September 2015
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Deidre Olivera Brownsville’s gives a bitter sweet farewell to our very own Deacon James ”Big” Mack.
What is affordable, AND FOR WHO?!
Comments
Almost $2,000.00 for a studio apt on Lefferts Blvd, Bklyn!
Your Community Newspaper
As time keeps moving forward, and gentrification is fast approaching, it is a sad time to ch lose another icon and activist from within the Brownsville community.
“Strengthening
people and Encouraging Lives…”
While there have been many great leaders, when foundation builders pass away; our community loses another cornerstone of humanity.
917-681-0540
COMMUNITY
Getting to
Events
know your community
Employment & Internships
& WASHINGTON BUS TICKETS AVAILABLE
917-830-6505
Health
911 and the Hasidic Jews “A construction workers story “
opportunities
The Brownsville Collective Volume 3 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”
Business $$$$ Info & assistance
Know Your COMMUNITY The Brownsville Collective
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City Agency Concerns: DIAL 311 Issues *Questions *Comments, “laws” * Funding * Policies or procedures* Budgeting LOCAL
Community Board #16 Viola Greene, District Manager
444 Thomas Boyland 2ND Floor
Editor in Chief/ Publisher
Deidre Olivera
444 Thomas Boyland, Bklyn, NY 11212
Local: Community Board #16 (718) 385-0323
Executive Editor
CITY
Call (718) 385-0323 for meeting
CITY Councilmember
GENERAL COMMUNITY
Darlene Mealy (718) 953-3097
BOARD MEETING
41st Council District
73rd PCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING March 24TH
CITY Councilmember 1757 Union Street, 2nd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11213
Inez Barron (718) 649-9495
Consultant
James Mack
Anthony Newerls, President 7:00 – 9:00pm 444 Thomas 3rd Thursday of Boyland every Month
42st Council District
M. Morton Hall
Proof Reader
Gwendolyn Johnson
718 Pennsylvania Ave.STATE Brooklyn, New York 11207 STATE Assemblyman
73rd PCT COMMUNITY CLERGY MEETING
Charles Barron (718) - 257-5824
Reverend Acey Pettaway, President
60th Assembly District
Last MONDAY of every month
STATES.Assemblywoman 467 Thomas Boyland St.,Bklyn 11212
Call (718) 495-5411
Latrice Walker
7:00 pm
Local information not yet available
73rd Precinct station
Treasurer
Earlene Franklin A Special “Thank You!” For All of our
Brooklyn Borough President
Community
Eric Adams (718) 802-3700
Collaborative Submissions
209 Joralemon St, Bklyn NY 11225 STATE Senator
V. Mongomery (718) 643-6140 25TH Senate District 30 Third Avenue , Bklyn NY 11217 FEDERAL Congresswoman
Yvette Clarke (718) 287-1142
Victim Services Unit 718-250-3820 Public Integrity Unit 718-250-2747 Immigrant Fraud Unit 718-250-3333 Labor Frauds Unit 718-250-3770
Brownsville BMS
Mr. Harvey Lawrence
IHalleluJah
123 Linden Boulevard 4thFL, Brooklyn, NY 11226
The executive members of the community Board will inform the community of the new procedures for 2015 The Brownsville Collective Volume 3 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”
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Employment
Assistant Safety Supervisor Assistant Safety Supervisor Full Time Supervises Safety Monitors on a shift and ensures the safe operation of the facility in accordance with HELP USA Policies and Procedures. Requirements: High School diploma or equivalent required. Experience in security related field required. Prior supervisory experience preferred. Good writing skills preferred. Computer literate in Microsoft applications required. Please send cover letter with resume to nmitchell@helpusa.org or fax 718-240-9178.
CAMBA After-School Programs Are Hiring!!! CAMBA After-School Programs • Are dynamic and diverse • Provide Homework Help, Academics, Arts, and Recreation • Enrich children's sense of community CAMBA runs after-school programs in 9 different NYC Public Elementary and Middle schools. The schools are located in the following Brooklyn neighborhoods: Bay Ridge, Bedford Stuyvesant, Canarsie, East Flatbush, and Flatbush. The programs are currently hiring for the following PARTTIME (M-F afternoon) positions: • Group Leader - Must be a college graduate or currently enrolled in college. Experience working with youth. Leaders plan and lead daily activities and manage classroom. Must be available to work Monday through Friday. • Youth Worker - Must have a high school/GED diploma or currently enrolled in high school. Assist leader in facilitating activities and monitoring classroom. Must be available to work Monday through Friday. • Activity Specialist - Proven three years of professional experience and specialization in dance, creative movement, yoga, sports and/or other physical activities To Apply: Please send resume and cover letter to: Submitresumes@CAMBA.org Please indicate position and neighborhood in subject line
YOUNG ADULT CAREER ADVISOR, LEARNING TO WORK FOR TRANSFER SCHOOLS AT BROWNSVILLE ACADEMY Learning to Work (LTW) for Transfer Schools Program will provide services to 200-250 students, ages 16 ½ -21 who are over-aged for grade, under-credited, and have spent at least one year in another high school to earn a high school diploma and gain valuable vocational and life skills supports. Using the Primary Person Model, each student will have a Career Advocate who will: guide students towards removing barriers toward graduation, engage students in college preparatory activities, provide supportive services, and increase self-direction and self-sufficiency through meaningful career exploration experiences, including subsidized internship placements for 75 students. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The person filling this position is expected, under general supervision, to: (1) serve as young adult students' primary motivator and coordinator of program services; and (2) assist "at-risk" young adult students in eliminating barriers to education/employment. MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Bachelor's degree (e. g., B.A., B.S.W.) in social work or a related field and/or equivalent experience. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must obtain Dept. of Education fingerprint clearance. Ability to maintain fingerprint clearance throughout the duration of employment. Ability to adapt to the culture and environment of a public school. Please write "YOUNG ADULT CAREER ADVISOR, LEARNING TO WORK FOR TRANSFER SCHOOLS AT BROWNSVILLE ACADEMY" in subject of email. Please send resume and cover letter in MS word attachment to: submitresumes@CAMBA.org http://www.idealist.org/view/job/dtSXnSzgg8jd/
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Employment
FOR ALL APPLICANTS: Go to www.nyc.gov/careers/search Search for Job ID# COMMUNITY ADVOCATE
Tenant Support Specialist
Civil Service Job ID: 201507 Title: COMMUNITY COORDINATOR Title Code No: 56058 Proposed Salary Range $ 47,703.00 - $ 74,049.00 (Annual) Division/Work Unit: Conducts outreach within the NYCHA communities seeking grandparents/elderly relatives caring for children under the age of 18. Represents the unit in community, tenant and other related meetings. Provides case assistance/advocacy and provides referrals as needed. Schedules trainings in partnership with the NYPD and other agency partners on topics such as gang awareness, domestic violence, elder abuse, bullying and other related topics.
Job ID: 201368 Job Category: Community & Business Services, Social Services Proposed Salary Range $ (Hourly)
27.37 - $
30.79
Executive Assistant
Minimum Requirements 1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or 2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or 3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above. Preferred Skills Masters degree in social work or other equivalent graduate degree. Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred. Relevant work experience working with the population served by the program preferred. Must have at least 4 years working in the population targeted by the NYCHA Anti-Violence Initiative program. Performs statistical, narrative and record-keeping duties, including data entry in STARS and maintaining case logs and bi-weekly reports. Able to work one evening during the week and on weekends, as needed.
Job ID: 204684 Proposed Salary Range: $ 55,000.00 - $ 80,000.00 (Annual) Civilian Complaint Review Bd Division/Work Unit: Minimum Qual Requirements
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in performing the related s 2. High school diploma or equivalent and six year of experience in activities in an area related to the duties as de 3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above.
Executive Assistant
Inmate Grievance Coordinator
Job ID: 204684
Job ID: 201771 Business Title: Proposed Salary Range $ 54,052.00 - $ 62,160.00 (Annual)
Proposed Salary: $ 55,000.00 - $ 80,000.00 (Annual)
Minimum Qual Requirements
Minimum Qualifications Requirements
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and two years of full-time paid experience in correction, social work, psychology, law, public administration or related field providing direct services to an inmate or detention population within a correctional or related facility; or
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in performing the related secretarial duties described above;
2. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State’s Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and four years of full-time paid experience as described in “1” above; or
2. High school diploma or equivalent and six years of experience in activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or 3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above.
3. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above. Service as an inmate in a correctional or related facility may be substituted for a portion of the required experience up to a maximum of two years on a year for year basis. A graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in social work, psychology, law, criminal justice or public administration which includes a field placement performing duties as described above may be substituted for up to one year of full-time paid experience as described above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of full-time paid experience as described in "1" above.
Civilian Complaint Review Bd Division/Work Unit:
The Brownsville Collective Volume 3 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”
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Internships/ Scholarships
Nature Works Everywhere Garden Grants
Apply for a garden grant for your school Photo credit: © Nick Burchell for The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Works Everywhere program is currently accepting applications for garden grants during the 2015– 16 school year. Grants will be given in the amount of $1000–$2000 dependent upon the needs of the project. Funds
may
be
used
to
support
the
building,
It's that time of year again! GEF and Gardener’s Supply Company have teamed up on an exciting funding opportunity for established youth garden projects nationwide! The organizations are calling on schools and youth groups to submit chronicles of their garden projects in a race to win a $250 prize. The award is designed to support the continued sustainability of an exceptional youth garden program that has demonstrated success, and has impacted the lives of kids and theircommunity. http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/greenthumbchallen gesub/green-thumb-challengewinners?utm_source=Grantees&utm_campaign=65f413d842Sep_2014_E_blast8_6_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_647c9833bd-65f413d842-22473133
amendment, or revitalization of gardens on school Field Trip Grants
campuses, with preference given to rain, pollinator, native habitat, and other natural infrastructure projects. Food gardens will also be funded. For all details including timeline, activities, requirements, grant benefits, and eligibility, please refer to the Garden Grant Description document linked nearby on this page. Commitment letters
from
the
project
lead
and
your
school
administrator are required. Two sample commitment letters and a sample application are also linked nearby on this page.
Some of the best learning opportunities happen outside the classroom. We're bringing students once-in-a-lifetime learning experiences through field trips they'll never forget.
field trip grants Target Foundation grants grants FAQs
background It’s become increasingly difficult for schools to fund learning opportunities outside the classroom. To help them out, we launched Field Trip Grants in 2007. Since then, we’ve made it possible for millions of students to go on a field trip.
guidelines As part of the program, Target stores award Field Trip Grants to K-12 schools nationwide. Each grant is valued up to $700. We accept grant
For questions, email us.
applications between noon CST Aug. 1 and 11:59 p.m. CT Oct. 1. apply for a Field Trip Grant
Apply online by October 28, 2015.
https://targetfieldtripgrants.target.com/register.php
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Opportunities
APPLY NOW: CREATIVE COALITIONS COMMISSION ORIENTATIONSARE HELD EVERYWEDNESDAYAT 10AM SHARP. No RSVP required. Bring a photo ID. Be prepared tofill out an application and to take a math,reading,and measurement test. Orientation lasts 2 hours.
In the free program, which runs Monday to Friday 8 AM-4 PM, you will: • Learn to use hand tools, power tools and
woodworking machinery
Individual artists living in and working in the Creative Coalitions service areas of Brownsville, East Bushwick, and East New York are invited to apply for an award of $2,500 to support socially-engaged community arts projects. Application Deadline: Thursday, October 1, 2015 http://www.brooklynartscouncil.org/documents/2484
APPLY NOW: BROOKLYN ARTS FUND
• Learn shop math and measurement
HTTP://WWW.BROOKLYNARTSCOUNCIL.ORG/DOCUMENTS/1977
• Complete various woodworking projects • Receive job placement assistance
Brooklyn-based 501c3 organizations, collectives and individual artists are invited to apply for up to $5,000 to
Brooklyn Woods is located at 125 8th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215 between 2nd and 3rd Aves. Directions: G or F trains to "4th Ave" or the R train to "9th St."Walk to 8th street, make a left and continue walking past 3rd Ave to the grey metal doors marked "125."
Ifyou have questions,call 718-389-3636. Brooklyn Woods is a program of Brooklyn Workfoce ACTIVELY RECRUITING FOR OUR Innovations, a workforce development non-profit.
FREE WOODWORKER JOB TRAINING PROGRAM
Are you an unemployed or underemployed New Yorker who has some experience or skill working with your hands? Do you have a desire for a career in a wood-related trade? If so, attend an orientation to get more information and to apply.
support high-quality arts projects in all disciplines, genres and styles. Application Deadline: Thursday, September 24, 2015.
APPLY NOW: LOCAL ARTS SUPPORT HTTP://WWW.BROOKLYNARTSCOUNCIL.ORG/DOCUMENTS/1986
Brooklyn-based nonprofit organizations and artistnonprofit partnerships are invited to apply for up to $5,000 to support community-based, high-quality arts projects in all disciplines, genres and styles. Application Deadline: Thursday, October 1, 2015
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Apply to Be a Disney Dreamer Disney Dreamers Academy will accept applications for the 2016 program beginning April 1 to October 30, 2015. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates. Disney seeks students with a winning combination of attributes that reflect strong character, positive attitude, and persistence to take advantage of opportunities. Key Attributes:
Intellectually curious – Creative and quick-witted Compassionate – Gives to others who need their assistance Courageous – Overcomes obstacles, brave, spirited, survivor Leader – The "go-to" person, pursues ideas with passion
Attitude:
Dreams about their future Positive approach to life Grateful and humble Takes advantage of resources
Does this sound like someone you know? We're looking for Dreamers for next year's Disney Dreamers Academy, so they can get the tools to help make their dreams come true. Potential Dreamers must be between the ages of 13–19, live in the United States, and be enrolled in high school grades 9–12 when applying. For a complete list of rules, click here Spread the Word
Share on Facebook and Twitter Share Disney Dreamers Academy with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.
Tell A Friend Know a Dreamer? Invite them to apply by entering their information below
https://www.disneydreamersacademy.com/be-adreamer/apply/
The Brownsville Collective Volume 3 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”
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IMPORTANT HEALTH ISSUES
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
It is with Bittersweet Sorrow that we announce the passing of Brownsville’s own
Deacon James “Big” Mack “Just to name a few”
James Mack was the embodiment of community activism and political involvement.
James Mack was a… Entrepreneur, Community Bd#16 Parliamentarian, Community coordinator, Father, Softball league President, Knock Out king, Friend, Initial Brownsville Community council member, Federation of Multicultural affairs Executive Board member, New Leadership Democratic club cofounder, Gangsta, Deacon at the Universal Temple Church of God, Malcolm X day Parade Marshal, Summer youth Program Coordinator/recruiter, Big M Bus Tours Company promoter, Enforcer, ANC Management Aide, Mentor, JWE Tenant Association President, My dad Guardian Angel… TO MANY Deidre Olivera, The Brownsville Collective
He was proud of the fact that didn’t smoke, drink or use drugs; but he didn’t judge people and always encouraged them to do better. He loved people and one of his favorite sayings was “you’ve got to be involved, to make a difference,” He lived his life as a testimony to that statement. He treated everyone like they were a part of his family. Often involving everyone in his ventures, because If you knew anything about Mack at all, you knew that he would put you to work doing something; be it sing a song, cook, make a flyer or read one line; he made sure you were involved too.
8/9/1940 – 9/3/2015 Funeral Services:
SATURDAY, SEPT 12, 2015 Viewing: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Funeral: 11:00 Universal Temple Church 1403 Eastern Parkway (Btwn Ralph and Howard) Bklyn, NY 11233
The Brownsville Collective Volume 3 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”
Mack also loved the youth and they would flock to him for advice, jobs and guidance. Simply put, they kept him young and he tried is hardest to keep them out of jail. When I’d call and ask him what he was doing, he’d say “I’m busy saving souls,” to which I would reply “well since you’ve saved mine, they already have your seat prepared,” and he’d just laugh and say “ooooh boy. You’re right” I know I’m not alone when I say, that there was no one else like Big Mack and he will be truly missed. To my Godfather, best friend and mentor I say
R.I.P. You’ve earned it!
PAGE 10 a OPPORTUNITY
Description & History
The goal of Project Redirect is to reduce recidivism and enhance community safety, while providing a cost effective alternative to incarceration – estimated at $40,000.00 for each one of the approximate twenty participants in Project Redirect annually – a savings to New York State of about $800,000.00 per year.
Funded by the Decentralization Program of New York State Council on the Arts. Application deadline: Thursday, October 1, 2015 Part of Brownsville’s The Writings on the Wall mural project, N. Carlos Jay, lead artist. Photo by Morgan Lindsey Tachco.
The program includes:
Creative Coalitions Commission
Mandatory supervised weekly group meetings with staff in the Gang Bureau o Life skills and anger management group sessions o Weekly testing to determine that all participants are drug free o Substance abuse counseling when necessary o Nightly curfew checks o Community service o Required completion of High School or GED o Employment and higher education Contact: Tammy Eggleston Program Administrator 718 - 250 - 2693
Individual artists living and working in the Creative Coalitions service areas of Brownsville, East Bushwick, and East New York are invited to apply for $2,500 to support for socially-engaged community arts projects. Arts projects must be artist-initiated, and enhance public participation in the arts by directly involving the community in the artist’s creative process.
Local Arts Support Funded by the Decentralization Program of New York State Council on the Arts Application deadline: Thursday, October 1, 2015 (NYSCA), LAS supports performances, exhibitions, pop-up galleries, workshops, reading series, festivals, public art and more, all across the borough. In 2015 alone, LAS awarded over $90,000 to 49 projects. Brooklyn-based nonprofit organizations and artist-nonprofit partnerships may apply directly to this program. LAS applicants may not apply for Creative Coalitions Commission funding.
Please note: application process is now paperless. http://www.brooklynartscouncil.org/documents/2484Funded by the New York State Council on the Arts
Rev. Joseph Jones Program Director 718-250-2693
QUESTIONS?
Organization’s website: http://www.brooklynda.org
Contact the grants department with any questions about the grant process at grants@brooklynartscouncil.org or 718.625.0080.
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Does this look affordable to you?
For Your Information WHO THE HECK makes the guidelines for what is affordable, AND FOR WHO?!
If you take a look at the prices for what is considered to be affordable housing, you have to wonder who the heck is it affordable too? Surely, not many people on an average income for this neighborhood, can afford a studio apartment for almost $2,000.00 Per month. The bedroom apartments need not be mentioned. Actually, in all fairness, it’s not $2,000.00 per month. It’s a comical monthly rent proposal of $1,909.00, as if $1,910.00 would sound too expensive. Like the imposing $1.00 difference is a real deal breaker, closing the gap between the haves and the have nots.
Does this look affordable to you?
CITY POINT TOWER I 200 NEWLY CONSTRUCTED UNITS at 7
Can you imagine the conversation that was had when the Eligible Annual Household income was listed between $67,000.00 and $96,800.00 for a studio apt? “Well heaven forbid we make the rent $1910.00! No one would be able to afford it! Okay, so let’s make it $1.00 less!” However simple it may seem, and while the dollar difference was based on a series of math calculations, not just a guess, it very may well have been; because whoever is making up the guidelines for affordable in this neighborhood, obviously doesn’t have a clue.
Dekalb Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn
Apply online or through mail. To apply online, please go to: www.nyc.gov/housingconnect. The Brownsville Collective Volume 3 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”
TBVA
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BUSINESS // MWBE Opportunities
Empire State Development provides a variety of assistance aimed at helping businesses; whether you are an international company looking to make a move or a small business owner wanting to access capital – ESD is here to help.
We offer loans, grants and tax credits, as well as other financing and technical assistance, to support businesses and encourage their growth within New York State. Through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), a single application for multiple sources of state funding, New York State is soliciting grant applications for funding to advance the priorities of the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC). The following programs are available through the CFA:
Empire State Development Grant Funds
Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits
Market New York
Business Incubator and Innovation Hot Spot
Economic Development Purposes Fund
Strategic Planning and Feasibility Studies
Environmental Investment Program
Industrial Development Bond Cap
Please refer to www.governor.ny.gov for announcements and updates on future funding opportunities through the CFA Contact/Additional Program Information For more information, eligible applicants should visit http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/, which includes contact information for the appropriate ESD Regional Office covering the project area.
The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, with the assistance of the Center for Economic Opportunity and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, is proud to announce the release of the Connections to Care Request for Proposals, available here. The Mayor’s Fund is seeking proposals from qualified 501(c)(3) Community Based Organizations, in partnership with licensed mental health providers, to implement the Connections to Care model. Connections to Care will support staff training and ongoing coaching to support implementation of evidence-based mental health interventions for at-risk populations. Target service populations include low-income (1) expectant mothers and parents of children 0-4; (2) out of school, out of work young adults ages 16-24; and/or (3) unemployed or underemployed low-income working-age adults ages 18 and over receiving workforce development services. Connections to Care is expected to last five years, and is a program and research study of the federal Social Innovation Fund of the Corporation for National and Community Service. For more information, please read the Press Release. All applications are due by October 19th at 2:00 PM. Letters of Interest are strongly encouraged and due by September 25th. Prospective applicants may ask questions regarding the RFP by emailing SIF@cityhall.nyc.gov. All questions must be received by October 8th.
All applications are due by October 19th at 2:00 PM. Letters of Interest are strongly encouraged and due by September 25th. Prospective applicants may ask questions regarding the RFP by emailing SIF@cityhall.nyc.gov. All questions must be received by October 8th. The Request For Proposals application includes four parts: 1. Mayor’s Fund Connections to Care (C2C) RFP 2. Attachment 3 C2C Background/Capacity Form 3. Attachment 4 C2C SIF Budget Template Form Attachment 7 Doing Business Data Form
http://www.nyc.gov/html/fund/html/projects/connections-to-care.shtml
The Brownsville Collective Volume 3 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”
#Justice or Else SHOULD YOU SUPPORT answer a clarion call from JUSTICE OR ELSE? the Honorable minister Deidre Olivera Louis Farrakhan, in hopes There have been a lot of that it may offer some feelings and emotions that protection for themselves, have been expressed their sons and daughters, regarding the #Justice or husbands and wives. Some people have said Else gathering. Hundreds and thousands of people they are disappointed are preparing to go to because they didn’t see Washington D.C. in support what was done after the of the idea of “or else.” last march. They wanted to People fed up over the ill know “where the money treatment and murders of went?” They don’t feel that youth and adults of color. there is anything to be Being ready and willing to
gained by participating in the march. While everyone has an opinion as to “who the march is being called by,” or remark about “not being a part of the Nation of Islam,” no one can argue the fact that SOMETHING needs to be said by SOMEONE that can gather EVERYONE together. No matter what faith you are, it is doubtful that your individual leader could
get over a million people in one place. Many of the youth are being misled by the music and video industry into having no value for their life or the lives of others. Standing alone, the various religious institutions are barely making a dent in the beastly machine that has joined forces to wreak havoc on morality. The eyegates, and eargates of the general population is
constantly and also consistently bombarded. If the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, who has his own flock to shepherd; has allowed himself to be used as a willing vessel as an attempt to unite ALL FAITHS, to speak out for JUSTICE for those in lack of it, then it would behoove ALL PEOPLES to stand together with him. # Justice or Else 10.10.15 GET ON THE BUS
Email: BKLYNMMM@GMAIL.COM 20th Anniversary of the Million Man March
Brooklyn Local Organizing Committee for #JusticeOrElse
@bklynmmm Buses will be departing from Brooklyn Locations
CALL: 917-830-6505
For Ticket Information Contact:
917-830-6505 St. Pauls Baptist Church 859 Hendrix Street(off Linden Blvd 4:30 am sharp departure //***Discounted Full Bus availability also CALL-718.257.1300 Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church *212 Tompkins Avenue (corner of Dekalb)* 4:30 am sharp departure / mtpisgahny.org* Main Office (718)388-3900 EL & JOHN BARBER SHOP 741 Riverdale Rd., *corner of Van Siclin *12:00 a.m Departure * John: (347) 647-3004 For info Muhammad Mosque #7c* 202B Pennsylvania Avenue (off of Pitkin )* 12:00 am sharp Departure * Bklyn LOC (917) 830-6505 /bklynmmm@gmail.com
$40.00 AND $60.00 TICKETS Available The Brownsville Collective Volume 3 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”
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Health and Healing You can purchase Tumeric at your local grocery store in the spice aisle. You can cook with it, or mix it with water and drink! 1. Brighten your pearly whites 2. Customize foundation 3. Spice up your soap 4. Save your scalp 5. Embellish temporary tattoos 6. Diminish sprain strain 7. Help tame swimmer’s ear 8. Soothe a sick stomach 9. Ease achy arthritis 10. Love your liver 11. Inhibit skin cancer 12. Battle other forms of cancer 13. Minimize Alzheimer’s symptoms 14. Make longevity tea 15. Use as dye for spicy tie-dyed tees 16. Make marigold-colored play dough 17. Naturally dye Easter eggs 18. Make meat safer 19. Enliven bland food 20. Blend your own curry powder 21. Make delicious dishes 22. And last but not least, bake a cake! * As with any natural herb, spice or vitamin supplement – you should always check with your doctor for any medical contradictions Read more: http://www.mnn.com/health/fitnes s-well-being/stories/22-surprisinguses-for-turmeric#ixzz3lRXYT3Nb
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SOCIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE
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2015 It was a beautiful morning as we were working on the roof. The sun was shining and the air was filled with the sounds of the city. The construction machines were running, car horns could be heard honking from the street below in typical NY fashion, and it was a beautiful start to a late summer day. As we were working on the roof a few blocks away, we noticed a plane crash into the World trade Center. At first, it seemed surreal as the plane flew into the building as if it didn’t see the building there. Then came the smoke and the explosion as we stood blinking and wondering what was wrong with the pilot, unfamiliar with the severity of the crash, attempting to comprehend the fact that we were under attack. When the second plane hit the other building is when reality sunk in. This was no accidental crash, no headlines of a wayward plane system. This was the beginning of possibly the end. I grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder with one thought in mind, the thought of my child being left parentless on the other side of the bridge. My fellow workers stood there waiting for the customary horn to blast, as I raced down the stairs and ran out of the building heading toward the train. The train stations were being blocked and we were told that no one could get on he trains. The buses were another option, but they were only traveling across town at a snail’s pace. So the next seemingly logical option was to head downtown toward the bridges. Seemingly. For little did I know that the buildings were about to collapse. Nor was I aware of the fact that the pieces of debris that I was watching drift from the buildings, wasn’t simply debris. The heavier debris, were the people horribly jumping to their death from the buildings. What I was aware of was the silence. Silence more deafening
9/11 Memoir A CONSTRUCTION WORKERS STORY And a Brooklyn thank you to the Williamsburg Hasidic community WU
than a ships horn blast. Or ear shattering than a bomb. Or perhaps the silence was a hybrid result of my watching the people crouched around the tv’s and radios of the shop owners, combined with the silence in my head; as my eyes absorbed the surroundings that lie before me. A business briefcase abandoned on the floor, a piece of a hand, a woman pacing in an almost complete circle, people crying while frozen in utter shock as the buildings began to crumble. And dust. Oh yeah. And death. You could start to smell It everywhere, and like a sinking ship, we Brooklynites wanted out. Out of Manhattan, across the bridge and away from the fight. Now people can say how well Mayor Giuliani handled the situation, but I wonder if they were in 911 because they might have the same opinion that many of us did. Almost no one knew what the heck was going on and almost everyone was winging it, including the fire
fighters and police who so bravely sacrificed their lives rushing into the burning buildings, trying to do what they did best, and protect the city (tears). As I got to the Brooklyn Bridge, it was closed. The Manhattan Bridge? Closed. And so the Williamsburg Bridge was the only hope left. To my horror, there were officers blocking the bridge because it was possible that the bridges were about to be blown up next. I’m pretty sure I’ll never know who those young Black men where who decided to speak up, but the first man got in front of one officer and said, “I’m sorry, but we are going over this bridge. As the officers glanced at each other, about five more black men got behind the first. The officers were getting on the radio to call for backup when one of the men said “you’re going to need a lot of backup,”
The Brownsville Collective Volume 3 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”
as more men got behind them. There was no intimidation. No disrespect. Just an honest admonition, that if we were “going down,” we were at least going down either fighting or swimming. The officers looked at each other and opened up a path. There was no pushing or shoving, no stampede through the newly opened pocket, just an acknowledgment of mutual love that we all hoped we would make it across the bridge and/or live to see another day. Midway across the bridge, a new race of people seemed to come alive. The dusty grey people. Some people limping with injuries or some with missing shoes and torn clothes. But the chatter and excitement was heard with a mixture of relief. Perhaps relief because someone wanted to make a statement, and we, who didn’t have much of anything, couldn’t possibly be the target. However, I can’t end this portion of my story without thanking the Hasidic Jewish community at the base of the bridge. Perhaps their country had prepared them for such disaster attacks, because in my opinion, they were the only, repeat only people who seemed to know what to do. They were handing out water and towels. There were cots for people to lay down or sit. And although I’d never had much interaction with the Jewish community before, they walked up to everyone and asked them if they were ok. They didn’t care if you were black, white or in our case, ashy grey. In conclusion of my story of a construction worker from Brooklyn covered in dust, who thankfully laid on a sidewalk with a bottle of water from a Hasidic Jewish person in hand; I’m like many others who will never forget 9/11. Especially walking through the babysitter’s door and looking at my child’s smiling face all the while thanking God for the ties that sadly bound us all together that day and praying for us all.
Deidre Olivera