Brooklyn politicians send holiday greetings

Brooklyn politicians send holiday greetings|Brooklyn politicians send holiday greetings
|

Brooklyn legislators Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte and Senator Jesse Hamilton have joined their legislative colleagues in dispatching holidays greetings to their respective constituents.

Williams, deputy leader for the City Council and representative for the 45th Council District in Brooklyn, sent greetings on Kwanzaa, which is celebrated from Dec. 26 – Jan. 1 by the African Diaspora all over the world.

“I send my sincerest regard to all who celebrate Kwanzaa this holiday season,” he said on Dec. 26. “Today marks the beginning of a cultural celebration that honors African American heritage and culture through the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

“This season, we celebrate Kwanzaa at a time when many of Africa’s children in America are undergoing challenges as they move through life,” he added, stating that African Americans are faced with high unemployment rates, inadequate housing and schooling options, and a “burgeoning gun violence pandemic that is taking the lives of our youth.

“As we reflect on our troubles, blessings and memories over the past year, let us be inspired by the spirit of unity or Umoja, so we can bring in 2017 with hope that there will be a better tomorrow,” Williams continued. “Habari Gani.”

Bichotte, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, wished all those celebrating Chanukah, Freilechen Chanukah, to those celebrating Christmas, a Merry Christmas, and to those celebrating Kwaanza, a Happy Kwaanza, and a Happy Winter Solstice.

“May these holidays, which are celebrated in the darkest and coldest time of year, give light and warmth to all,” she said.

This year, Bichotte, District Leader Josue Pierre and the Shirley Chisholm Democratic Club collaborated for the Annual Toy Drive and Holiday Party, hosted by Grenadian Derek Noel.

Bichotte said there was food, music and dancing, “and a good time was had by all.”

She expressed gratitude to William; Judges Ciccotto, Levine and Sweeney; Flatbush Development Corporation; Leon Goldenberg; and the many community members for their contributions.

“They definitely made the lives of many children brighter this Christmas,” said Bichotte, disclosing that this year’s toys were donated to Public School 6.

Sen. Jesse Hamilton, dubbed “Senator Santa,” hosted a Toy Drive and Giveaway celebration at his 20th Senatorial District Office in Brooklyn.

“Thanks to generous contributions like yours, the 3rd Annual Toy Drive and Giveaway was a great success!” he said, disclosing that his office collected over 500 new toys for young Brooklynites.