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Adem Bunkeddeko: Offering Structural Change to NY-9

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While the worst of the pandemic is arguably behind us and the long road to economic recovery lies ahead, recent weeks have brought on new challenges and calls for immediate systemic and structural change. Tens of thousands of New Yorkers have taken to the streets each day to protest police brutality, lack of law enforcement accountability, and the fundamental discriminatory and racist systems that have targeted and hindered Black communities.

Now that the pandemic-disrupted Primary Election is only a day away, some New Yorkers are turning to new faces to create the structural change desperately needed in our country. For those living in Central Brooklyn’s Ninth District, promising change is tied to the campaign of community organizer and Democratic Candidate for the United States Congress, Adem Bunkeddeko. In 2018, Bunkeddeko narrowly lost the Democratic primary to seven-term incumbent, Rep. Yvette Clarke. Now, he is back in the race, centering his grassroots, people-powered campaign on bringing housing security and economic opportunity to the Ninth Congressional District. 

“We started from zero and had many hurdles,” said Bunkeddeko. “Now we have grassroots energy leading our campaign. This is the type of energy and support that is needed to bring about change in Brooklyn and in Washington.”

Bunkeddeko, 32, has spent his entire career helping vulnerable New Yorkers attain economic autonomy. A modest upbringing has helped him connect to Brooklyn’s immigrant communities, particularly those living in Crown Heights and Flatbush. Bunkeddeko’s parents, Ugandan war refugees who fled during the civil war, resettled in Queens and raised their New York City-born children in a one-bedroom apartment. His father, who came to the US with only $50, spent time in a detention center before seeking asylum through the help of legal aid. Growing up in a working-class, immigrant family, Bunkeddeko was taught to value the principles of Democracy and economic opportunity. He was one of the first in his family to attend college and received a B.A. from Haverford College and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School. 

“The decision to run for Congress in NY-9 was a natural arch through my experiences with community organizing and public service,” said Bunkeddeko. “My own experience, and the experiences of my parents, are similar to those in our community, particularly in immigrant neighborhoods and in communities of color. There is a hunger and a desire for change that hasn’t been met under the current representatives.” 

Bunkeddeko’s career in public service and the nonprofit sector began with the New York Working Families Party, where he worked as a grassroots organizer. He later worked with the Empire State Development Corporation, improving Brooklyn’s underserved communities. Bunkeddeko has previously served on Brooklyn Community Board #8, and recently served as the strategy and innovation officer for the Local Initiatives Support Corporation to bring economic opportunity to residents. 

“Roadblocks are happening in government,” said Bunkeddeko, “including roadblocks in Washington. We haven’t seen meaningful, structural change because those in charge are detached.”

Many New Yorkers, living in the state’s metropolitan area, are familiar with the financial difficulties of experiencing a high-rent burden. In some parts of Brooklyn, rent has increased by 20% or more, and some areas have suffered a net loss of 5,000 rent-stabilized apartments. Bunkeddeko’s Housing Plan includes fully funding the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), and creating a federal program to help moderate and low-income New Yorkers become homeowners at the lowest possible cost. His national housing initiative would see an investment of federal dollars to build 12 million public housing units throughout the country.

In a published article, Bunkeddeko wrote, “In 2018, housing was my number one issue. Now, two years later, the crisis continues as politicians allow investors to rig the housing market as they shortchange investment in affordable homes.”

Bunkeddeko’s federal school desegregation program, Race to Racial Fairness, redraws school districts away from historically segregated maps and provides federal funding for districts that recruit and accept students and teachers of color. The initiative also replaces law enforcement with mental health professionals and supports alternative post-secondary career pathways. 

The killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers has sparked national outrage and has invoked a larger movement to protest the rise in documented police violence towards Black individuals. Bunkeddeko is committed to fighting for equality and justice, specifically in low-income, Black and Brown communities by bringing equity and reform to the systems that are currently in place. He supports the ending of qualified immunity for law enforcement officials who violate the Constitution. Reforms to the NYPD and law enforcement, including the defunding and demilitarizing of police units, are part of Bunkeddeko’s plan to protect and reinvest in marginalized communities. 

Bunkeddeko is also committed to reforming the criminal justice system, which disproportionally targets and imprisons low-income individuals of color. Reforming the bail system such that pretrial detention is based upon flight risk instead of wealth, and legalizing marijuana while expunging the records of those who have possession-related convictions, can greatly reduce America’s prison population and bring justice to those who have been disproportionately and unfairly incarcerated. 

“I am exhausted and my community is exhausted,” said Bunkeddeko. “People with Black bodies are exhausted. Until the country is exhausted, we won’t see change.”

Recently, Bunkeddeko has taken to the streets of New York City, proudly marching with the Black Lives Matter movement. In early June, he rallied with the Crown Heights Tenant Union and NY Communities for Change to push for legislation that would protect New Yorkers who are housing insecure by halting all evictions while the novel coronavirus persists. 

One of Bunkeddeko’s most discussed issues is on creating humane immigration policy to protect refugee and immigrant communities from deportation while reforming employer-sponsored visa systems, broadening legal services available to immigrants, and creating a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients. In an interview with Errol Louis of NY1’s Inside City Hall, Bunkeddeko said, “We’ve got an administration that is turning its back on not only immigrants but the values that made this country what it is— and why my parents were willing to flee war-torn Uganda to come here.” 

The Supreme Court’s ruling to block the Trump administration’s attempt to end DACA came as a surprise and relief to many. The decision to setback one of Trump’s crucial campaign promises, ending the legal protection of nearly 800,000 young immigrants brought to the United States as children, is provisional. While the Obama-era immigration program does not provide a pathway to citizenship, it is a problem Bunkeddeko intends to redress.

“For many people, the ‘American Dream’ has not existed,” said Bunkeddeko. “We live in a hunger-games society, and if we are not going to provide the basics— housing security, education, equal opportunity, and a pathway to citizenship— then people are not going to see the potential for a dream. If we can make lasting changes to these systems through policy, people will be actually able to live out their version of the dream.” 

Adem Bunkeddeko has been endorsed by The New York Times, New York Progressive Action Network, Empire State Indivisible, LAMBA Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, Leadership Now Project, and more. For more information on Bunkeddeko’s Congressional campaign, please visit the official website, Adem for Congress. 

For voter information regarding the June 23rd Democratic Primary Election, please visit, New York State Board of Elections. 

Declare Juneteenth a National Holiday

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We here at Park Slope Reader are active in showing our support to the Black Lives Matter movement, and to one of its many goals in declaring Juneteenth a national holiday.  

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865; a date nearly 3 years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862. This changed the legal status under federal law for over 3.5 million enslaved African American individuals in the Confederate states from slave to free. By escaping control of the Confederate government, slaves would be permanently free. By the end of the Civil War in 1865, the Union victory brought the proclamation into effect in all former Confederate states, and the remaining slaves were freed by state action or through the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865. 

Isolated from the rest of the states, it wasn’t until that date of June 19th 1865 that Union Troops led by Army General Gordon Granger arrived in the city of Galveston, Texas to read the federal orders that all 250,000 slaves in Texas were now free. The freedom of formerly enslaved people in Texas were given legal status in a series of Texas Supreme Court decisions between 1868 and 1874. 

Church-centered community gathers followed in celebration. In the years to come, festivities around the anniversary spread across Texas and other southern states. The date again gained popularity during the civil rights movements of the 1970s. Today, we see Juneteenth commemorations in major cities to honor not only the anniversary, but to celebrate Black individuals, culture, and community.

These dates are worth noting as the timeline exposes the slow and delayed process of freedom in the United States. That even after 1862, freedom is not fully realized as the country ushered in segregation laws, Jim Crow orders, wealth discrimination, and mass incarceration. 

That is to say freedom and equality must be continuously examined, fought for, and protected.

#BlackLivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin’s murder. Their mission to “eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives.” 

Now in 2020, we have seen the Black Lives Matter movement brought to the forefront of global attention. After the murder of George Floyd, activists, including us at Park Slope Reader, have come together to demand action now. The road to justice, freedom, and equality is often too long and futile when real individual lives are on the line every day. We actively stand with #BlackLivesMatter to take accountability and dismantle individual, institutional, and systemic racism in our community, country, and around the world. 

One step towards this is the United States Congress recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday. 

A national holiday by definition “marks a celebration of nationhood, an important event in its nation’s history which radically alters its established self.” The events of June 19th, 1965 have done just that. In a national celebration of Juneteenth, we are further provided the opportunity to acknowledge the past, present, and future of Black history. That Black history is American history. That the emancipation, that took nearly three years for enslaved men and women learn about in Texas, is not only an event that changed history, but is an immediate call to action.

As Toni Morrison stated, “The function of freedom is to free someone else.”

More resources:

Ghost Bikes: A History of Grief and Activism

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Rachel Grobstein, Ghost Bike

On a late spring morning taxis accelerated and commuters hurried down the street while she was making her way to work. The earth was tilted toward the sun, approaching its solstice beneath golden rays that take their time in leaving.

It was a Thursday. She took no time at all in leaving. It was a moment that forever changed our lives.

Her name was Elizabeth.

She was 28 years old.

Sara Padilla posted these words to her blog on June 8, 2015. Ten years after the death of her younger sister, Liz. 

On the morning of June 9, 2005, Liz Padilla, a pro-bono lawyer, was killed near the corner of 5th Avenue and Prospect Place during a routine bike commute through Park Slope. Padilla, who lived on Berkeley Place, attempted to pass a 10-wheel Edy’s Ice Cream truck, when the driver of a parked P.C. Richards truck carelessly opened his car door. Swerving to avoid the open door, Padilla hit the side of the moving ice cream truck, and fell beneath the vehicle.  Kevin Caplicki, a member of the art collective Visual Resistance was also biking down 5th Avenue that morning, when he happened upon Liz’s body. The following day the art collective built a “ghost bike” by stripping a discarded bicycle down to the skeletal metal frame and painting it white. They chained the bike to a corner post near the collision site and hung a wooden tomblike plaque that read: 

Liz Padilla

28 years Old

Killed By Truck

June 9, 2005

Rest in Peace

The ashy white bike installation was a shell, a haunting symbol of a senseless loss, but it was also poetic; it told the story of Liz Padilla’s life and the pain that lingered after her death. It became a powerful symbol on an anonymous residential intersection. It was also the first ghost bike to be installed in NYC. 

Lauren Davis’ (Ghost) Bike

Ghost bikes first appeared in St. Louis in 2003 after bike mechanic, Patrick Van Der Tuin, witnessed an accident near his home. The original project, Broken Bikes, Broken Lives, marked the sites of bike-related fatalities and non-fatal injuries.  Van Der Tuin viewed the bikes as tributes to the victims, while also serving as powerful public signifiers of the dangerous conditions that cyclists are subjected to every day. They brought consciousness to car-culture, poorly designed streets, lack of bike lanes, and the overall vulnerability of riding unsheltered. Van Der Tuin sparked a national conversation through what some cyclists and city officials argued was a subversive act, in the same vain as guerilla street art. Van Der Tuin’s first created bike was removed within 24 hours of installation. 

The term “ghost bike” was coined in Pittsburg by a small group of cyclists and activists who picked up the momentum of installing white bikes in Pennsylvania. Following the death of Liz Padilla, the group registered ghostbikes.org, eventually bringing the movement to New York City. In 2007 the NYC Street Memorial Project was developed to include both cyclists and pedestrian deaths, while also cultivating community and compassion for survivors and families of the victims. The grassroots group, NYC Ghost Bike Project, established alongside the NYC Memorial Street Project, erect the bike monuments and organize memorial rides and walks to highlight prevalent safety issues. 

Liz Padilla’s original Ghost Bike on Prospect Place near Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn, not far from scene of the accident, 2005; NYC Street Memorial Project (© All Rights Reserved)

Although Patrick Van Der Tuin’s initial white bike was removed, his activism generated a global movement. In a 2015 Grist report, he states, “I don’t think anyone does something like this with the intention of it becoming a model that is repeated and taken around the world on such a grassroots level.” He notes that families of the victims and community members often turn the ghost bikes into ad hoc sanctuaries, adorning them with flowers, candles, articles of clothing, and other objects that belonged to the departed. Van Der Tuin’s says that the bikes “were never designed or intended to become permanent memorials, but that is what those families have turned them into.” Now visible in over 200 major cities throughout the world, ghost bikes provide inclusive spaces that allow the public to mourn and work through trauma.

For many years local businesses and community members preserved Liz Padilla’s ghost bike. It became a makeshift shrine, decorated with flowers and letters. Sara Padilla wrote a “reaction” to her sister’s bike memorial:

“While words cannot adequately convey the depth of our loss, I believe the Ghost Bike Project makes a difference by providing a powerful visual image of a life taken from us senselessly and also by revealing our sadness publicly; in the hope that others – cyclists, pedestrians, and most importantly, drivers, will help prevent these accidents from happening again.”

Liz’s ghost bike memorial has since been removed.  

Since June 2005, 164 ghost bikes have been installed in NYC to commemorate 198 fatalities, including 54 unknown cyclists. The NYC Street Memorial Project exposes the vulnerability of cyclists and pedestrians and considers the fragility of life for all who share the road. 

Brooklyn-activist and member of the NYC Ghost Bike Project, Mirza Molberg, previously restored Liz Padilla’s ghost bike by painting over years of rust, dirt, and grime. As a dedicated cyclist himself, Mirza installed his first ghost bike in 2011, coinciding with the Occupy Wall Street movement. He attended memorial rides and bike lifts for fallen cyclists; listening to the families of the victims tell their stories over a shared sense of outrage for the countless number of preventable deaths. At times, Mirza questioned the practicality of the project and his involvement. This changed in 2016 when his life was transformed by the loss of his partner, Lauren Davis. 

Mirza Molberg

Lauren’s death shocked the public. A reckless driver failed to yield, striking her in a designated slow zone. Family members held a memorial service for Lauren at Greenpoint Reformed Church and organized a memorial ride, led by Borough President Eric Adams. The night of Lauren’s passing, Mirza rode his bike to the collision site, only to realize that there was no evidence of the accident. In a way, it felt like she was invisible. He collected her mangled bike from the local precinct, painted it white, and installed it at the corner of Classon Ave. and Lexington Ave. Mirza explains how Lauren’s death made the ghost bike project more meaningful. He says, “Making the ghost bikes is something that I am now completely embedded in. It’s more present and real and necessary. I ride more carefully, knowing that this could happen to anyone at any time.”

We asked Mirza what he believes can be done to make the streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians. He replied, “It’s hard to implement street safety without the help of politicians and advocacy groups like Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets. They have really helped change the laws. Bloomberg and de Blasio have helped improve street safety by creating projects like Vision Zero to end all deaths, but the improvements aren’t throughout. The DOT (NYC Department of Transportation) could still paint more bike lanes and there could be better road structure in all the boroughs.” Despite the efforts of Mayor de Blasio and City Council to improve conditions for cyclists, 2019 had a drastic increase in bike-related deaths. 29 fatalities occurred, almost tripling the death toll of 2018. He ends with, “What we need is a fundamental change to car- culture.”

Since June 2005, 164 ghost bikes have been installed in NYC to commemorate 198 fatalities, including 54 unknown cyclists. The NYC Street Memorial Project exposes the vulnerability of cyclists and pedestrians and considers the fragility of life for all who share the road. 

For more information, including ways to donate, please visit: streetmemorials.org and ghostbikes.org

For information on upcoming workdays, follow: @nycghostbikes (FB) and @nycstreetmem (IG)

Park Slope Pandemic Diary

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To Our Readers and Park Slope Community, 

By now, you are familiar with the novel coronavirus. You’ve read about its emergence in Wuhan, China and watched it spread to South Korea, Japan, and Thailand. You’ve learned that President Trump restricted travel to China a few days after Italy detected its first coronavirus case. You’ve watched the Italian Prime Minister announce a nationwide lockdown, followed by chilling videos of panicked and quarantined residents. You’ve listened to their stories, a disturbing foreshadow of the inevitable. “Don’t say you weren’t warned,” they cautioned Americans. 

On March 11, The World Health Organization declared the rapidly spreading coronavirus a global pandemic. After learning this, you probably read the CDC’s recommendations for self-preparedness and researched ways to counter infection. You may have listened to “Ask the Mayor” segments on The Brian Lehrer Show, trusting Mayor de Blasio to keep a sense of normalcy while your world quickly began to unravel. Within a matter of days, your neighborhood was unrecognizable. Your neighbors have left indefinitely, playgrounds are empty, the windows of boutique shops are boarded up, and your favorite café is only serving drip coffee in a to-go cup. As a New Yorker, you’re used to sacrificing your privacy and coexisting in shared spaces, but now what? Now you are on “Pause,” and mandated to practice social distancing in all public places. Recently, you have probably read a headline in all caps: BREAKING NEWS–U.S. LEADS WORLD IN CONFIRMED CORONAVIRUS CASES. 

During this time of uncertainty, we at the Park Slope Reader are committed to continuing to serve our community. Please follow us each week as we catalog changes in our neighborhoods while providing the latest medical developments and valuable resources. Park Slope and adjoining areas are unique to the New York City landscape, and we will continue highlighting our neighbors through weekly editorials. This is a challenging and historic time; please know we are committed to getting through this together. 

Lastly, we want to know how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting you. If you have a story to share please contact us at office@psreader.com. 

In Solidarity,

PSR 

Brooklyn For Warren: She’s Got a Plan

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Brooklyn for Warren members meet Elizabeth Warren in New Hampshire

If you support Elizabeth Warren, what is your plan? She’s got a plan; what’s yours?“

This is the mantra of grassroots organization, Brooklyn for Warren, a group of Brooklyn- based activists who are ALL IN for a Warren- 2020 Presidency. The preliminary idea for the canvassing chapter began in April 2019, not long after the Massachusetts Senator brought her presidential campaign to Long Island City. This is the same city where Amazon withdrew its plans to build a corporate campus, a decision Warren supported. Founder of Brooklyn for Warren, Milo, began holding sessions in his Brooklyn home, inviting the public to join in conversations regarding the need for structural change. These conversations led to the discussions of a future- America under a Warren Presidency. Networking with the digital community of “All In for Warren” quickly spread the word to Warren supporters living in the five boroughs, that a local group was organizing. By June the small group was visible to the public, in ways of canvassing, marching in parades, hosting happy hours events, and spreading their work throughout Brooklyn. They are also visible on multiple social media platforms and are recognized for crafting “Elizabeth Warren’s Comprehensive Meme Plan,” a database of appropriated images that pair Warren’s policies with pop culture references.

“We are all about creating visibility,” says Milo. “Warren appeals to ALL people and protects ALL people. This is why we are building a community of her supporters. We want to help her become the next President of the United States.”

We connected with the leaders of Brooklyn for Warren’s Policy and Social Media Teams to discuss the fundamentals of grassroots organizing, and to learn more about Warren’s plans for structural change. We wondered how her plans might affect the five boroughs.

As a note, Brooklyn for Warren is not part of Senator Warren’s official campaign and cannot speak directly for her or her campaign. They do not have insider knowledge of policies that have not already been made public. The following questions and answers include policy proposals that Warren has publicly discussed.

A local member of Women with Warren and Brooklyn for Warren outside the Park Slope Food Co-op

In a little over four months’ time, Brooklyn for Warren has grown from an idea to a dynamic grassroots organization with seven teams, 17 team leaders, and an email list with over 1,300 subscribers. Can you tell me how the policy team evolved? 

I attended the second house party hosted by Milo, back in April. As we began to grow, we developed our “Policy of the Week” segment for our biweekly happy hours. These sessions teach volunteers about one of Senator Warren’s policy proposals and give them talking points for how to discuss them when they are out canvassing, phone banking, or tabling. As the program quickly developed, it became clear that we should have a dedicated policy team, which I now co-lead. We organize the policy of the week segments and are working on additional tools to give volunteers easily digested summaries of Warren’s policies.

What is the impact social media can have on a campaign? Do you have any examples of how social media has increased awareness of Senator Warren’s presence, policies, and presidential campaign in Brooklyn?

It helps us organize events and get people involved and active. Warren herself tweeted out about our presence in Prospect Park with Cardboard Liz a couple of months ago. It definitely helped raise attention to what we’re doing here in Brooklyn. I have great conversations via DM (direct message) on a daily basis with people wanting to not only get more involved but also want to learn about her plans. Some of these people reach out because they feel more comfortable with one-on-one conversations. Also, people have been offering to send handmade Warren merchandise including buttons, stickers, and bath towels as a token of appreciation for our work.

How is Senator Warren going to help rebuild state and local infrastructure? Are there any plans to rebuild infrastructure in NYC?

Senator Warren has not released an infrastructure-specific plan, but a number of her plans address infrastructure in various ways. For instance, her plan for rural America invests $85 billion to create a public option for Broadband Internet access. Her green manufacturing plan invests $2 trillion over the next ten years into green energy research, green energy manufacturing, and exporting that technology around the world. Much of this, necessarily, would be devoted to infrastructure in various ways. Her plan for economic patriotism would create millions of good-paying domestic jobs.

There are massive shortages of affordable housing across the country. NYC’s affordability crisis affects New Yorkers of nearly every income group in every community across the five boroughs. Does Senator Warren have a plan to combat high rent and lack of affordable housing in NYC?

Her plan is a national one, not specific to NYC, but it would certainly help the severe lack of affordable housing we face here. The plan would make a historic investment in affordable housing that would bring rent down by 10% across America. It also creates 1.5 million new jobs through construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing and addresses the historic impact of the racist and discriminatory policy of redlining, where the government subsidizes mortgages for white families, but not black and brown families. Warren will subsidize down payments for first-time homebuyers in historically redlined communities, which will help close the wealth gap between black and white families. It is fully paid for by imposing an estate tax on inheritances over $7m.

Warren’s own story is not unlike the stories of many working-class Americans and single-parent families who struggle economically. How does she appeal to voters differently than her opponents?

Warren’s approach and tactics become a part of every conversation. She is able to communicate through ideas, not guise or rhetoric. Current and previous Presidents have based their politics on slogans like “hope” and “great.” Warren’s politics are based on ideas and plans, not slogans. She’s really in charge of the conversations, and if you have something that is consistent and tangibly sound, then you can speak to all voters.

©Brooklyn For Warren

There are a number of Democratic presidential candidates who effectively speak to core American values and present a strong vision for the future of our country’s economy. What makes Senator Warren especially unique to the other presidential candidates?

The thing about Senator Warren is that, although it looks like she has all these plans to solve all these different problems, at their core, every single one of her plans is addressed at fixing one core problem–the vast inequality in American society. It’s the problem that she has spent her entire career studying and trying to remedy. What makes her array of plans different than in any other campaign we’ve seen is that they resonate with people–they’re not just a disparate array of white papers–they show that she has a deep understanding of all the different ways people are hurt by inequality, whether it is the racist history of redlining, the huge power imbalance between the 1% and everyone else, the ways corporations have changed the rules of the game to their advantage, the ways working mothers are held back by the lack of child care and so many more.  And they present an optimistic vision of how our society can be equal. While her plans are bold and visionary, they are also very practical. They are fully paid for, and she has talked about the need to eliminate the filibuster so that they can actually become law.

I believe down to my toes (to borrow Warren’s phrase) that once people get to know Senator Warren, those who are open to having their minds changed will become convinced that she is an exceptional candidate who really stands out from the rest. There was some interesting polling earlier this summer that measured how closely people were paying attention to the primary–among those paying the closest attention, Warren was in the lead. To me, that says that once people have the opportunity to learn about her, many of them will end up supporting her because of the strength of her ideas and conviction, her toughness, her record of getting things done, and her innate goodness that just shines through.

How can our readers contribute to your cause?

We welcome anyone of any ability. Everyone has something to give for the fight– we see it daily in our group. From broke students to those who are able to do more than their $2,800 campaign limit. We welcome those in Park Slope and elsewhere who want to use their energy to support the strongest economic and social justice candidate to represent ALL of Brooklyn. Our success is based on community building around Elizabeth Warren, and our team members are all a reflection of her. It’s a further testimonial to her inspirational personality and candidacy, and to the people who have come together to build something. It’s a positive reinforcement daily.

For more information on Brooklyn for Warren, including upcoming events and ways to contribute, please visit: brooklynforwarren.org

Keeping It Simple and Sweet…

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School is back in session. This means new classes, new teachers, new classmates and hopefully some new friendship opportunities. Children and teenagers living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as typically developing children, can sometimes struggle with the social parts of a new school year. If you have a lovely child that is socially sensitive, my advice is to keep it simple and sweet.

Luckily, for us, we live in a location that offers many social opportunities. But let’s remember to think outside of the box. Social doesn’t just mean participation on sports teams or hanging out with a group of rambunctious, funny children. For the person that has ASD, or who is socially insecure, keep is simple and sweet.

Maybe have your child or teen feed the ducks and geese at the lake with just 1 other peer. Have your child and a peer walk in a complete circle in the park and end with a snack lakeside. They can share music along the way. Who doesn’t just love completing a circle and enjoying reinforcers like music and yummy snacks?! Movies are a perfect idea for spending time with friends, without having the internal nagging of “what should I say next?”…keep it simple and sweet. Riding bikes or scooters next to each other is another low-pressure social situation. Just think of how many social skills are addressed with this simple activity: checking on your personal space, keeping in rhythm with your buddy, small talk, joint attention and more and more and more!

With school comes at-home responsibilities…having a study buddy or homework pal will help friendships blossom. Set a regular schedule where 1 day per week your child and a friend from school complete homework together, have a snack and relax with a low-key activity…after-school cartoons, binge-watching NETFLIX until they meet again next week or walking to the corner for a snack.

If you are and your loved one are unsure who can be a potential friend, it helps if you choose someone who has a similar demeanor and enjoys many of the same interests. If your child or teen is mellow- yellow then seek out the artists or the musicians or the intellectuals. I always tell my clients with ASD…”you just need 1 friend. Anything more than that is a bonus.” That is an achievable goal for everyone. Just 1 friend can make the difference in every child’s school year.

The 13th Child Autism & Behavioral Coaching, Inc. is a consulting company focused on those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder & other socio-behavioral uniqueness. 

Shirley Chisholm Returns To Brooklyn: A New Take on the American Monument

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Our Destiny, Our Democracy artist rendering

Shirley Anita St. Hill was born and raised in Brooklyn New York to Caribbean immigrant parents. She attended Brooklyn College and Columbia University, earning a masters in elementary education. After working as a teacher and daycare director, she moved into public service serving two terms in NY State Legislature. In 1968, she became the first black woman elected to Congress, representing NY’s 12th congressional district of  Bedford-Stuyvesant. Then in 1972, she became the first black woman to run for President under a major political party saying,

I am not the candidate for Black America, although I am black and proud. I am not the candidate of the women’s movement of this country, although I am a woman, and I am equally proud of that. I am the candidate of the people of America.

Shirley Chisholm on her presidential run in 1972

Chisholm went on as a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Women’s Caucus. She retired after 14 years and passed away on New Year’s Day 2005. Ten years later, Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. And now her portrait, commissioned by members of Congress- an honor usually only reserved for party leaders- watches over the most diverse and most female freshman class Congress has ever seen.

Chisholm will once again make history as the first female historical figure to have a monument dedicated to her in Brooklyn. 

Artists Amanda Williams and Olalekan Jeyifous’ design “Our Destiny, Our Democracy” honors Shirley Chisholm in a way that reimagines the functional purpose and ideology of the American monument. “This artwork will be bright, bold, and makes a statement – just like Chisholm herself,” says First Lady Chirlane McCray. This project, from She Built NYC, is working to represent the women who have shaped the city while addressing the gender gap in NYC monuments. Currently, just 5 of the 150 statues in NYC depict women. 

She Built NYC will change this male-dominated landscape of historical figures. So far, five trailblazing women will be commemorated in upcoming projects set to hit the boroughs- Billie Holiday (Queens), Elizabeth Jennings Graham (Manhattan), Dr. Helen Rodriguez Trías (Bronx), Katherine Walker (Staten Island), and of course, Shirley Chisholm will return to her home of Brooklyn. The 40 foot-tall structure, set for completion by the end of 2020 at the southeastern corner of Prospect Park, encompasses Shirley’s life’s work and her mindset of coming together through democracy.

During Shirley’s time in Congress, she worked to represent the needs of the people. Specifically, those who were underrepresented, which in 1968 and still today means women, people of color, and the youth. Her wants for equal democracy and unwillingness to back down from what she saw was wrong earned her the nickname “Fighting Shirley.” 

Speaking about the title Dr. Zinga Fraser, Director of The Shirley Chisholm Project of Brooklyn Women’s Activism says, “The name referred to Chisholm’s commitment to taking on the status quo… As a Black woman in America who sought to be a “catalyst for change” in a historically oppressive society, fighting was a routine aspect of her life… Any narrative about Chisholm or Black women’s activism that overlook this struggle is a misleading narrative.”

During Chisholm’s time in office, there were more bills passed relating to child care, education, and human rights than any other point in history. Dr. Fraser points out, “She would argue that a nation’s most important resource was ‘its children.’” Distinguishing herself as a champion of youth, many agree that every school child should know who Shirley Chisholm was. And know they will! – when students, parents, teachers, and all Brooklyn residents walk down Parkside Ave to see Chisholm’s beautiful figure.

The vibrant design from Williams and Jeyifous works to embrace this fighting spirit. The multi-prog, 40-foot tall steel sculpture reconstructs Chisholm’s portrait, the United States Capitol Building, and decorative patterns of vines and leaves. Her strong eyes with signature glasses, full head of curly hair, and poise figure will greet the public reminding us of her unique gift to connect to both children and adults with grace and empathy. Throughout the day these silhouetted compositions will cast shadows along the sidewalks complementing the surrounding trees and vegetation. These strikingly colorful and dynamic pieces assemble an amphitheater-style stage; inviting people to come together, interact, and occupy the space below Chisholm’s guiding light. The elevated seats will be inscribed with the names of women who followed- and will follow- in Fighting Shirley’s revolutionary footsteps; reminiscent of her famous quote, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

Olalekan Jeyifous and Amanda Williams
Credit: Faye Penn, women.nyc.

With differing styles rooted in architectural study, Williams and Jeyifous’ individual and collaborative work focus on public spaces and public conversations. “Our project celebrates Shirley Chisholm’s legacy as a civil servant who ‘left the door open’ to make room for others to follow in her path toward equity and a place in our country’s political landscape. We have designed a monument in which her iconic visage can be immediately recognizable while also equally portraying the power, beauty, and dimensionality of her contributions to our democracy,” reads their artist statement.

“Our Destiny, Our Democracy” works to challenge the traditional notions of the American monument. Think Gaetano Russo’s Columbus Circle statue, or literally every monument just north at Grand Army Plaza. These traditional monuments commemorate figures by placing them in positions of power- strong and sturdy like the marble they are carved in. Telling us, “This person was important!”, but not much else. Many have sparked controversy that even Mayor De Blasio has addressed; “Our approach will focus on adding detail and nuance to – instead of removing entirely – the representations of these histories. And we’ll be taking a hard look at who has been left out and seeing where we can add new work to ensure our public spaces reflect the diversity and values of our great city.”

We hope that it will also promote Chisholm’s long-held belief that direct involvement alone is the only thing that changes the system.

Williams and Jeyifous want to grant the ability to interact with art and tell that larger, more intersectional story. A narrative that showcases “the substance of Chisholm’s career- a career in which she fought for human rights and against corrupt and anti-democratic features of the U.S. political system… [and] created a foundation for candidates like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, but also candidates like Jesse Jackson and Bernie Sanders who sought to expand the electorate and/or advance under-represented philosophies.” 

Dr. Zinga Fraser was part of the team that observed the artist presentation for the monument. She states, “We hope that the new monument will provoke conversation about Shirley Chisholm’s decision to become directly involved in politics even when the system and its defenders actively tried to tear her down. We hope that this will generate conversation about the unique challenges of marginalized communities and how they help transform American democracy for themselves and for humanity at large. We hope that it will also promote Chisholm’s long-held belief that direct involvement alone is the only thing that changes the system.”

The new 360-degree design will allow us to immerse ourselves in compelling examinations of history. From different points of view around the sculpture, the viewer will see varying ways the capital, vegetation, and Shirley herself come together. At no point is one piece wholly visible, in the same way, one never completely disappears. Instead, their relationship is inseparable. 

Thanks to She Built NYC, these artists have been given the ability to reflect on our current political, social, and cultural climate; and from there, promote diverse and unique perspectives of history and relationships. Questioning the relationship between individuals and government, citizen and leaders, laws and communities, nature and humankind, and so on. By breaking down the traditional American monument, they have created public art whose meaning and connotations are ever changing. Soon, we will see- and be able to participate in!- the discussions Williams and Jeyifous’ piece will provoke – during this the current Trump Administration, the upcoming 2020 election, and wherever the future of politics and American life takes us. The beauty and revolutionary aspect of this monument is not only that its subject is black and female, but that its narrative will transform with each individual viewer; inviting them to sit, think, and share their experiences, identity, and even arguments with others in the same way that Shirley Chisholm did. 

We look forward to experiencing this new kind of monument accomplish its goal of portraying a multidimensional narrative- a more diverse, complete, and malleable story of equal democracy that will transform how we view history for years to come.

Our Destiny, Our Democracy

Unyielding. Insistent. Enduring. PERSISTICON: There is No Planet B

By Filed Under: Community, Feature, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Sunday, May 5th will mark the third Persisticon event at the Bell House, in Park Slope. This biannual night of comedy, and so much more, is a public statement insisting on the election of more progressive women. This weekend Persisticon III benefits EMILY’s List, a political action organization focused on helping pro-choice Democratic women achieve political positions.

An all volunteer production, Persisticon is highly anticipated and will be filled with laughs, information, and fun. The lineup for the evening’s festivities is phenomenal and at least 80% women, always. It includes Aparna Nancherla, Amber Tamblyn, Ana Fabrega, Kerry Coddett, and Ophira Eisenberg as emcee.

Persisticon will also provide an opportunity for local women entrepreneurs to share their activist-centric art and memorabilia with attendees and promote more community involvement. Drinks will be flowing, connections will be made, and a group of like-minded, fearless folks will unite for an energizing affair. The collision of art, comedy, and electing feminists has never been so exciting.

There are a few days left to purchase tickets and help take back the future of politics. It’s the responsibility of the people to impact the current climate and pave way for generations to come. For more details, visit persisticon.com and don’t miss the secret promo code to receive $20.20 off tickets (IPERSISTED). Make sure you’re caught in the collision this Sunday!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

A Satiable Taste of Fifth

By Leave a Comment Filed Under: Community, Eat Local, Feature Tagged With: , , ,

Prospect Bar and Grill, photography by Emily J. Davis

A Taste of Fifth 2019

A Taste of Fifth has seen yet another successful year, marking its highest ticket sales to date. More than 600 tickets were sold and a whopping $15,000 raised for the 15 benefitting non-profits. The excitement and merriment was undeniable throughout the evening as guests indulged in a myriad of local food and beverage selections on and around 5th Avenue. Returning veterans like Calexico (5th Ave. between Garfield Place and 1st Street) shared its famed Gringo Taco in adorable, colorful mini shells along with its delicious vegan Beet Tacos. Blue Sky Bakery, (5th Ave. between Bergen and St. Marks; 8th year veteran) showcased its token daffodil décor with platers of dairy-free veggie muffins such as  Pumpkin Apple Cranberry and Zucchini Strawberry Chocolate Chip.

Calexico
Simple Loaf Bake House

There was an impressive number of first-timers joining the fun this year. New businesses such as Simple Loaf Bake House (5th Ave. between 2nd & 3rd streets; opening May 2019) shared delectable treats such as Lemon Bars, Caramel Blondies, and Fudge Brownies. Also, Lizzy King Parlor (corner of 5th & Prospect Place) has joined the Fifth Avenue family boasting menu items which are sourced solely from New York purveyors including  Fleishers on 5th, from where their meat is purchased for the signature  pork sliders which were featured at the event. The Shaking Crab (corner of President Street & 5th Ave.) was on deck, marking its second participation. Guests sampled the spicy crawfish and head-on shrimp in a pool of ‘Shaking’ sauce: a savory mix of cajun spices, butter, and garlic with a kick.

With all the scrumptious tastes, there were many thirst-quenchers to pair along.  Zula Wines & Spirits, (5th Ave, between 11th and 12th streets, opened late 2018), had a constant line as guests enjoyed three wines – a Portuguese Rosé, an Austrian Grϋner, and a Montepulciano – and is co-owned by couple Amy Miles and Mike Robertson, and friend/comedian Amy Poehler. The featured wines are available for $12 or less. Brooklyn born Breuckelen Distillery (77 19th street; first time participant), stirred Manhattans and Gin and Tonic sippers through the night along with tastes of its whiskeys in the Grand Ball Room’s speakeasy as Hot Club of Flatbush regaled visitors.  

  • Zula Wine
  • A Taste of Fifth, 2019
  • Fogo Azul Drumline

The night was not only a fantastic opportunity for the community to meet restaurateurs and the charities, but was a treat for the hospitality community to socialize with one another.

The night was not only a fantastic opportunity for the community to meet restaurateurs and the charities, but was a treat for the hospitality community to socialize with one another. Owners of SkyIce (corner of 5th Ave. & St. Marks) were very excited about returning to A Taste of Fifth (7th year participant) and spending time with fellow industry comrades. The dine serves provincial Thai cooking and all-natural homemade ice cream, and offered Krapraw Gai Sub( a dish with minced chicken in a chili basil sauce), along with Thai Tea and Roasted Thai Coconut ice creams – just two out of the 300 flavors offered in-house. Prospect Bar and Grill provided its best seller Four Cheese Mac and Cheese, and a Roast Pork Slider with pickled cherry pepper, broccoli rabe, and mozzarella. 

All entertainment, including members from Fogo Azul, an all women Brazilian drumline, was spot-on for the festive occasion. Congrats to all participants, restaurants, charities, and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District for a job exquisitely done! 

Breukelen Distillery

 Photography by Emily J. Davis

IN THE AFTERMATH OF CHARLOTTESVILLE: WHERE TO NOW?

By Filed Under: Community Tagged With: , , ,

Like so many, I’ve been deeply troubled by the events of Charlottesville and Trump’s response. I wrote this piece to help myself make sense of where we find ourselves. I share this with all of you and invite you to share it with others. Always, we must remember and affirm that we are more together than alone.

 

IN THE AFTERMATH OF CHARLOTTESVILLE: WHERE TO NOW?

In the wake of white supremacists marching violently through Charlottesville, Virginia on August 12th, in the aftermath of Nazis stalking a synagogue with automatic weapons here in 21st century America, and after the death of 32-year-old Heather Heyer who was killed by a rabid, young white nationalist speeding his car into a crowd, Donald Trump equivocated to the point of tacitly sanctioning Fascism in America. This collapsed the political floor. We are now below politics and nothing less than the lifeline of decency is at stake.

At such a time, we sorely need a leader who can hold the dissonance of many voices. We need a moral atlas to hold fast to the foundation of our democracy as it is buffeted by this storm. Yet, on August 15th, our current president stood in public before his gilded tower, sadly revealing an ugliness, all too familiar in the lineage of dictators. The illusion that justice is still possible at the very center of our current administration has been ripped away.

In the outrage that followed Trump’s churlish and condescending overturning of the table of moral law, a profound insight came from CNN analyst David Gergen, a former advisor to four presidents, who said, “Before he can address the hatred in the country, Trump needs to deal with the hatred in his own heart.”

This has always been at the core of the human struggle, going back to the enervated Assyrian King Gilgamesh who, 7000 years ago, waged a brutal war against the god of nature “rather than face the undiscovered country in himself.” This points up the challenge of courage that faces each of us most urgently—How to face the undiscovered country in ourselves so as not be overridden by fear and thrown into violence.

After hearing Trump condone neo-Nazi hate groups, Republican strategist Steve Schmidt said that, “The moral failure is now complete.” So how to proceed? The very next day, Historian Jon Meacham quoted St. Augustine in defining a nation as a gathering of citizens united by the common good of the things they love. Meacham then called for us, as a nation in trouble, to define what we love and work toward rebuilding a common good with our love. I think this has lasting and immediate value. What do we love and how does that love ensure a common good that we can rely on? How do we pursue this sense of community while restoring moral order and standing up to those who would tear everything down? These are the spiritual challenges that are immediately before us, which call out more deeply than left or right.

As a third-generation American Jew who lost family in the Holocaust, I am both frightened by what is happening and resilient in my devotion to the common center of all traditions. In spite of all that is happening and because of all that is happening, I stand firmly in my belief in the strength of human kindness to overcome the destructive effects of fear and violence. The things we hold dear and the bonds we try to uphold and repair are more meaningful than ever.

We must reclaim our humanity and reawaken our sense of moral law and not succumb to becoming like those who have lost touch with what makes them human. We must remember and affirm that we are more together than alone. This evokes a deeper, more eternal sense of national debt, which is what we owe to all who made this democracy possible and to those not yet born who we will pass it on to.

 

 

 

—Mark Nepo, August 16, 2017

MarkNepo.com