REP. ADRIANO ESPAILLAT LEADS CHARGE OPPOSING EFFORTS TO RENAME HARLEM

  Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) led officials and community leaders during a press conference in opposition to recent efforts by developers to rename Harlem.

“Harlem is a treasure of New York and has long stood as the center of black culture and African American history,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat. “I along with leaders and constituents of this community stand united to vigorously oppose the renaming of Harlem in yet another sanctioned gentrification. This is an incredibly insulting attempt to disown Harlem’s longtime residents, legacy, and culture – and we simply will not stand for it.”

"The community has spoken loud and clear: callous and exploitative attempts to rename the Village of Harlem will not be tolerated. Efforts to rebrand our historic neighborhood as "SoHa" not only ignores the innovators and institutions that came before, but aids in the displacement of families and long-time residents of Harlem" said NYS Senator Brian A. Benjamin.

“Harlem is and will always be a transcendent community and no self-interested businesses or landlords will ever change this fact. Long the epicenter of African American culture--a place that brought the world Duke Ellington and Langston Hughes--the cultural significance of Harlem is unassailable and the name resonates in the minds of millions. Not only is the notion that any portion of this historic community be named “SoHa” ridiculous on face, it likely does a disservice to those looking to promulgate the name, as tourists from around the world make a note to stop in Harlem on their visits New York. The fact remains that Harlem will always be Harlem and no amount of whitewashing promotion can change this,” said NY City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez.

In addition to NYS Senator Benjamin and NYC Councilman Rodriguez, Rep. Espaillat was joined at today’s event by former New York Governor David Paterson, Councilman Bill Perkins, former Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields, and others.

Rep. Espaillat has long been a vocal critic of the proposed name change of Harlem to “SoHa” and the purpose of this press event was to stand united with community leaders to reaffirm his support of the Harlem neighborhood, its historic landmarks, and legacy. Rep. Espaillat will introduce a House Resolution in Congress titled, Supporting the Protection of the Name Harlem, later this week

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NYC Council Member Mark Levine Statement on A Train Derailment

   “New Yorkers already know the City’s subway system has become unreliable, but today’s A train derailment was a frightening demonstration that in extreme cases it can even be a threat to public safety. The MTA needs to recognize the severity of the problem so we can start a new conversation about what solutions are necessary before another accident like this occurs -- not after.  These issues must be met with immediate and dramatic action.

New Yorkers have the right to a safe, reliable transit system so they can get to work, take their kids to school, and live their daily lives.

My thoughts are with the injured passengers and the families of those affected by today’s A train derailment. I am deeply grateful no lives were lost and applaud the NYPD and FDNY for their rapid response and safe evacuation of the passengers.”

Bronx Democratic Party - Upcoming Events

Dear Bronx Democrat, Below is a list of upcoming events. Attached you will find flyers for each event.

Click to Enlarge CM Andy King Hosts Constituent Service Night: Boston Secor Houses When: Tues. 6/27/17 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Where: 3550 Bivona Street  Councilman Andy King hosts a constituent service night in the Boston Secor Houses to address the questions and concerns of the residents of the area.  For more information on this event, please call the  offices of Andy King at (718) 684-5509.

Click to Enlarge Gov. Andrew Cuomo Hosts Panel on the Future of Health Care in America in NY Under the AHCA When: Tues. 6/27/17, at 6:00 p.m. Where: Hostos Community College, Savoy Manor Building, 120 E. 149th Street, 2nd Floor Join New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo as he hosts an expert panel on what the future would look like for New Yorker's under the proposed Republican health care plan, American Health Care Act.  For more information on this event, please see the attached flyer.

Click to Enlarge  Sen. Jeff Klein & BP Ruben Diaz Jr. Host New York Salutes America Fireworks Extravaganza  When: Thurs. 6/29/17, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Where: Orchard Beach  Join Senator Jeff Klein and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. as they celebrate the start of the Fourth of July Weekend with a fireworks extravaganza to commemorate the momentous national holiday.  For more information on this event, please see the  attached flyer.

Click to Enlarge Bangladeshi American Reception in Support of Luis Sepulveda  When: Fri, 7/7/17, at 7:00 p.m. Where: Asian Driving School Party Hall, 2099 Starling Avenue  Join Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda for a reception in his honor organized by the Bangladeshi American Association.  For more information on this event, please see the attached flyer.

Click to Enlarge CM Andy King Hosts Olinville Old-Timers Cookout & Concert Day  When: Sat. 7/8/17, at 12: 00 p.m. Where: 215 Street to 217 Street, Barnes Avenue Councilman Andy King hosts this year's Olinville Old-Timers Cookout and Concert Day, with performances by DJ Red Alert, GQ, DJ Chuck Chillout, and more!  For more information on this event, please see the attached flyer.

Click to Enlarge CM Andy King Hosts Operation: Cleaner Streets When: Weds. 7/12/17, at 10: 00 a.m. Where: White Plains Road, 219 Street, 225 Street - 233rd Street Area.  Join Councilman Andy King on his mission to restore and beautify our communities block by block and sign up to be a clean - up volunteer for this event. For more information on this event, please call the  offices of Andy King at (718) 684-5509.

Dinner in Support of Assemblyman Marcos Crespo Dear Friends,   Thank you so much for the support for Assembly Member Marcos Crespo. Unfortunately, we need to postpone the event scheduled for tomorrow, June 27th at 6:30.   We will be in touch shortly with a new date.   If you have any questions, you can reach me at 212-213-2660.

In solidarity,   Hon. Marcos A. Crespo, Chair The Bronx Democratic Party 1640 Eastchester Rd. T: 347-281-9759 www.bronxdems.org info@bronxdems.org

Sen. Jeff Klein & BP Ruben Diaz Jr. Host New York Salutes America Fireworks Extravaganza at ORCHARD BEACH

Northern Manhattan Democrats for Change - July 1: Volunteers Breakfast & Petitions Drive

Formal Invitation for the Bronx Democratic Party Annual Dinner

NEXT STOP FOR “CITY HALL IN YOUR BOROUGH” IS QUEENS

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz today announced “City Hall in Your Borough” will land in Queens on Monday, July 17. This will be the initiative’s third stop, following Staten Island and the Bronx.

Mayor de Blasio, deputy mayors, and senior Administration officials will run the city from Queens Borough Hall for a week to focus on the borough’s people and their concerns. The week will include a cabinet meeting, resource fair and town hall, as well as various stops and events throughout the borough.

“As we move City Hall from borough to borough, we hope to continue building a closer relationship between New Yorkers and their city government,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “In Queens, we will continue focusing city resources on the borough’s most pressing needs.”

"Queens welcomes the Administration to Borough Hall and the opportunity to engage on the needs and challenges unique to the World's Borough,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “With 2.3 million residents, there will be much ground to cover for the families of Queens."

First Lady Chirlane McCray will also hold a series of events.

The announcement was also made via Mayor de Blasio and Borough President Katz’s Twitter accounts, @NYCMayor and @MelindaKatz. More details about the Queens edition of “City Hall in Your Borough” will be made public in the near future.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

This was placed here because several Bronx residents grew up in the borough of Queens, and some people from Queens work in the Bronx. If you know who they are just place a comment, but remember this blog is moderated so keep your comment clean.