Brooklyn Political Roundup, February 14: Hamilton takes kids to see ‘Black Panther’

In Public Service, From The Political Staff Of The Brooklyn Daily Eagle

February 14, 2018 By Paula Katinas & John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Teens got the rare chance to see the “Black Panther” movie before it premiered in theaters. Photo courtesy of Sen. Jesse Hamilton’s office

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Hamilton takes kids to see ‘Black Panther’

Some lucky kids from Brownsville got a chance to see the new movie “Black Panther,” thanks to state Sen. Jesse Hamilton (D-Crown Heights-parts of Park Slope, Sunset Park), who worked with the organization Reel Works and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to treat the youngsters to a screening at the Museum of Modern Art.

It was part of the #BlackPantherChallenge campaign taking place all across the country to give African-American kids the chance to movie for free. There are 100 such campaigns currently taking place.

Reel Works, which was founded in 2001, provides educational programs for middle school and high school students interested in careers in the arts and in media.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the organization responsible for the Oscars.

“Empowerment of young people includes many dimensions. We must be sure to include the arts and culture in our efforts. That is why it is my pleasure to partner with community minded cultural institutions seeking to engage young people. This initiative sharing ‘Black Panther’ with more young people, in partnership with Reel Works, the Motion Picture Academy and MoMA, stands for inclusion and ensuring all our community’s young people can participate in this cultural event,” Hamilton said in a statement.

Hamilton has introduced legislation mandating the teaching of black history instruction in New York schools. – PK

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Eugene sponsors citizenship fair

Councilmember Mathieu Eugene (D-Kensington) recently sponsored a Free Citizenship Application Assistance Fair at MS 2 in Brooklyn for local residents seeking information on immigration issues.

Eugene planned the Jan. 20 event in partnership with CUNY Citizenship NOW, The New Americans Campaign, Medgar Evers College and the NALEO Educational Fund.

Eugene was also busy on Jan. 27 when he conducted a District 40 Cares Relief Drive with the non-profit group WHYNOTCARE and shipped emergency supplies to hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico.

Three days later, Eugene served as the guest speaker at Kings County Hospital’s “Guns Down, Life Up” event. The program is aimed at encouraging at-risk young people to stay away from guns. Under the program, the teens receive encouragement from community leaders. – PK

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Clarke meets with Brooklyn Postmaster

U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-Central Brooklyn) met with Brooklyn Postmaster Anthony Impronto to discuss ongoing problems with mail service in her congressional district.

Clarke said her constituents have complained of late mail delivery and in some cases, no delivery at all for long periods of time.

“The meeting was a good first step. I walked away with an even greater understanding of the systemic issues plaguing the USPS,” Clarke said referring to the United States Postal Service. “I expressed my concerns about delivery, efficiency and service, including the suspension of mail service for nearly a week last month, which affected many seniors and people with disabilities.”

Clarke and Impronto discussed ways to improve service, including equipment upgrades and different training methods for USPS workers.

“My staff is also exploring legislative options which we will share with the community and the postmaster. Ultimately, Mr. Impronto and I had productive and open dialogue. I look forward to working with his team in the coming months and will continue to hold him accountable until the concerns of my constituents are addressed,” Clarke said. – PK

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Abbate endorses Rose for Congress

Democrat Max Rose, who is running for a House seat in the 11th Congressional District (Southwest Brooklyn-Staten Island) has picked up the endorsement of Assemblymember Peter Abbate and the Stars and Stripes Democratic Club in Brooklyn.

“In these uncertain times, it is imperative that we have a representative who understands the needs of his constituents and who has dedicated himself to better the community and country. From risking his life for our country in Afghanistan — where he earned a purple heart — to his work in healthcare, Max has a proven record of putting the needs of our country and community above any party,” Abbate said in his endorsement statement.

Rose, a U.S. Army veteran, is the first post-9/11 combat veteran to seek public office in New York City, according to his campaign.

Democratic District Leaders Tori Kelly and Joe Bova and Stars, and Stripes President Irene Chu all praised Rose.

Max Rose “will bring a record of service and dedication to this country and community to Washington,” Bova predicted.

“Max has the experience and understanding to bring common sense solutions to the problems facing the district and our country as a whole. He has hit the ground running meeting voters and talking about his candidacy,” Kelly said.

“In order to protect immigrants’ human rights and also provide them a channel to reach their American dream, I am thrilled to endorse Max Rose for Congress. As the president of Stars and Stripes Democratic Club, it is my privilege and purpose to represent the immigrant population’s political voice. This year, as our rights are under attack from Washington, we should all stand up and support someone who shares our beliefs and is willing to fight for us,” Chu said. – PK

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Cymbrowitz says boardwalk comfort stations on the way

Assemblymember Steven Cymbrowitz (D-Sheepshead Bay-Brighton Beach) announced that two comfort stations will be installed on the Riegelmann Boardwalk in Brighton Beach in time for the opening of beach season.

“Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Marty Maher promised me we’d have the bathrooms moved from Brighton 15th Street to Coney Island Avenue by Memorial Day, and that’s exactly what will be happening,” Cymbrowitz said in a statement.

“This is an issue that people continually ask me about in the community and I’m pleased that we have a successful resolution,” he added.

The installation project is expected to be completed by the Memorial Day Weekend.

In 2013, Cymbrowitz led an effort to oppose a plan to install a comfort station in front of Brighton’s Oceana condo complex. Cymbrowitz called for the rest rooms to be moved to Coney Island Avenue and the Boardwalk. The city eventually agreed to Cymbrowitz’s request. – PK

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Brannan offers immigration services assistance at district office

City Councilmember Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge-Dyker-Heights-Bensonhurst- Bath Beach) announced on Monday that his office is partnering with the CUNY Citizenship Now program to offer free immigration consultations at his district office in Bay Ridge.

Anyone stopping by Brannan’s office will be able to receive free and confidential assistance completing applications for citizenship, family-based petitions, work authorization and temporary protected status.

“With the uncertainty in Washington, immigrants often do not know where to turn.” Brannan said. “I want to make sure they know they are welcome in my office and that we will do whatever we can do to help them. With the CUNY Citizenship Now program, neighbors can now receive help on more complicated immigration matters.”

From July 2016 through June 2017, 6,288 participants were served by the program in City Council offices throughout New York City. In that time, 2,609 citizenship applications were completed.

“I often remember my great-grandparents who came here from Italy,” Brannan said. “People spat at them, made fun of how they talked, the way they looked and the food they ate. We owe it to the next generation of immigrants to help them in their journey to make a better life here in America.”

Those seeking an appointment or more information can contact Brannan’s office at 718-748-5200 or by emailing [email protected]. Immigration services will be provided on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome but scheduling an appointment is the best way to guarantee same-day help. Brannan’s office is located at 8018 Fifth Ave. in Bay Ridge. – JA

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Legislation to create “Survivor of the Bravest” license plate passes in State Senate

State Sen. Marty Golden announced on Monday that legislation he introduced that would authorize the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue “Survivor of the Bravest” license plates, has been approved by the state Senate. The license plate would be issued to family members of firefighters killed in the line of duty and would celebrate the sacrifice made by the firefighters in communities throughout New York state.

“The ‘Survivor of the Bravest’ license plates will recognize the many contributions, the bravery and the valuable service performed by firefighters,” Golden said. “These license plates would be a small token of our appreciation to the family members of these incredible public servants and recognize all those who have lost their lives while protecting New Yorkers.”

Staten Island Assemblymember Michael Cusick is sponsoring the bill in the Assembly.

“The attacks of Sept.11 took the lives of many firefighters who were called upon to rescue victims and protect New Yorkers,” Golden said. “I urge my colleagues in the State Assembly to follow the Senate in passing this bill, so as to give another way for the families of all of New York’s Bravest to heal and pay tribute to their heroic firefighters.”

Retired FDNY Deputy Chief James Riches, father of Firefighter Jimmy Riches of Engine 4, who perished on Sept. 11 said, “The families of firefighters killed in the line of duty are to have their loved ones’ legacy remembered with the issuing of license plates. Never forget these brave men and women and this is another way to keep their memories alive.” – JA