Thursday, February 24, 2011
Fort Greene Association’s Black History Month Art Exhibit
Contact Info:
Lillian Jean-Baptistelillian@historicfortgreene.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fort Greene Association’s Black History Month Art Exhibit
Brooklyn, NY – February 19, 2011 – In honor of Black History Month the Fort Greene Association (FGA) produced a community collaborative art exhibit. The works of three local Fort Greene - Clinton Hill artists with ties to Pratt Institute are on display in a vacant storefront located at 395 Flatbush Avenue Extension, part of Metrotech BID.
“When we were approached by the Fort Greene Association to collaborate on this project, we were happy to be involved. This is the type of installation that, not only, celebrates a rich heritage and history, but it brings art into the public realm by enlivening a retail corridor and exposing fine artists to a wider market” said Catherine Hickey, Director of Retail / Commercial Development, Metrotech BID.
Passersby are greeted by a tribute to Fredrick Douglas created for the FGA’s Black History Month Tribute by Ryan Jones, a Pratt Fine Arts student who has a strong interest in the community and public works. Jamillah Jennings, Pratt alumna whose work is inspired by music and dance has four pieces on display: “African-American Dancers, Forces of Nature - Diana Harvey, Jazz in Motion and Modern Dancer.” Pratt alumna Kikelomo Amusa-Shonubi created for the FGA’s tribute Economic Stimulus, 1620 to 1850, a piece that exhibits the slave trade routes commonly taken to the New World and encourages viewers to think about how slavery has affected all of us here in the western hemisphere.
Black History Month murals were also created on the windows of local businesses in Fort Greene. Josh Friedman created a mural called "We Never Stop" inspired by the novel "Black Boy" by Richard Wright which can be seen at Fort Greene SNAP, 324 Myrtle Avenue. An African textile inspired piece dedicated to Brenda Brunson-Bey was created by a talented group of diverse and developmentally disabled adults from Brooklyn Day Hab. part of AHRC org. which can be seen at Kiki’s Pet Spa & Boutique, 239 Dekalb Avenue.
“The Fort Greene Association’s Black History Month Art Exhibit is a community collaborative project that showcases the neighborhood’s dynamic talent and exhibit’s what makes Fort Greene so special and unique” said Lillian Jean-Baptiste, FGA Communications and Community Engagement Chair. “It is long overdue that the Fort Greene Association enters into the tradition of Black History Month. Our neighborhood, and in fact this very organization, is indebted to the accomplishments of African Americans who live and have lived in this vibrant neighborhood. This tradition will become a beacon and inspiration for future generations across racial lines. It is what Fort Greene is about” said Paul Palazzo, FGA Chairperson.
The FGA’s Black History exhibit is on display now until February 28, 2011. The works exhibited at 395 Flatbush Avenue Extension are for sale by the artists; a portion of the proceeds will be donated to fund a program created by the FGA to encourage local youth facing financial hardships to attend college.
The Fort Greene Association, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization, operating as a non-profit 501(c) (3) charitable organization that supports and works in concert with the many other fine organizations that make our community so special and vital. Please visit www.historicfortgreene.org to learn more about our organization. Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fortgreeneassn / & Fan us on Facebook!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
NYC Billboard Targets Abortion in Black Community
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
February 22, 2011
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081
New York City Billboard Targets Abortion In Black Community
Compares Abortion to Terrorism; Refers to “Genocidal Plot”
New York, NY— On February 23, 2011, a number of pro-life leaders will unveil a controversial billboard in Soho, New York. The billboard—which features the face of a young African American girl— is part of a larger campaign focused on abortion in the black community which claims that “the most dangerous place for an African American is in the womb.”
Information released by Life Always, an advertising organization that represents pro-life campaigns, states that “During Black History Month…our future is in jeopardy as a genocidal plot is carried out through abortion.” The press release notes the launch of a campaign website www.ThatsAbortion.com, which states, “There is a battle being waged in the United States that has taken more lives than any foreign war or act of terrorism. The enemy is abortion.” According to the organization, the campaign is meant to raise public awareness of Planned Parenthood’s supposed agenda to target minority neighborhoods.
However, the website’s “Pregnancy Help” section guides users to various Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs), which are the focus of a City Council bill know as Int. 371-2010. These CPCs are notorious for being intentionally vague concerning their agenda to deter women from seeking abortion services; and some have been accused of being deceptive about abortion risks and procedures while intentionally targeting poor and working-class women, immigrant women, and women of color to utilize their services.
“It is misguided to use Black History Month as a tool to promote this message,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Every woman has the right to make personal choices in regards to her body, and I respect many different points of view, but to compare abortion to terrorism and genocide is highly offensive.”
According to Planned Parenthood, 3 percent of the organization’s health services are abortion services, while an overwhelming 82 percent are services to prevent unintended pregnancy.
###
Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081
New York City Billboard Targets Abortion In Black Community
Compares Abortion to Terrorism; Refers to “Genocidal Plot”
New York, NY— On February 23, 2011, a number of pro-life leaders will unveil a controversial billboard in Soho, New York. The billboard—which features the face of a young African American girl— is part of a larger campaign focused on abortion in the black community which claims that “the most dangerous place for an African American is in the womb.”
Information released by Life Always, an advertising organization that represents pro-life campaigns, states that “During Black History Month…our future is in jeopardy as a genocidal plot is carried out through abortion.” The press release notes the launch of a campaign website www.ThatsAbortion.com, which states, “There is a battle being waged in the United States that has taken more lives than any foreign war or act of terrorism. The enemy is abortion.” According to the organization, the campaign is meant to raise public awareness of Planned Parenthood’s supposed agenda to target minority neighborhoods.
However, the website’s “Pregnancy Help” section guides users to various Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs), which are the focus of a City Council bill know as Int. 371-2010. These CPCs are notorious for being intentionally vague concerning their agenda to deter women from seeking abortion services; and some have been accused of being deceptive about abortion risks and procedures while intentionally targeting poor and working-class women, immigrant women, and women of color to utilize their services.
“It is misguided to use Black History Month as a tool to promote this message,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Every woman has the right to make personal choices in regards to her body, and I respect many different points of view, but to compare abortion to terrorism and genocide is highly offensive.”
According to Planned Parenthood, 3 percent of the organization’s health services are abortion services, while an overwhelming 82 percent are services to prevent unintended pregnancy.
###
Friday, February 18, 2011
CM James Comments On Mayor Bloomberg's Budget Cuts To Childcare
**For Immediate Release**
February 17, 2011
Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183
Statement by NYC Council Member Letitia James about Mayor Bloomberg’s Budget Cuts to Child Care
February 17, 2011
Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183
Statement by NYC Council Member Letitia James about Mayor Bloomberg’s Budget Cuts to Child Care
“The Administration of Children’s Services plans to eliminate 16, 624 child care slots, apparently due to a loss of federal funds, which will hurt low and moderate income families. Children may be put in unregulated care, and/or parents may have to stay at home to care for them. Also, thousands of child care workers will lose their jobs, and the majority of these employees are women.
The hypocrisy of this administration is baffling; Mayor Bloomberg talks about importance of early education, yet eliminates these crucial childcare slots for children. The New York City Council was able to restore $6,682,247 in the Fiscal Year 2011 budget, which gave a 3-month reprieve for six child care centers, and 12 months for seven other centers. At this time, additional funding is needed in FY12 to save these centers from closing.
My office has also become aware that District Council 1707, the union representing public center-based employees, was not officially informed of the possibility of New York City’s day care centers being hit with these deep cuts. And, at this time, still only 27% of eligible children are able to attend public center-based day care. Thousands more of the city’s youngest residents, toddlers, and infants will lose funding for learning opportunities within daycare centers, if the Mayor has his way. Again, these budget cuts specifically hurt the developmental progress of the least among us- working and poor families.
On the back of these cuts is the recent elimination of Priority 7 vouchers that serviced 2,200 children, (and most of these families heavily relied on the subsidy for their after-school care). Due to this cut, hundreds of eligible children may be added to Priority 5, which may be cut in the near future as well. Why does it seem that when it’s not an election year, the Administration takes funds away from those New Yorkers who depend the most on the services provided by the City?
Public and children’s advocates are adamant: the Bloomberg Administration’s plan to eliminate child care slots is illogical, and the money saved (ironically) will be at a huge expense for our children, and the future of New York City. The impact of eliminations of public center child care slots and day care centers will devastate our communities. Every Parent deserves quality day care that’s affordable. Let’s remember that these New Yorkers contribute greatly to the City’s overall economy as well.”
###
Local CSAs Have Low-Income Shares Available
For individuals interested in accessing fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables, consider joining a local CSA (community-supported agriculture).
A CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support and investment to a farm, and the individuals share the benefits of its food production. CSAs usually consist of a system of weekly or bi-weekly direct pick-up of farm vegetables and fruit (may also include dairy products and meat) at a specific location, and a small time-commitment from each member seasonally. Food acquired through a CSA is generally much more affordable than store-bought food.
Both the Clinton Hill CSA and Fort Greene CSA have reduced-price shares available for low-income residents at this time. It is important that these shares go residents of the Fort Greene/ Clinton Hill area who may have limited access to fresh produce.
Fort Greene CSA
Low-cost shares are reserved for individuals making less than $25,000 a year, or families making less than $30,000 a year. If you or someone you know qualifies for a low-cost share, get in touch with the CSA via email at csa@fortgreenecsa.org.
Clinton Hill CSA
The low-cost shares are reserved for families making less than $30,000 a year. If you or someone you know qualifies for a low-cost share, get in touch with the CSA via email at information@clintonhillcsa.org or give them a call 718-907-0616.
Both websites have the application available.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
CM James and Community Speak Out On Recent Sexual Assaults; 88th Precinct Community Council Addresses Residential Concerns
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
February 15, 2011
Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183
NYC COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES AND RESIDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT RECENT SPATE OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN BROOKLYN: 88TH PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING ON 2/15 WILL ADDRESS
Police have linked two recent sexual attacks in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, to a similar attack that happened earlier last month in Bensonhurst. On January 19, a sexual predator attempted to rape a 25-year-old woman near the corner of St. Felix Street and Hanson Place.
The woman was walking past the busy corner at 1:30 am when the suspect grabbed her from behind, and tried to tear off her clothing. But, the sex fiend ran away once the victim began to yell for help, and fortunately the woman was unharmed. A week later, according to police, this attacker’s efforts were once again thwarted on January 26, when a passerby interrupted his attempt to assault a 24-year-old woman near the intersection of Fulton and Cumberland Streets at 1:15 am.
“Fort Greene is a village-like community,” said Council Member James. “These kinds of incidents are extremely disturbing because this area has grown much safer in recent years, and residents feel they should be able to travel around without incident.”
The 88th Precinct reported a decline in rapes by 85-percent during the last 10 years. Also, the Fort Greene Association headed by chair Paul Palazzo, and Council Member James are working with the City to improve lighting conditions within the community. The installation of more video cameras is also under consideration.
“The community is making it known that these incidents are unacceptable, and this level of crime will not become the new normal,” said Mr. Palazzo, who has lived in Fort Greene more than 27 years. “On behalf of FGA, I would like to commend the 88th Precinct Police on the overall reduction of crime this past decade.”
According to the 88th Precinct, the Special Victims Unit is heading up this investigation because they handle all sexual crimes. The community is invited to attend their monthly meetings; February’s meeting begins at 7pm (this evening). The event is taking place at the Institutional Church of God in Christ, located on 170 Adelphi Street between Myrtle and Willoughby Avenues.
“It’s critical that everyone be hyper-aware of their surroundings to protect themselves while on the streets. I encourage residents to attend local Precinct Community Council meetings held monthly. Also, a Public Safety Task Force is now in place, which my office helped to form last year and seeks to foster community involvement. Please call my office for more information, or to be added to the task force e-mail list,” said Council Member James.
Police described the attacker as a white man of around 30 to 35 years. He is between 5-foot-11 and 6-feet in height and of medium build, with light hair. He wore a dark pea coat with a light colored button-down shirt
###
February 15, 2011
Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183
NYC COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES AND RESIDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT RECENT SPATE OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN BROOKLYN: 88TH PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING ON 2/15 WILL ADDRESS
Police have linked two recent sexual attacks in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, to a similar attack that happened earlier last month in Bensonhurst. On January 19, a sexual predator attempted to rape a 25-year-old woman near the corner of St. Felix Street and Hanson Place.
The woman was walking past the busy corner at 1:30 am when the suspect grabbed her from behind, and tried to tear off her clothing. But, the sex fiend ran away once the victim began to yell for help, and fortunately the woman was unharmed. A week later, according to police, this attacker’s efforts were once again thwarted on January 26, when a passerby interrupted his attempt to assault a 24-year-old woman near the intersection of Fulton and Cumberland Streets at 1:15 am.
“Fort Greene is a village-like community,” said Council Member James. “These kinds of incidents are extremely disturbing because this area has grown much safer in recent years, and residents feel they should be able to travel around without incident.”
The 88th Precinct reported a decline in rapes by 85-percent during the last 10 years. Also, the Fort Greene Association headed by chair Paul Palazzo, and Council Member James are working with the City to improve lighting conditions within the community. The installation of more video cameras is also under consideration.
“The community is making it known that these incidents are unacceptable, and this level of crime will not become the new normal,” said Mr. Palazzo, who has lived in Fort Greene more than 27 years. “On behalf of FGA, I would like to commend the 88th Precinct Police on the overall reduction of crime this past decade.”
According to the 88th Precinct, the Special Victims Unit is heading up this investigation because they handle all sexual crimes. The community is invited to attend their monthly meetings; February’s meeting begins at 7pm (this evening). The event is taking place at the Institutional Church of God in Christ, located on 170 Adelphi Street between Myrtle and Willoughby Avenues.
“It’s critical that everyone be hyper-aware of their surroundings to protect themselves while on the streets. I encourage residents to attend local Precinct Community Council meetings held monthly. Also, a Public Safety Task Force is now in place, which my office helped to form last year and seeks to foster community involvement. Please call my office for more information, or to be added to the task force e-mail list,” said Council Member James.
Police described the attacker as a white man of around 30 to 35 years. He is between 5-foot-11 and 6-feet in height and of medium build, with light hair. He wore a dark pea coat with a light colored button-down shirt
Please see more information here.
###
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
NYCC FY12 Budget Applications AVAILABLE
NYC Council Member Letitia James is pleased to announce that the NYC Council Fiscal Year 2012 Organization Qualification Form (OQF), as well as, the Non-City Capital Request form has been released on the NYC Council website and is now accessible for your use . In order to apply for member-item grants you must complete and submit the online forms by the designated due dates.Below are the links to the NYC Council pages which allows access to each form:
CM James Deadline - March 18, 2011
NYCC Deadline – March 24, 2011
Non-City Capital Request (Capital): (All non-city entities including charter schools must complete this application)
http://council.nyc.gov/html/budget/fy2012.shtml
NYCC Deadline – March 24, 2011
Non-City Capital Request (Capital): (All non-city entities including charter schools must complete this application)
http://council.nyc.gov/html/budget/fy2012.shtml
CM James Deadline - March 28, 2011
NYCC Deadline – April 8, 2011
NYCC Deadline – April 8, 2011
Read the guidelines in detail to see eligibility status and also take note to both the City Council’s deadline and Council Member James’. When applying for funding from Council Member James, we ask that you submit the OQF via the website by Friday, March 18, 2011 and the Non-City Capital Request via the Capital Funding Request website by Monday, March 28, 2011. In case your group is missing information and/or need to submit additional requirements, we urge you to adhere to our office deadlines. Any applications submitted after the New York City Council deadline will not be accepted and the website will prevent access. DO NOT MAIL PAPER FORMS.
Please note: If you are applying to another Council Member, please check with their office for their office deadlines.
If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Simone Hawkins at 212-788-7081 or shawkins@council.nyc.gov.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
DOE New High Schools Fair; 2/12-13
The Department of Education announces their annual New High Schools Fair. This event provides a great opportunity for parents and students to speak with representatives from the new small high schools opening in September 2011. Translated materials and interpretation services will be available at the fair.New High Schools Fair
Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Educational Campus
122 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10023
Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Educational Campus
122 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10023
Rally Against DOE Phase-Outs and Co-Locations
“The community knows each of these schools was never given the chance to succeed and grow. We demand that chance!” said Council Member Letitia James.
WHAT: Rally against proposed DOE phase-outs and co-locations of charter schools in Brooklyn
WHEN: Thursday, February 3 at 4:30 PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Technical High School, located at 29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn
Also, the proposals for significant changes in school utilization will be considered today, February 3 at 6pm - at the Panel for Educational Policy meeting held at Brooklyn Technical High School, located at 29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn. We ask that all stakeholders attend this hearing, and the press conference / rally held prior to the hearing. Please read more below.
---------------
Good Day,
We wanted to remind you that UFT will be hosting a rally against school closings, it will be outside Brooklyn Tech on Thursday, Feb 3, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. Please join us. Thank you for your dedication to our community school children.
Briget Anne Rein
Special Representative
Legislation and Political Action
United Federation of Teachers
212-598-6846 (W)
--------------
Dear colleagues,
On Feb. 1 and 3, the mayor’s Panel on Educational Policy will vote on the DOE’s proposal to close 25 of our schools. The Support Our Schools rally is taking place on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 4:30 p.m. outside Brooklyn Tech.
Parents, teachers, community members will be at the Feb. 3 united with the message: Closing struggling schools rather than working with them and offering them the support they need to serve ALL their students is not educational “reform” – it’s educational neglect.
I hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Michael Mulgrew
UFT President
*****
WHAT: Rally against proposed DOE phase-outs and co-locations of charter schools in Brooklyn
WHEN: Thursday, February 3 at 4:30 PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Technical High School, located at 29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn
Also, the proposals for significant changes in school utilization will be considered today, February 3 at 6pm - at the Panel for Educational Policy meeting held at Brooklyn Technical High School, located at 29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn. We ask that all stakeholders attend this hearing, and the press conference / rally held prior to the hearing. Please read more below.
---------------
Good Day,
We wanted to remind you that UFT will be hosting a rally against school closings, it will be outside Brooklyn Tech on Thursday, Feb 3, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. Please join us. Thank you for your dedication to our community school children.
Briget Anne Rein
Special Representative
Legislation and Political Action
United Federation of Teachers
212-598-6846 (W)
--------------
Dear colleagues,
On Feb. 1 and 3, the mayor’s Panel on Educational Policy will vote on the DOE’s proposal to close 25 of our schools. The Support Our Schools rally is taking place on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 4:30 p.m. outside Brooklyn Tech.
Parents, teachers, community members will be at the Feb. 3 united with the message: Closing struggling schools rather than working with them and offering them the support they need to serve ALL their students is not educational “reform” – it’s educational neglect.
I hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Michael Mulgrew
UFT President
*****
REMINDER: Inaugural Cinema Festival Begins Black History Month
"Inaugural Festival by Brooklyn-Based Film Organization Opens Up Black History Month 2011 at BAMcinèmatek"
Read more here.
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