchers), child nutrition programs, job training and development, and education program.

Joining Council Member James at the news conference were Mark Dunlea of the Hunger Action Network of NYS; Doreen Wohl of the Westside Campaign Against Hunger, Christy Robb of Hour Children, and Brooklyn Peace Coalition.

New York City is presently facing a $4.9 billion budget deficit. To resolve the deficit, the Mayor has proposed draconian cuts to essential city services and jobs. The Council resolution will urge the state's Congressional delegation to see cuts in the record military budget proposed by President Obama to provide funding to state and local governments to deal with the massive budget deficits throughout the country.

The resolution also asks that military spending be transferred to support job creation, affordable housing, anti-hunger programs, environmental protection, education and other essential human needs. For instance, anti-hunger groups and Senator Gillibrand are seeking an additional $4 billion annually in funding as part of the reauthorization of the various federal child nutrition programs (e.g., school and summer meals, WIC). The Senate Agriculture Committee, however, is proposing only a $450 million increase.

The City recently announced that in addition to rescinding 2,600 Section 8 housing vouchers it had promised low-income cuts, the lack of federal funds may require it to cut off 10,000 existing families receiving federal section 8 housing assistance. Advocacy groups note that New York taxpayers have paid $81.4 billion just for Iraq and Afghanistan war spending since 2001. According to the National Priorities Project, taxpayers in New York will pay $63.2 billion for Total Defense Spending in FY2010.

For more information on this issue, please call the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081.

ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

Representative Yvette D. Clarke will host a Special Congressional Briefing on the Temporary Protection Status for Nationals of Haiti. Come and have your questions answered by representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security- Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Thursday, January, 28, 2010
6pm- 8:30pm
SUNY- Downstate Alumni Auditorium
395 Lenox Road (btwn. New York Avenue & East 34th Street)
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11203
Call (718) 287-1142 for more info.


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"Promoting Good Health in a Challenging Economy"
The Woodhull Medical Center

The Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center's Community Advisory Board cordially invites you to attend a legislative breakfast-

Friday, February 5, 2010
10am - 12noon
Woodhull Medical Center- Auditorium
760 Broadway, 3rd level
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11206

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Meet the Lenders: Inaugural Lender and Business Matchmaking Event

Small Business Owners may meet with loan officers from SBA-participating lenders and learn about loan sources on then City, State, and Federal level. Experts from 8(a) Division and SBA resource partners- SBDCs, SCORE, WBCs, and Chamber of Commerce- will attend.

Monday, February 8, 2010
10AM-2PM
76 Federal Plaza
(6th Floor Conference Room)
New York, NY 10278

Information/Register- Contact Man-Li Lin at man-li lin@sba.gov
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And tonight, President Obama presents a State of the Union [Brooklyn for Barack will host a viewing party- complete with stimulating discussion- at Moe's Bar & Lounge at 70 Lafayette Avenue], and Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries gives his State of the District.

Governor Paterson Statement On Extension of Fed. Unemployment Insurance

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON ON EXTENSION OF FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

President Obama signed a federal extension of Unemployment Insurance, ensuring that nearly 55,000 New Yorkers who had previously exhausted their benefits will be entitled to an additional 20 weeks.

Unemployment Insurance was created as a safety net for workers who found themselves out of work through no fault of their own. In an economic climate where there is only one job for every six unemployed New Yorkers, Unemployment Insurance has taken on a different meaning. It has quickly changed from a safety net to a lifeline.

As I travel the State and speak with unemployed New Yorkers, I am encouraged to hear that they do not want to collect unemployment benefits forever. They want to work, and there is nothing they want more than the financial independence a good job has to offer.

I encourage the unemployed in New York to visit one of our 81 One-Stop Centers across the State as often as possible. Let our experts help you find a job. From the Department of Labor’s On-the-Job Training program to new opportunities targeting the clean energy sector, there are dozens of government programs that unemployed New Yorkers may not be aware of and they should take advantage of them.

In addition, workers should also visit the Green Careers NY website at http://www.greencareersny.com/. The site is a green jobs portal, providing a way to search all New York based green jobs training programs and jobs at one website.

As I work with the Legislature to tackle the budget deficit in the coming days, my focus remains on ensuring the fiscal strength of the State – and that we have the resources to take care of the most vulnerable among us for months and years to come.

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Things We May Have Neglected To Mention: Upcoming Community Events Edition

Clinton Hill Blog Re-Launches With New Layout

The Clinton Hill Blog relaunched yesterday with some cool new features and a new layout. Check it out.
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The Center for Law & Social Justice at Medgar Evers College presents "Don't Lose Your Vote" Workshop

Wednesday, August 19, 2009
1150 Carroll Street, RM 207-C
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11225
6PM
TOPIC: General Voter Education- How to Protect Your Vote

Topics to be discussed:
- Voting rights for people who were formerly incarcerated
- The 2010 Census
- How to protect your vote in the upcoming local elections
- General voter education
- Other related topics
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Neighborhood Dialogue on Public Schools

Join your neighbors in an honest dialogue on how we can transform the way we educate our young people. Help shape how our education leaders and community think about public school reform!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA
1121 Bedford Avenue (at Monroe Street)
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11216
6:30PM- 9PM

Sponsors: Education Voters Institute and the YMCA of Greater New York
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Brooklyn for Barack will be hosting a forum for those running for the Office of New York City Comptroller

Thursday, August 20, 2009
Union Temple
17 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11238
7PM- 8:30PM

Questions for the candidates may be submitted to info@brooklynforbarack.org. Questions will also be accepted at the event.

Elected Officials, Activists Discuss Job Creation At City Hall, 7/30, 1PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2009

Activists and elected officials gather at City Hall to discuss creating jobs in the community, this Thursday, July 30th at 1pm

Please join REBUILD (Real Economics for Building Unity and Innovative Local Development) and its President Darnell Canada, along with Council Members Letitia
James, Charles Barron, Larry Seabrook, and Inez Dickens; Assemblymembers Hakeem Jeffries and Karim Camara; as well as other activist on the steps of City Hall.

We are concerned about insuring that STIMULUS MONEY from the Obama Administration is used for the creation of jobs in the community. Unemployment is over 50% for Black and Latino men in the United States, particularly in public housing where the rate is more than 70%. Another concern is guaranteeing that small minority businesses benefit from STIMULUS MONEY too.

This press conference will discuss the plan that REBUILD and others are proposing to secure STIMULUS MONEY for our communities. Come and join us for the
press event and make a STAND to secure our future, on the Steps of City Hall – Thursday, July 30 at 1:00 pm!!

If you have any questions please call REBUILD at (347) 435-0503.

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A Message from Council Member James: NAACP and African-American Community in NYC

The following is an open letter by Council Member James sent to the NAACP.



To begin, I would like to commend the NAACP on 100 years of important advocacy and service to African American communities all across the US. In New York, our evidence of the NAACP’s legacy is found in New York chapter president Hazel Dukes and in Brooklyn president Karen Boykin-Towns, whose work and commitment to justice has benefited us all.

The 100th anniversary is another milestone that we can add to the series of accomplishments and historical events that make 2009 a significant year in history. With the election and inauguration of Barack Obama - our nation’s first African American President - the role of the NAACP in providing trails for us all to blaze deserves much credit and gratitude.

But as the old saying goes, we may have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. 2009 also marks the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking film Do the Right Thing, a creation of Brooklyn’s son Spike Lee. The issues that surfaced in the film still cause us all to think about the implications of race relations and inequality. Since Mayor Bloomberg honored the NAACP this week, the question must be asked: is the Mayor doing the right thing for communities of color in New York City?

Under the Bloomberg administration, many issues affecting communities of color remain critical challenges, but go seemingly unaddressed. In 2004, data from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that half of Black Men in New York City are unemployed. Since that time the administration has taken on extremely limited efforts to address this crisis. In fact, this week the New York Times revealed that the unemployment rate for Blacks in New York City has increased at a rate four times greater than the rate for whites in the city. At 14.7% unemployment for Blacks, the Black-White gap in New York is increasing at one of the fastest paces in the country. While unemployment amongst Black New Yorkers was soaring by 167%, the Mayor ignored communities most in need, and invested $45 million in city dollars to provide job training to those on Wall Street. Unfortunately, the administration continues to do far too little to close the gap and the promote diversity and in equality in the city.

The administration’s efforts at improving diversity and promoting equality can best be determined through the city’s Women and Minority Business Enterprises (WMBE) program. The percentage of procurement opportunities for WMBE’s remains distressing. As head of the City Council’s Contracts committee, I have witnessed the administration fail to take a more active approach in increasing business opportunities for women and minorities. Moreover, minority representation in Mayor Bloomberg’s administration still remains a major challenge. Unfortunately the Mayor’s administrators do not adequately represent the demographics of the New York City that many of us know. This city is in dire need of more administrators who actually relate to the experience of average New Yorkers.

Finally, over half century after the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision, fought for victoriously by the NAACP, the City of New York still remains burdened by persistent segregation. In fact, according to a study by the University of Florida, New York City has experienced the least decline in segregation rates. Very little policy or discussion has emerged from this administration to target the continuing patterns of segregation in the city’s housing.

Mayor Bloomberg, do the right thing, honor the NAACP’s legacy substantively - address the issues that the NAACP has been fighting for these past 100 years - as you finish the remainder of your term. These issues still remain a critical challenge for our city, but far too often it seems these challenges are met with a blind eye and deaf ear.

Finally, and most importantly, congratulations to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on its 100 years of invaluable service, not just to African Americans, but for all Americans. Beyond 2009, I am certain the NAACP will keep up the critical work it began a century ago and continue to make the United States more just for all. I am certain that the NAACP will continue to provide the same level of support and inspiration to many, for at least another 100 years to come.

Sincerely,
Letitia James
Member of the City Council

United Coalition of Block Assns Presents Community Forum; Crown Heights; 6/4; 7PM

The United Coalition of Block Associations presents a Community Forum

When: Thursday June 4th, 7pm
Where: Crown Gardens Community Room
1185 Carroll St.

With special guests:

Hon. William C. Thompson Jr., Comptroller of NYC and Democratic Candidate for Mayor
Will challenge the Republican Bloomberg's record and agenda, and present democratic solutions to the problems facing New Yorkers.

Hon. Letitia James, Council Member, 35th CD
Will introduce a field of candidates that will further define and clarify the issues for the coming November election.

Hon. Hakeem Jeffries, State Assemblyman, 57 District
Too many guns on the street, too many black boys in jail! How the second chance program and Obama's stimulus plan will help our youth.

Come, ask questions and get answers, bring a neighbor!

Refreshments will be served.

Reps. Towns and Clarke host Congressional Town Hall to Discuss Federal Stimulus Money; 4/4; 9:30AM; BAM

Congress Members Ed Towns (D,10) and Yvette Clarke (D,11) are hosting a 2009 Federal Economic Stimulus Package Town Hall Forum. Representative Towns currently serves as the Chair of the Congressional Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. We've asked constituents in the past to contact federal elected officials concerning what they want to see happen with stimulus funds; now, we think it's important that you attend this forum to learn about where these funds are going.

Please note-
*The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009. The Act was based largely on proposals made by President Obama and is intended to provide a stimulus to the U.S. economy in the wake of the economic downturn. The Act includes federal tax cuts, expansion of unemployment benefits and other social welfare provisions, as well as domestic spending in education, health care, and infrastructure (including the energy sector). Specifically to New Yorkers, the Act makes investments in communities, creates 215,000 New York-based jobs, protects existing positions and creates over 14,000 NYC education jobs, increases funds to NYS and NYC to help the unemployed, funds "shovel-ready" projects in Brooklyn and other boroughs, and cuts taxes and increases benefits for working families.

If you are interested in learning more about the direct benefits of stimulus funds, please join us-

When: Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 9:30AM
Where: BAM Cinema III
30 Lafayette Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217

From King to Obama: The Significance of the 2008 Presidential Election

FROM KING to OBAMA:
The Significance of the 2008 Presidential Election & Where do We Go from Here?



A Community Forum & Panel Discussion featuring:

NORMAN SEABROOK - PRESIDENT, Correction Officers Benevolent Association

BERTHA LEWIS - Co-CHAIR, New York State Working Families Party & CEO/CHIEF ORGANIZER, ACORN National

ERROL LOUIS - COLUMNIST, NY Daily News & HOST of the Morning Show WWRL Radio, 1600 AM

FAYE MOORE - PRESIDENT, Social Service Employees Union

DC 37 Local 371
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DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 28, 2009
TIME: 6 pm
LOCATION: Teen Challenge Center
444 Clinton Avenue (btwn. Greene & Gates Aves.)
Brooklyn, N.Y.


SPONSORS

The 57th Assembly District Democratic Organization

The Working Families Party North Brooklyn/Crown Heights Club

(347)298.7018 / wfpnobklynclub@aol.com

Olanike Alabi, District Leader – 57th Assembly District

(718)398.0750 / o.alabi@hotmail.com

A Historic Time

We hope that you watched President Obama’s inauguration on TV, or attended a viewing event, if you were not able to head down to D.C. This election marks a historic moment in American history, and we feel incredibly lucky to be working in politics now.

You are invited to share your views on the ‘changes’ proposed by the Obama administration.

Please click the picture below for further information.



Location: Our Lady of Victory
MacDonough Street and Throop Avenue

Date: January 24, 2009

Time: 6PM- 10PM

Inaugural Parties in the 35th District

For those of you who won't be able to make it to Washington, D.C. for President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration, feel free to participate in any of the following activities on inauguration day!

"The Hideout" Cocktail Lounge
The weekend kicks off Jan.16th through the 20th, with a 10% discount on all drinks from 7pm-9pm, Friday and Saturday; and from 7pm-closing on Sunday; The Hideout will open on Tuesday morning at 9am, to view the inauguration ceremony on a flat plasma screen, while serving coffee, tea, muffins, sandwiches, all complimentary.

266 Adelphi Street
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 855-3010

Free Screenings of the 2009 Presidential Inauguration

Emmanuel Baptist Church
279 Lafayette Avenue
Brooklyn, N.Y.
1/20/09

You may call (718) 622-1107 for further information.
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Grace Agard Harewood Center (Fort Greene Senior Citizens Center)
966 Fulton St. (b/w Grand Ave. & St. James Pl.)
Brooklyn, N.Y.
1/20/09

TIME: 9AM-4PM

Lunch will be served at 12:30pm.
Donation: $3.00

The Center may be reached at (718) 638-6910.
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Fort Greene Senior Center
196 Albany Ave
Brooklyn, NY
(at the corner of Prospect Place)
1/20/09

Inaugural breakfast from 9:30AM-11AM. The inauguration ceremonies will be broadcast live on a big-screen television. At 1PM, lunch will be served. The event is open to adults 60 and older.

DONATION: $2.
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Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
515 Malcolm X Blvd
N.Y., N.Y. 10037
1/20/09

TIME: 11AM

Please call (212) 491-2200 for further information.
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Two Steps Down Restaurant
240 Dekalb Ave.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
1/20/09

TIME: 6PM

Free Admission. Please call (718) 399-2020 for further information.
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Hope City Empowerment Center
650-656 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(between Bergen & Dean Streets)
1/20/09

TIME: 8:30AM-10:30AM

Breakfast served. Please call (718) 857-5698 for further information.
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The following information is from The Daily News (the article may be found here: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/01/15/2009-01-15_brooklyn_ready_to_salute_historic_barack.html).

1/16- Jazz 966 hosts a Pre-Inauguration Ball, featuring the Tulani Kinard Sextet. Patrons are urged to wear of display Obama paraphernalia. Doors open at 7 p.m. Shows are at 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. Donation: $15. Dinner, snacks and nonalcoholic beverages will be available (BYOB permitted). 966 Fulton St. between St. James Place and Grand Ave.

1/18- Rock the Vote, Kevin Powell, the Fort Greene Association present "Dr. King, Hip Hop and Barack Obama" at the Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts at Long Island University on Flatbush Ave., across from Junior's Restaurant. Doors open at 3p.m. Seating is on a first-come basis. Also on Sunday at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Pkwy., WNYC Radio will present "A Journey of Hope: From Protest to Presidency, an Afternoon of Conversation, Celebration, Music and Poetry," hosted by Brian Lehrer. The RSVP list for this event, from 3 to 5 p.m., is full, but there will be a standby line at 2:30 p.m.

1/20/09 The Brooklyn Academy of Music, 430 Lafayette, Ave., will broadcast the inauguration ceremonies, including the parade after the swearing-in of President-elect Obama, in its Rose Cinemas. The event is free and open to the public, with tickets available beginning at 11 a.m.

Medgar Evers College will broadcast the inauguration in Founders Auditorium, 1650 Bedford Ave., Crown Heights. Doors will open at 10 a.m.

The Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry will hold a screening of the swearing-in ceremony at the Flatbush Caton Market on Flatbush Ave., between Lenox Road and Caton Ave.

1/20/09 NIGHT PARTIES Peaches Restaurant, 393 Lewis Ave., Bedford-Stuyvesant will host a four-course dinner. Cocktail hour starts at 5 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.

From 7 to 11 p.m., a Brooklyn Inaugural Ball benefitting Public School 261 will take place at the Bell House, 149 7th St., between Second and Third Aves. The evening will include food, wine, music and dancing. For ticket information, go to www.ticketweb.com and search under Brooklyn Inaugural Ball.

The City Council Inauguration Day Viewing has reached capacity, but other viewing information may be seen on the front page of the City Council website here: http://council.nyc.gov/html/home/home.shtml.

OBAMA INAUGURATION EVENTS AROUND THE DISTRICT

Obama-inspired special menus, drinks, discounts and other offers.
Friday, January 16-Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Brooklyn, NY-January 8, 2009 Twenty-eight restaurants, cafes, boutiques and retail stores of the Dekalb Avenue Merchants' Association in Fort Greene, (a Brooklyn neighborhood long known for its multi-cultural diversity) invite you to "Celebrate the Inauguration on Dekalb" and continue the electrifying celebration that began in the streets on election night and continues right through Inauguration Weekend, Friday, January 16-Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

Participating Dekalb Avenue businesses will be offering discounts, coupons, reduced-price prix-fixe menus, drink specials, vouchers for discounts on return visits or 2-for-1 specials all weekend long. Plus on the day of the Inauguration, locations with big screen TVs will be opening early to broadcast the ceremony and will have live music, DJs and even more specials throughout the day.

The list of participating merchants and their offers include... 20% discounts to celebrate the 20th of January, 2009... 44% discounts to celebrate the Inauguration of our 44th President... special menu creations reflecting President-elect Obama's multi-cultural background... plus coupons, vouchers and other special offers.

ALSO: "Obama" posters created by students at Dekalb Avenue's Ronald Edmonds Learning Center, Middle School 113, will be exhibited in windows up and down Dekalb during the celebration weekend. Come see the work of these young artists who have been so profoundly inspired. Plus students from the school's Academy of Performing Arts Choir and Band will be performing at select locations on Inauguration Day.

This event re-launches the Dekalb Avenue Merchants' Association (DAMA). The Association covers Dekalb Avenue from Washington Avenue to Ashland Place, plus businesses on intersecting side streets. The association is about businesses working together on issues of mutual interest, connecting with the community and promoting this vibrant strip in the heart of one of Brooklyn's great neighborhoods.


PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES AND OFFERS

CELEBRATE THE INAUGUATION ON DEKALB AVENUE
Friday, January 16-Tuesday, January 20, 2009 (unless otherwise noted below)


NORTH SIDE OF DEKALB FROM VANDERBILT TO FORT GREENE PARK
* -->Indicates locations also showing the live broadcast of the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

BONITA
(243 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 718-622-5300)
Special Menu Item: Tacos Al Pastor with a shot of tequila and blood orange juice, $12.00.

BROOKLYN SPORTING GOODS
(241 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 718-638-2537)
10% off all baseball caps and other gear (Sat and Tues only)

KIKI'S PET SPA
(239 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 718-857-7272)
25% off grooming Fri-Mon. 44% off grooming on Inauguration Day.

IMPRESSIONS SALON
(233 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 917-704-9237)
10% discount on all Salons Enhancement Services offered (Fri and Sat). Monday: Beauty in the Body Belly Dancing, 6:30pm-9:00pm (participation a must). Inauguration Day: 20% off Haircuts, Regularly $40. Appointments recommended (selected stylist only). Call 917-704-9237 for information.

THE GENERAL GREENE
(229 Dekalb @ Clermont / 718-222-1510)
Inaugural Luau - January 20, 2009
$20.09 Suckling Pig Dinner: Suckling Pig, Sweet Potato Mash, Grilled Pineapple,
Coconut Banana Cream Pie. $5 Mai Tai's all weekend.

MALCHIJAH HATS
(225 Dekalb @ Clermont / 718-643-3269)
10% off in-stock items. Free T-Shirts to first purchasing customers, Fri-Mon (while supplies last). Inauguration Day: 20% discounts.

THISTLE & CLOVER
(221 Dekalb @ Clermont / 718-855-5577)
10% off all non-sale items

KIF*
(219 Dekalb @ Adelphi / 718-852-7273)
Lunch: $15 Prix-fixe menu with Free Mimosa or Bloody Mary - 11am to 5:30pm. Dinner: Prix-fixe 3-courses $20.09. On Inauguration evening: $5 Special B'amatini

CHEZ OSKAR
(211 Dekalb @ Adelphi / 718-852-6250)
Prix-fixe for Peace: 3-courses prix fix menu Monday to Friday from 11-5:30 pm - $20.09 plus a very special cocktail menu consisting of: Rotten Republicans, Dirty Democrats and Yes-we-can-ohitos... all at $5 each

HIDE OUT LOUNGE*
(266 Adelphi @ Dekalb / 718-855-3010)
10% off all drinks 7pm-9pm on Friday/Saturday, 7pm til closing Sunday. Closed on Monday. On Inauguration Day: 10am-4pm, complimentary coffee, tea, juices, and sandwiches. 10% off all drinks 7pm til closing.

SUSHI D
(207 Dekalb @ Adelphi / 718-858-0058)
Special $4 Hawaiian and Indonesian appetizer menu.
Free glass of sake w/entrees.

MADIBA RESTAURANT*
(195 Dekalb @ Carlton Avenue / 718-855-9190)
Free Obama Mama Cocktails, Bloody Mary or Mimosa with lunch or dinner. Inauguration Day: Open at 11am, live music and drink and lunch specials.

SMOOCH*
(264 Carlton @ Dekalb / 718-624-4075)
20% discount on all items

THIRST WINE MERCHANTS
(187 Dekalb @ Carlton / 718-596-7643)
20% off Champagne, to celebrate the 20th.

URBAN SPRING
(185 Dekalb @ Carlton / 718-237-0797)
Free cup of "Brownstone Beans" coffee with the purchase of a homemade muffin.


SOUTH SIDE OF DEKALB FROM VANDERBILT TO ASHLAND PLACE
* -->Indicates locations also showing the live broadcast of the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

TILLIES OF BROOKLYN
(248 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 718-783-6140)
15% discount on everything.

ICI
(246 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 718-789-2778)
Diners receive a voucher for 30% of their check total to use on next visit.

ALIBI
(242 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 718-783-8519)
$4 Pints of Stella (20% off) Sat-Tues

TWO STEPS DOWN
(240 Dekalb @ Vanderbilt / 718-399-2020)
2 for 1 drinks (Fri-Mon, excluding private party times). Inauguration evening: music, dancing and light buffet for customers, free.

BLACK IRIS
(226 Dekalb @ Clermont / 718-852-9800)
Complimentary Loomi citrus drink (Sat-Tues)

MARIOS PIZZA
(224 Dekalb @ Clermont / 718-260-9520)
20% off

RED BAMBOO*
(271 Adelphi @ Dekalb / 718-643-4352)
$10 coupon for your next visit. $5 drink specials. Inauguration day: complimentary hors dourves, DJ.

CATHERINE'S CAFÉ
(184 Dekalb @ Carlton / 718-858-3712)
Breakfast: 44% off small coffee/tea with a koblihy pastry. Lunch: Brooklyn Omelet for only $5 (reg. 7.50) plus free soda or bottled water.

BITTERSWEET
(180 Dekalb @ Carlton / 718-852-2556)
Free 10 oz. latte or cappuccino coupon when you spend $10 (good for next visit)

RICE
(166 Dekalb @ Cumberland / 718-858-2700)
$11 pre-fixe brunch special (Sat-Tues). Wine, sake and beer specials at dinner and free drink coupon for next visit.

SPECIAL GIFT OCCASSIONS
(114 Dekalb @ St. Felix / 718-855-5870)
Purchase one custom-made hat at regular price, get 2nd hat at 44% off.

CAFFE e VINO
(112 Dekalb @ St. Felix / 718-855-6222)
Free bottle of wine for tables of 3-4 people. Free glass of wine or beer for each person at tables of 1-2 people.

GREEN APPLE CAFE
(110 Dekalb @ St. Felix / 718-625-1248)
2 for 1 "Black & White" Cookies. 2 for 1 "Obama Latte" (Chocolate & Vanilla)