Albany may get first Black Female Mayor - Carolyn McLaughlin Announces Bid

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Well, this is going to be an interesting year for Albany, NY indeed.  With the mayoral election coming up, it appears that an African American woman has thrown her hat in the ring to challenge the incumbent, Kathy Sheehan, who was elected in 2012.

In the interest of supporting Black men and women to run for political office, I'm posting this article that originally appeared in the theAlt.com - a local political publication out of Albany, NY.

In addition to her bid for Mayor, City Council incumbent, Corey Ellis, a two-time mayoral challenger and former 3rd Ward Councilman, is running for Albany Common Council President. “I want to give people hope with my vision for where this city can go.” 
Ellis' announcement came after Mayor Kathy Sheehan’s State of the City address.

It is imperative that more and more Black men and women begin to run for political positions in their local communities - it is equally important that communities begin to get in the practice and habit of getting to know these candidates and begin supporting them, both financially and with their votes.  For those who are lacking in the big bucks to do so, remember that we had a president who ran on the contributions of the smallest amounts of money as well as funds from major donors.  There should be no excuse for not supporting the candidates who may be pivotal in providing their constituents with much needed legislation.  And it's the prelude to taking back the Congress in 2018 - if we start now, we can build the muscle and momentum we are going to need to kick out the republicans and cut the apparent onslaught of the predator in chief who is bent on reversing every positive thing that has happened for Black people over the past 8 years.

As information comes to me on Black candidates running for office on the Democratic line I will post them in my Blog - ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS - We've so much to do over these next four years if we are to survive this melee of madness that has been allowed to beset the US.  It's going to be interesting to see if we've learned our lessons from the drubbing we received during the recent Presidential election, where we allowed divide and conquer, fake news, and political unsophistication to sit out what has turned out to be the most important election in the history of the US, and possibly the battle for the soul of America - Literally and spiritually. 
Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria 

NEWS

McLaughlin announces mayoral bid, offers few policy details

David Howard King |  Tuesday, January 17 2017

 0

photos by David Howard King

On Saturday (Jan. 14) Common Council President Carolyn McLaughlin officially

announced her bid to become mayor of Albany. McLaughlin’s challenge to Mayor

Kathy Sheehan and the possibility of a number entrants into the race could mean

Albany is treated to what has mostly been a rarity in the city since the early 1900s–

a competitive mayoral race including a sitting incumbent.

Albany is a city defined by its mayors. Erastus Corning ruled Albany from City Hall

as face of the Democratic machine from 1942 to 1983. His successor Thomas Whalen

served as mayor from 1983 to 1993 and Gerald Jennings served from 1994 to 2013.

Kathy Sheehan became Jennings’ successor in 2013 after defeating former councilman

Corey Ellis in the Democratic Primary. This fall Albanians will decide whether

Sheehan will get to build a legacy of her own or if Albany politics have become

more fluid. Certainly things have changed since the time of Erastus Corning.

The Democratic Machine that won votes through patronage has been mostly

eradicated. While Jennings kept tight control over the local party apparatus he

found himself losing that grip towards the end of his time in office. Sheehan also

didn’t come up as part of the Democratic political apparatus–she spent most of her

life in business only successfully winning the position of city treasurer in 2009.

She left that post to become Mayor.

Sheehan faces a much more fractious Democratic Party. It is expected that she

could find herself up against up to three challengers in the Democratic Primary.

West Hill activist Marlon Anderson is expected to run and Councilman Frank

Commisso Jr. is reportedly weighing a bid.

For now though, it is clear that she has one opponent–Albany Common Council

President Carolyn McLaughlin who has served on the Common Council since 1997.

McLaughlin ran unsuccessfully for the 108th Assembly District seat in 2012.

McLaughlin was voted out of her position of Democratic County Chair last September

in what appeared to be a move by Sheehan supporters to shear away some of her influence.

The Alt interviewed McLaughlin in her office on South Pearl Street in Albany last week.

She made it clear that she sees herself as deserving of the seat because of the years she

has lived in the city and the 20 years she’s served on the Common Council.

Asked what disagreements she has with the Mayor Sheehan she said, “As Council

President for the last three years I’ve been very frustrated in that I believe the level

of collaboration, of working with this mayor did not materialize. Some of the things

that have come through the Council have frustrated me, such as the red light cameras

and the trash fee. The people didn’t want them and you have to listen to the people.”

McLaughlin said referring to a policy put in place under Sheehan where owners of small

apartment buildings are charged a fee for trash collection and the installation of

speed-monitoring cameras in intersections with high accident rates.

“I know my campaign will spark excitement with people,” said McLaughlin. McLaughlin

stressed the years she’s served in public office and noted that she’s retired from her day job

and is fully dedicated to the campaign. Further McLaughlin pointed to the city’s financial plight.

Pressed for specific policy plans McLaughlin did not have many details to offer. She said

that the Mayor needs to do more to win state aid from Albany, when asked how her approach

would differ from Sheehan’s she said: “There are a number of budgetary things she (Mayor Sheehan)

didn’t create them so I don’t blame her for that but you have to take a different direction in how

we address this issue. I’m going to talk to the Governor and his staff and legislature so that

they see us differently. Different person in the room, different conversation; you’re going to

get different outcomes. I truly believe that. It’s like we’ve got a sign on front of city “closed for

business,” she said spreading her arms out wide mimicking the width of a billboard. “And we

need to change that and put out a sign that says “We’re open. Apply then”On Saturday (Jan. 14)

Common Council President Carolyn McLaughlin officially announced her bid to become mayor

of Albany. McLaughlin’s challenge to Mayor Kathy Sheehan and the possibility of a number

entrants into the race could mean Albany is treated to what has mostly been a rarity in the city

since the early 1900s–a competitive mayoral race including a sitting incumbent.

Albany is a city defined by its mayors. Erastus Corning ruled Albany from City Hall as face

of the Democratic machine from 1942 to 1983. His successor Thomas Whalen served as

mayor from 1983 to 1993 and Gerald Jennings served from 1994 to 2013.

Kathy Sheehan became Jennings’ successor in 2013 after defeating former councilman Corey

Ellis in the Democratic Primary. This fall Albanians will decide whether Sheehan will get

to build a legacy of her own or if Albany politics have become more fluid. Certainly things

have changed since the time of Erastus Corning. The Democratic Machine that won votes

through patronage has been mostly eradicated. While Jennings kept tight control over

the local party apparatus he found himself losing that grip towards the end of his time

in office. Sheehan also didn’t come up as part of the Democratic political apparatus–

she spent most of her life in business only successfully winning the position of city

treasurer in 2009. She left that post to become Mayor.

Sheehan faces a much more fractious Democratic Party. It is expected that she could

find herself up against up to three challengers in the Democratic Primary. West Hill

activist Marlon Anderson is expected to run and Councilman Frank Commisso Jr.

is reportedly weighing a bid.

For now though, it is clear that she has one opponent–Albany Common Council

President Carolyn McLaughlin who has served on the Common Council since 1997.

McLaughlin ran unsuccessfully for the 108th Assembly District seat in 2012.

McLaughlin was voted out of her position of Democratic County Chair last

September in what appeared to be a move by Sheehan supporters to shear away

some of her influence.

The Alt interviewed McLaughlin in her office on South Pearl Street in Albany last week.

She made it clear that she sees herself as deserving of the seat because of the years she

has lived in the city and the 20 years she’s served on the Common Council. 

Asked what disagreements she has with the Mayor Sheehan she said, “As Council

President for the last three years I’ve been very frustrated in that I believe the level

of collaboration, of working with this mayor did not materialize. Some of the things that

have come through the Council have frustrated me, such as the red light cameras and

the trash fee. The people didn’t want them and you have to listen to the people.”

McLaughlin said referring to a policy put in place under Sheehan where owners of

small apartment buildings are charged a fee for trash collection and the installation of

speed-monitoring cameras in intersections with high accident rates.

“I know my campaign will spark excitement with people,” said McLaughlin. McLaughlin

stressed the years she’s served in public office and noted that she’s retired from her day

job and is fully dedicated to the campaign. Further McLaughlin pointed to the city’s

financial plight.

Pressed for specific policy plans McLaughlin did not have many details to offer. She said that the

Mayor needs to do more to win state aid from Albany, when asked how her approach would

differ from Sheehan’s she said: “There are a number of budgetary things she (Mayor Sheehan)

didn’t create them so I don’t blame her for that but you have to take a different direction in how

we address this issue. I’m going to talk to the Governor and his staff and legislature so that they

see us differently. Different person in the room, different conversation; you’re going to get

different outcomes. I truly believe that. It’s like we’ve got a sign on front of city “closed for

business,” she said spreading her arms out wide mimicking the width of a billboard.

“And we need to change that and put out a sign that says “We’re open. Apply then”

Asked how her approach would be different she said “I know during the budget the mayor’s

go up and have the tin can in their hand and even how you approach that conversation

during budget process, there’s room for change there. What is it Governor? I mean really,

what can we do to make us more attractive to you so that you won’t let us tip off the edge?

I want to work with the Governor to get that positive response. If he’s the one who is going

to shake loose the tree then what is it take? I know when I wanted something from my

parents that they were in charge. I’m not saying he’s my parent but what do we have to do?”

McLaughlin said she is concerned with policing in the city but she believes the police

department has continued to improve its relationships with the people it serves.

“I think what we have seen over the last 10 years with chiefs Krokoff and Cox is a

yeoman’s attempt at public policing and people have embraced the attempt,” said

McLaughlin. “For the police to become part of the community it starts there, it’s about

‘what do they bring with them?’when they hit the street. That’s what’s being worked on.

That’s what’s so important when they drive through the neighborhood and step out–

what are they bringing with them?”

In the end McLaughlin said her major issue with Sheehan’s first term is her

decision to move forward on red light cameras and the trash fee.

“Those two issues, red light cameras and trash fee it’s the process through which

those things were achieved the people said no and you said yes and it can’t be your

way or the highway because it’s the people who deal with the decisions you make

and I’d like to have more collaborative decision making with the council and

down to the people.”

This article was corrected to reflect that Jennings took office in 1994 and that

Sheehan was elected treasurer in 2009. 

And the campaign begins 

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN CHARLES RANGEL TO GAS EXPLOSION VICTIMS AND THE COMMUNITY OF EAST HARLEM

Home About Me Services 13th District Media Center Legislation Contact Me "> March 12, 2014 Dear Friend, I just arrived home after heading straight from the airport to visit the site of the massive explosion in East Harlem. While Congress is still in session, I could not possibly sleep in Washington knowing of the tragic loss of life and injuries caused by the shocking explosion that occurred in the heart of our District. As we continue to pray for the families of those killed or injured in today's catastrophic explosion, my staff and I are taking immediate action to help the displaced and those in need. Many thanks go out to the outstanding rescue workers and first responders who have been on the scene saving lives, controlling the fire, and dealing with the aftermath of the explosion. We are closely monitoring the situation, and we are in constant communications with our federal, state and local partners as events unfold. I have spoken to Gov. Cuomo and will work with him to secure assistance for the victims, families and small business owners. I thank Mayor de Blasio for his quick response to provide expedient assistance to the community and Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez who came down from Albany to help as well.  Together with the Governor, we will keep the President apprised of the situation as we follow up with the NTBS (National Transportation Safety Board) team's investigation. My staff and I are also working with clergy and other community leaders, including Matthew Washington of Community Board 11 to assist in the relief efforts. They are collecting donations of food and clothing only. All monetary donations should go to the Red Cross, which has set-up a Reception Center at P.S. 57, located at 176 East 115th Street (between Lexington Avenue and 3rd Avenue). I am thankful to the Red Cross personnel who have provided medical and mental health services as well as meals. Residents seeking information on loved ones who may have been affected by today’s tragic events are urged to call 311 or my office at 212-663-3900. I am proud to represent a District where people have opened up their homes and offered hands to help their neighbors in any way. I know that we are a resilient community and hope for a swift recovery for all those affected by this tragic unexpected event. Please visit my website at www.Rangel.house.gov for frequent updates. I value your feedback, so please leave me your comments. It's always a great honor serving you. Best regards, Charles Rangel Please forward my e-newsletter to your friends & family. D.C. Office: 2354 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 P: 202-225-4365 F: 202-225-0816 New York Office: 163 West 125th St., Suite #737 New York, NY 10027 Phone: 212-663-3900 Fax: 212-663-4277 Unsubscribe | Update My Profile | Privacy Policy

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43rd Annual New York State Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Held In Albany February 14th to 17th

-->By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Wow, can you believe it, it's already been a week since the 43^rd Annual Legislative Black and Puerto Rican, and Hispanic and Asian Caucus ended. My how time flies when you're in the thick of things!! From the opening Friday evening gala reception the ending banquet, and fundraiser, it was non-stop, back to back activities.

In contrast to this week, last week the East Coast was blanketed with snow, and the threat of more to come. Of course, in Albany, snow is no big deal – they practically manufacture it up there, and we, the down staters, must have been a comical sight, all decked out with hawk-fighting regalia, prepared to hunker down and do what was necessary to make the week end a success while fighting Mother's Nature seemingly relentless onslaught of snow storms.

HINT to Downstaters and the rest of the non-snow savvy folks – you can learn a thing or two from Albany – when they clear the sidewalks, they don't just clear in front of their building, but the ENTIRE SIDE WALK – they realize that people don't just magically float over that ice you left there to get to the next clear spot; also they make OPENINGS or PATHWAYS from the side walk to the street so people can actually cross and not have to climb over a mountain of snow pushed up by the snow plows.

The Caucus is held annually to set the agenda for the year; however those plans are by no means carved in stone; and it does not mean that other issues and concerns can't be brought to the attention of the elected officials. Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes, is the Association Chair, and coordinated this year's event.

The New York State Black & Puerto Rican Caucus is perhaps the oldest continuously existing Black and Puerto Rican joint event in the US. It traditionally takes place during Black History Month, on the week end before President's Day, and brings together – to the extent possible – all the requisite State, City, and Federal legislators from New York State to set the agenda for African Americans, Latino, Hispanic and Asian constituents. They focus on how best to work together to ensure that the things most important to us are implemented.

It's a rather hefty purpose for such a short span of time – one day – one week end – once a year. And this year it was further complicated by the fact that it came right on the heels of Rev. Jesse Jackson's Rainbow PUSH Coalition Wall Street Project Economic Summit having just closed the day before at the Sheraton in Manhattan. So many of the same people participating in the Caucus had also participated in the three-day workshops – making for an extremely long week for many of us (especially yours truly).

New York City has so much to celebrate this year – a new Mayor in the personage of Bill deBlasio; a new Public Advocate, Letitia “Tish” James, first African American female in that role; first Black Brooklyn Borough President – Eric Adams; and the dynamic duo of Charles Barron and Inez Barron having now somewhat shifted, with him in the role of Assemblyman, and she now as the Council Woman; Laurie Cumbo and Robert Cornegy new City Council Representatives– Brooklyn had a lot to brag about, and in general it was a great time for patting ourselves on the back. For once things appear to be in synch. For the first time in about 20 years, everything was as it should be – Cuomo – Democrat, Governor, and a Democrat Mayor in the most important city in the world.

All the workshops are basically held in the Convention Center, which was designed by Nelson D. Rockefeller – a marvel of architecture and engineering that was absolutely needed to change the somewhat drab landscape of Albany back in the day.

However, getting around for the uninitiated required comfortable shoes, because the walk from the entry to the workshops is literally 2.5 city blocks in the concourse on hard marble. Sadly, most of the access to the Convention Center has been closed off for “security reasons” requiring participants to make a long trek through the facility – go through an equally long security check point, and an even longer trek to the workshops in the various hearing rooms.

Since most of the works shops were held concurrently, it required real skill to be able to attend the ones you had a particular interest in. The workshops gave an overview of issues of concern to Caucus members and their constituents. “The People's Priorities – 2014, compiled by Caucus Chair Karim Camara, gave an overview of what those concerns were.

The debate on how to attain Full Pre-K – via taxing the rich, or allocations from the state, was front and center. Both Mayor deBlasio and Governor Cuomo have made it one of their key focuses. They agree that it's needed, but don't agree on how best to fund it. Laws and policies ending stop and frisk was also a hot topic, while bringing back affordable homes to New York brought a lot of attention. MWBE increased contracts, and other nuances.

Governor Andrew Cuomo dropped a bomb shell in the middle of the entire week end when he announced at the Caucus Weekend church service at the Wilborn Temple an initiative to provide college classes in the state's prisons. Currently, New York's inmate population is 49.2 percent African-American, 24 percent Hispanic, 24.1 percent white and 2.7 percent identify as other. A measure of that magnitude would definitely change the rates of illiteracy, recidivism, and aggrivated assaults exponentially.

The reaction was stunned silence, followed by slow clapping, followed by a somewhat more enthusiastic response. The Governor's rationale, one that we have all bandied about for decades, is that providing education fulfills the responsibility of rehabilitation in the prisons. These college classes would be free and would cut down on recidivism. It takes over $60,000 a year to keep a person incarcerated. It's a fraction of that to provide them with a decent education and a job when they complete their sentence. However, the mixed responses in a variety of conversations seems to portend some rough waters ahead in getting everybody on board to get this concept passed.

I frankly thing it's a great idea. California Warden, Ruth Rushen (mother of vocalist Patrice Rushen) had a similar policy nearly 30 years ago – of course, Californians didn't like the idea – but to the extent she was able to implement it, it proved to be a great success for those participants who were fortunate enough to receive it (more on it in another article).

Equally interesting was the agenda in the People's Priorities for the restoration of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit LIHTC. Under the Pataki administration, this had been eviscerated, making it difficult to impossible to provide incentives for the development of low to moderate income based homes. The pledge is to seek for 100% restoration of the dollar -for-dollar tax cred in New York State.

Assemblywoman Annette Robinson, Chair of COBED (Coalition of Black Elected Democrats), held a reception at the Hilton Albany after the Gala Dinner/Fundraiser. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, a Caucus Awardee, stopped by to give greetings and discuss the issues confronting New York from an optimistic standpoint. “With a new Mayor and Public Advocate things are going to be much better, but it won't happen over night. It may well take a little longer than we have envisioned in our minds eyes. But it will happen,” she stated enthusiastically.

Congresswoman Clarke commended Annette Robinson, for her  service to the community and being “a wind beneath my wings, and a mentor - we all owe a debt of gratitude to Annette Robinson.  She's been a trail blazer and one who has really been a pillar for the growth and development of our our community.  So I just wanted to come by and thank you.  This is where her work is done on behalf of all our communities," she concluded.

Per Assemblywoman Robinson: “We have our upstate downstate partnerships, and I've had the privilege of going to Syracuse and Rochester as well as other areas to learn about the issues there.  We look at our people wherever we are and see what the needs are and work together to resolve them.”

Of course the Assemblywoman's reception was also a perfect time for the gathering of Delta Sigma Theta Sorors who were also in attendance large and in charge - including yours truly:

Delta Sigma Theta Sorors at the 2014 Black & Puerto Rican Caucus - Hon. Yvette Clarke 3rd from Left; Hon. Annette Robinson Center; Gloria Dulan-Wilson, Right Front

 Andrea Stewart-Cousins Democratic Chair also stopped by to give greetings, stating, “I think  we had a really great week end. We've gone through these year after year, and so many times it's exhausting. This was exhausting, but it was all good. And I love the fact that the Governor and deBlasio are fighting about who's going to fund the Pre-K program. As long as it get's done right, I've no problem with it. It's an election year, and we have the potential to being in a very good place.”

Councilman Robert Cornegy, who is affectionately known as "Trees," spoke of new measures being considered in the City Council for saving Brooklyn Hospitals. Laurie Cumbo, likewise spoke of the urgency of making sure there was adequate continuum of care in the Borough of Brooklyn, and the focus on the part of the City Council was ensure adequate ongoing funding.

The Annual Awards Ceremony, which took place Sunday, February 16^th,  honored 18 recipients who have served the New York communities well. The inscriptions on the plaques read: “To recognize and honor individuals who have made significant contributions in advancing the political, social and economic cause of African American, Hispanic and Asian Communities.”

I'm listing the awardees in their entirety because these are history in the making. We should all be aware of those who are out there among us making a difference:

>N. Nick Perry, 58^th AD, Brooklyn, received the Chairman's Award for promoting greater community empowerment in the political arena;

>Lillian Roberts, Executive Director of DC 37 AFSCME representing 121,000 public workers, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her consistent contributions on the behalf of Blacks and minorities in the labor movement;

>Assemblyman David Gantt of the 137^th AD in Rochester – the first Black from Monroe County elected to state office - received the Percy Sutton Award for his stuanch commitment to politics and a passion for civil rights;

>David Cordero, Vice-Consul of the Dominican General Consulate in NY received the Immigrant Excellence Award for success in the fields of business and government;

>Maria Revelles organizer for SEIU 1199, received the Labor Award for success in representing over 1.5 million service workers;

>Shop Rite Stores received the Corporate Award for being integrally involved in the preservation of the Sherwood House, a historically Black farmhouse built in 1740 by Thomas Sherwood and the home of the Yonkers Historical Society;

>Cynthia Elliott, assistant to the Executive Director of the Baden Street Settlement in Rochester, received the Arthur Eve Award being a strong advocate in promoting the success of students in the State of New York;

>Henrietta Lyle (a great friend of mine – you go Henrietta!!) received the Leon Bogues Award for being a staunch advocae of tenants' rights, women's rights, civil rights and other social reforms;

>Zenaida Mendez New York State President of NOW (National Organization for Women received the Pauline Rhodd-Cummings Award – she is the founder of the National Dominican Women's Caucus;

>Dr. Roy H. Hastick Sr., President and CEO of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) – another hero and personal friend of mine received the Thomas S. Boyland Award for for being deeply and pragmatically committed to the African American/Caribbean Community and skilled in the strategies to make state and local government work together for our betterment {And a brother who would not lie down for a stroke, but came through like the king that he is – Kudos to him and his lovely wife Eda;

>Frank Garcia, president & CEO of Millennium Remanufactured Toner, inc., and Chair of the NY State Coaliton of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, among many other things, received the Louis Nine Award for making state and local governments work for the people;

>Elizabeth Gill, President of the New York City Police Dept. 47^th Precinct Community Council in the Bronx, received the Joseph L. Galiber Award for laboring vigorously for expanded opportunities for Hispanics;

>Leroy Gadsden, NY State Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Planning Administrator, received the Guy R. Brewer Award for commitment to an equal and fair criminal justice system;

>Michelle McClymont, Executive Director of the Flatbush Nostrand Junction Business Improvement District, received the Housing & Economic Development Award for dedication to improving the image of the African American Community;

>Hon. Yvette D. Clarke, U.S. Congresswoman, who represents the 9^th Congressional District (Brooklyn), an effective leader, compassionate, creative, and an outspoken advocate on issues of importance to her constituents (and a Delta – I know, but I just had to say it) received the Distinguished Service Award for improving the quality of life and stimulating the economic vitality of the African American/Caribbean and minority comunities;

>Barnabas Uba Shakur, internationally recognized, multi-award winning social entrepreneur, community activist, poet, co-founder of Bed Stuy's Project Re-Generation received the Community Service Award for his time, energy, expertise, and resources towards the betterment of underserved communities;

>Rev. Cheryl Gwynn Anthony, an anointed woman of God and founder, CEO and Pastor of the JUDAH International Christian Center, Brooklyn, NY, (and a long time friend) received the Humanitarian Award for playing a “vital role in the betterment of underserved communities of color;”

>Boriken Neighborhood Health Center of East Harlem, now celebrating it's 40^th year, received the Health Award for improving the quality of life for the community.

At the Gala Dinner, Ruth Thompson, who served as mistress of ceremonies for the closing night gala, dropped a bit of a bomb shell prior to introducing the key note speaker for the evening: “Someone said, why aren't you telling any jokes tonight? And I responded, I don't know any jokes. I've been up here on the hill too long.” She waited for a beat and then said, “Maybe that's the Joke!” The audience roared with laughter as she continued, “But I've got one more Caucus under my belt. Next year's going to be 44; I'm going to take a deep bow; but I'm certainly not going to leave public service. It's not about that. So the next place I go – get ready I'm coming.” I later asked her off stage whether she was considering a run for the gubernatorial seat – to which she gave me a slight wink but no comment.

Keynote speaker Michael Blake is a newcomer to the caucus, but left the room in an uptempo as he closed out the 43 Annual Caucus by exhorting that they go from there and do what they know how to do, not hesitate or procrastinate, to reclaim a child, or a community. To use their collective and individual power to make a difference in the life of the children of New York.

STAY BLESSED &

          ECLECTICALLY BLACK
          Gloria Dulan-Wilson